Post by  Guest  Contributor~ Nathan Kievman CEO, DemingHill Founder, Linked Strategies (#1 LinkedIn Strategies Group) One of the most frequently asked questions we get about LinkedIn from over 10,000 submitted questions through our webinars, in posts, or directly by email is: How do I maximize my use of LinkedIn? In many ways this questions resonate  throughout the social platforms, but for today, let’s focus on LinkedIn. To answer the question “How do I make the most of LinkedIn?” I would like to share with you a new way to look at LinkedIn. I propose that you should look at this platform as a small version of the internet. Meaning LinkedIn is its own world. Your webpage is your profile, the leading companies are the groups, the people are in the answers and questions sections as well as in the groups and so on. To master this new world, you have to understand it’s 60 million members behaviors, attitudes, rules, language and etiquette. You also have to master your own voice, message, ability to communicate, processes, and rules. The following list will give you the outline needed to truly start building your LinkedIn presence the right way.

The 7 Stages of LinkedIn/Social Media Mastery

1. Assess your Assets and Capabilities – Opportunity 2. Identify your Social Media Strategy – Clarity 3. Lay your Social Web – The Foundation 4. Optimize your Presence – Get Found 5. Build Your Communities – Become a Leader 6. Develop a Marketing Funnel – Lead People 7. Integrate Business Process Outsourcing – Don’t do it Alone

Applying these Stages will certainly ensure you are moving in the right direction on LinkedIn and that you are creating proof along the way.