At Twin City Enterpreneurs‘ monthly session last week, LinkedIn’s Senior Account Executive Craig Butas spoke about this leader in social networks for professionals. Here are a few facts he shared:

• LinkedIn is gaining 1 MM users every 20 days, or an annual growth of users of 62%.
• Take note of LinkedIn’s demographics: average age: 41, average income $110k, 85% between ages of 25-54 and college educated, and 60% in the US.
• LinkedIn is actively connecting with HR departments – Craig talked about passive and active ways they can help job seekers and recruiters.
• Craig “only” had 185 contacts in his LinkedIn network (he now has 201 as of today) citing a strategy of keeping a highly personalized list of contacts. Begs the question, what’s your LinkedIn connecting strategy?

Through LinkedIn I’ve found many colleagues, seen LinkedIn’s uncanny ability to show me “People You may Know”, and found many “6 degrees” connections. In fact, Craig is a 3rd degree connection to me!

I wrote myself a note to:

• Add “my” vanity url to my profile- it shows up higher in SEO.
• Get more recommendations and consider answering LinkedIn’s expert questions… again increasing your presence in search.
• Update my profile… this is an important tool used in hiring and searching.
• oh, and ask to join Craig’s network (done!)

If you see this post, please connect with me at LinkedIn! Linkedin profile