Are you currently employed? Are you looking for a job? No matter which one applies to you, you need to have a LinkedIn account!

We all know the importance of social media, but where do we put what? When setting up your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts, it's important to remember LinkedIn's purpose: Professional Networking.

So how do you create a successful profile?

• Make sure you have a picture, and make sure that picture is a professional one. Your picture will most likely be the first thing that a person sees; it should be clean and professional, and up to date.

• Know yourself; your summary is the bread and butter of your profile. This is your time to pitch how amazing you are. Show off your background, skills, and interest. You don't want your visitors to stop here; you want them to WANT to keep going.

• Respond to AND send invitations. You don't want to be that person on LinkedIn that doesn't have any friends, the more connections you have the better. Reach out to past colleagues and classmates. Don't invite people you don't know, that's what the other social networks are for, leverage your personal /professional network. When someone sends you an invitation, don't just accept, send them a response back. Start the online networking process.

• Ask for and offer recommendations. When someone gives you a good recommendation, return the favor and pay if forward. Recommendations are a great way to showcase your value, expertise, and experience. You can talk about how great you are, but it is even better when someone else talks about how great you are.

• Fill in all the areas in you profile, don't leave anything out. Think of this as an online resume. List the schools you attended, and your past jobs.

You want a job; you want to move up in the corporate world, LinkedIn is a great way to do that. As you grow in the corporate world, it is important to make your LinkedIn profile grow with you. Always keep it up to date. Always look for new connections and recommendations. You meet someone in person, then go and connect with them on LinkedIn. Keep your LinkedIn up to date because you never know who might come across it. Get LinkedIn or Get Out.

To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog.