LinkedIn has decided to purchase SlideShare for $119 million in cash and stock. If you’re scratching your head on just why LinkedIn would spend all that dough on SlideShare, let me offer five big reasons. It Makes LinkedIn More Engaging. While LinkedIn started out essentially as the combo of an online resume and rolodex, it’s tried a variety of tactics to make the site itself more sticky by getting people to share content. LinkedIn would love nothing more than to have its members treat it like the Facebook of career-related content. MORE >>

When marketers think about social media, they tend to focus on Facebook and Twitter. In most cases, even if I recommend a Facebook page, Twitter account, or creating a LinkedIn group, I recommend engaging in other communities , as well. Research is suggesting that Facebook and Twitter are often NOT the best places to do that. When you create a Facebook page or a Twitter account, you’re asking people to come to you. LinkedIn Groups seem to fare a little better. Moreover, LinkedIn Groups tend to be created around a topic, not a company or a person. MORE >>

While B2C marketers focus on Facebook, LinkedIn is consistently cited as the top social network for B2B marketing. Part of the reasoning is that while Facebook is good for sharing coupons, promoting events, and showcasing corporate culture to potential employees, LinkedIn is powerful at generating web traffic and leads. So how can companies most successfully use LinkedIn to generate more leads and sales? What’s the best way to start and grow a LinkedIn group? How can you maximize the visibility and impact of your LinkedIn company page? MORE >>

by Jesse Noyes | Tweet this If you follow social media, online influence or Facebook marketing, chances are you heard the news last week between Klout and Involver. Klout measures influence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and, most recently , LinkedIn. Together the two startups are making it possible for brands to customize the Facebook fan page experience based on fans’ Klout scores. The connection between social media influence and Facebook marketing made headlines. Facebook does not give you any of those options. Facebook. MORE >>

How Business Owners Can Benefit From LinkedIn’s Features , this week’s featured guest post, by Carol Tice, Make a Living Writing blog. LinkedIn is a highly useful social-media site for business owners looking to connect with prospective customers, suppliers, partners, or other businesses in their town. If you haven’t already built a profile on LinkedIn, I recommend it. LinkedIn has a reputation as a social-media channel with a very businesslike “flavor,&# and that’s one of the reasons I like it. In-person events. The blog tool. MORE >>