LinkedIn is a great communication tool for businesses.

Whether you are looking for potential clients or looking for a supplier, it allows you to connects with local businesses as well as further afield.

But if you aren't up to speed on how best to use this business to business social networking facility, thebestof Watford is here to help. On the last Friday of every month from 9:30am until 11:30, Watford FC plays host to a monthly thebestof Watford members meeting.

August’s event saw Angus Brady from CustomEyes Research Ltd giving a talk about how best to use LinkedIn. Here are some of his top tips to make sure your profile is as good as it can be.

For your Personal Page

1 - Get the right picture. Make sure it's up to date and actually of you! You'd be surprised how many people think a 10-year-old shot will make them look more successful.

2 - Get the right URL. LinkedIn allows you to choose a vanity URL, it just looks better to have your name or your business name rather than the random string of letters and numbers that you'll otherwise be allocated.

3 - Get noticed. One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving the ' Company Website' box saying just that. You can change it with a description of what you do. 'The best Business Blogger in Watford' would be a start for me!

4 - Use F Words. Find and Found. You can pick the words that you want to be FOUND with. Put what you think works in the box and then check if you are on the front page. No? Have a look at the competition and check their keywords. Make sure you are using the right ones. And also ensure your company name and phone number is in that list. Make it easy for them to find you.

5 - Experience and Education - Don't skip over this. Schools and universities give people a good searching platform. and make sure you have at least two previous positions in here. Let people know what you can do.

6 - Summary - Keep it punchy, easy and use your keywords. Don't embellish. Try and include how you solve common problems in your industry.

7 - Recommendations. No matter what you say about yourself it won't have the same impact as recommendations from other members. You need at least three to get a profile so don't be afraid of asking for them.

Are you a thebestof Watford business member? Why not come along to our September meeting? For more information, please contact us.