This book is the bedrock for my library of LinkedIn articles, write-ups and applications. The material is easy to follow and so comprehensive for beginners - I have lent this book to many of my LinkedIn newbie friends.

"Create your profile, make connections, and grow your network." That's what that triangle-faced little guy's message states on the cover of "LinkedIn for Dummies." As soon as you bend back the cover, there is a two-page cover-stock "Cheat Sheet" with tips on job searching, building your network, enhancing your profile and "general" tips for using the LinkedIn web site - effectively, safely and with courtesy.

I bought the book because a long-time business contact invited me to "link." Once linked, I had no idea of the new world that would open to this technologically deficient, print- and handshake-loving communicator. But to make the best use of any technology, one has to learn how to use it correctly. That's where "LinkedIn for Dummies" comes into play. In addition to learning the basics of setting your profile and getting connected, the sections on Growing and Managing Your Network and Using LinkedIn for Everyday Business are invaluable in today's marketplace.

"LinkedIn for Dummies" teaches all the ins and outs, the right ways and the wrong ways, and how to make the most effective use of the LinkedIn web site. So far, the Questions & Answers, and Group News & Discussion sections seem to provide the best research and marketing tools for online networking and marketing I've seen so far in cyberspace. (The reviewer is author of two books: Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command.

Well, you knew it had to happen sooner or later and true to the Subject Matter for Dummies template, there is now a book for LinkedIn For Dummies that walks a LinkedIn beginner from an account setup to someone who is advanced and wants to maximize the value of LinkedIn by using all the bells and whistles that come with the software that are not readily known.

Most people only tap into the very basics of LinkedIn and don't realize how valuable this tool is and what it can do to promote a business, help one land a position or be found for a position. This book leaves no stone unturned and will enable you to become a LinkedIn superuser/guru.