Use Linkedin Answers strategically

http://www.linkedin.com/answers/startups-small-businesses/small-business/STR_SMB/723822-2896748

In the link above, you'll see an example of how I use Linkedin Answers strategically to gather market research information.

The people who answered provided the names of my competitors. One even talked about a project for a company that gave me a great idea to further improve the B.O.S.S.

I might have mentioned this before, but being the #1 Career Advisor on Linkedin Answers led to a meeting with a university, which led to a $10,000 contract.

So my own experience convinces me that participating on Linkedin Answers is a good way to make money from Linkedin.

Here, perhaps some of you will say, "Well, I'm not an expert in anything, really. What can I contribute on Linkedin Answers?"

You can start small. You can provide short answers to questions that appeal to you.

The idea is to write answers so you KNOW what it is that you know.

Frank Feather, a futurist and author/speaker, writes quite a bit on Linkedin Answers. In doing so, he is developing his knowledge and might even publish his answers one day, in the form of a book.

To help Linkedin users to get started and receive advice and tips on how to use Linkedin Answers effectively, I'm thinking of starting a new blog titled "How to use Linkedin Answers."

My point is simply that if you're not asking questions or writing answers on Linkedin Answers, then you are invisible in the Linkedin community. A great many opportunities (career or business) might then escape you.

Anyways, don't worry, my new blog "How to use Linkedin Answers" will share best practices with you so you will learn really fast how to use that Q&A platform profitably.

For example, I will regularly scan the questions and answers of Linkedin users and comment on the do's and dont's.