A month or so ago, I expressed my thoughts on using "LinkedIn", the professional social networking service.

Well this month I am again singing its praise. My 'network' has experienced a steady growth adding about 5-10 new connections per month.

I answer real estate questions asked by the audience of 30 million users and join real estate "groups" (and others) that I believe add value to my business. Like my alumni association and other social organizations I frequent.

Question: Are you getting any business from the site?

Answer: YES, 2 transactions with 2 more buyers currently looking for property.

Utilizing LinkedIn's "network effect" is very similar to a real estate person developing a "referral base". I think we all understand how valuable that is to a real estate agent's business.

Heck I am still using the free version but frankly with the traction I have been getting I am seriously considering buying the upgrade version. $20.00/mth is alot cheaper than the website, blog, open house ad's, postcards and all the other marketing efforts that I am paying for each month.

If you have not tried LinkedIn yet or are like some who just don't get it, I STRONGELY suggest creating a profile and start building your network today!!

Ken Glidewell, kglidewell@pacunion.com, http://www.KenGlidewell.com