When most people think of LinkedIn, they still only associate it with job hunting or recruiting, but it has evolved into much more.

It has become an attractive platform where professionals can build their personal brands, businesses can increase their visibilityand thought leaders can share industry knowledge and network with other professionals.

Today's LinkedIn is about community.

As of this writing, LinkedIn has more than one billion users and more than 300 million monthly active users. However, only about 3 million of them post content each week. This means that less than 1% of active LinkedIn users are actively posting content.

This creates an open field for those who are willing to share their knowledge and engage with their audience and an incredible opportunity for professionals to stand out.

1. LinkedIn is a networking gold mine

Whether you're connecting with like-minded individuals, potential clients, or industry leaders, LinkedIn lets you build relationships that can lead to COOPERATIONpartnerships and business opportunities.

The key is to go beyond sending connection requests. Take the time to engage (thoughtfully) in the comments section of other people's posts and participate in meaningful discussions. That way, when you reach out, they already “know you.”

They will know your name and you have already had conversations. You can then reach out with a hookup request and continue the conversation in dm (direct messages). From there, schedule a virtual coffee for face-to-face chats and watch your relationships grow.

Related: How to optimize your LinkedIn profile in 6 easy steps

2. Real relationships are built on LinkedIn

I recently attended an out-of-town event because of the connections I made on LinkedIn. The event organizers were putting together a panel of LinkedIn experts. I had followed them and talked to them, and now, I had the opportunity to meet them – and many of my other LinkedIn connections – in real life for the first time. I was meeting them for the first time, but I already knew them.

Participating in the event strengthened him RELATIONS and led to opportunities for collaboration. I don't know of any other platform where people take the time to get to know each other and support each other like they do on LinkedIn.

3. LinkedIn acts as your personal brand headquarters

LinkedIn is the perfect place to highlight who you arewhat you do – and why it matters. By sharing posts, articles and videos and engaging in comments, you can showcase your expertise and build your authority and credibility in your niche. This leads to conversations, inbound leads and tremendous opportunities for recommendations and referrals.

Most professionals feel uncomfortable promoting themselves as it feels boastful, so recommendations and endorsements can help create a complete picture of your expertise.

LinkedIn has a dedicated one RECOMMENDATIONS section. Use it to freely share recommendations, highlight the work of others, and request them too. It's a perfect opportunity to let your achievements speak for themselves.

This is especially important for freelancers, consultants and service providers, as potential clients can see exactly how you've helped others succeed.

Related: Is LinkedIn's “job opening” banner “desperate”? New debate

4. A platform for thought leadership

LinkedIn has become a key platform for thought leaders — professionals in various industries sharing their knowledge and perspectives.

By consistently sharing content – ​​whether it's articles, videos, simple posts or carousels – you can establish yourself as a thought leader and build an engaged audience that seeks your advice and expertise. Since only a small percentage of LinkedIn users post regularly, there is a significant opportunity for those willing to share their knowledge.

5. A business directory

LinkedIn is like Wikipedia for business professionals. It's where people learn about others and decide if this is someone they want to do business with.

For entrepreneurs, LinkedIn is a powerful platform to position their offerings to the right audience, whether they are looking for strategic partners or clients/customers. It works for both B2B and B2C businesses, allowing them to connect and connect organically with their ideal audience.

6. LinkedIn is a resource for learning and professional development

with Learning on LinkedInyou can access thousands of video courses covering topics from business and leadership to personal development and creative skills like video editing (LinkedIn is heavily promoting the new video feature).

In addition to courses, you can learn a lot directly from industry experts who regularly post content. They share valuable insights, actionable tips, and lessons learned from real-world experiences.

As a caveat, although LinkedIn has evolved into a powerful platform for networking, personal branding, thought leadership, business development and learning, it remains one of the best tools for job seekers. You can connect with industry experts who offer tips on writing resumes, navigating the hidden job market, and preparing for interviews. Plus, you might discover someone connected to the company you want to apply to, offering valuable insight or even a referral.

Invest some time on LinkedIn every day as part of your network and personal brand growth strategy. You'll find that LinkedIn's power lies in its ability to connect, uplift, and educate.

When you actively post content on LinkedIn, you start building a community of supportive people who 'know, like and trust' you. you position yourself to be discovered from potential customers, partners and other skilled professionals who are looking for what you and your business have to offer. These are the same people who refer to you and talk about you when you're not in the room.