It amplifies the message started on other sources.

i only use it to research (limited research value) my potential contacts/teammates etc

I offer services in a variety of displines.

Professionals in need of services readily turn to LinkedIn to assess the availablity of help. 

My business also has needs. Based on the information I choose to include in my profile (or change in my profile or create a new profile) I can attract solutions providers to me.

In either case, those who are alert and using these tools suggests to me they didn't crawl out of a hole yesterday. They have proven to be great resources in bringing business to me and solving the challenges of the business I currently have.

IT is a B2B platform. 

Here is something you must mull over. In the emerging sharing economy, how has LinkedIn changed?  This presents the 3rd beneift of being present on LinkedIn. 

I believe that Joe Petrowsky makes great use of Linkedin through his regular posting on this site.  I haven't posted much other than to do status updates.  Though, having a profile with endorsements is good for your SEO.

Other than get me lots of invitations to connect, not much. 

Joshua,

We have had a few clients come off our Linked In presence.  We also get a lot of useless emails from those who have bought the email everyone lists from LinkedIN.  I see it as a presence on the WWW.  I also think, we are in a period of social fatigue.  I have been predicting this for a while now, and I see it realized.  For most of our clients, social media is not something that is even part of their marketing plan.  A

Joshua Hess I do have about 30-40 views on my profile every month! At least half of them are the referrals and leads that want to know more about me.

Since I have a background in IT, it is easy for many of them to connect with me - as I can speak their 'language'!

Joshua Hess Not much! I have over 950 contacts and a couple of hundred endorsements. Results = 0 leads.

it reinforces our brand. We use the groups to network for referral business.

Joshua Hess I have the basic account - but still get 5 to 10 invitations on a weekly basis to connect with others.  I also get offers of "free" $50 or $100 worth of LinkedIn Ads - although I haven't yet taken advantage of any of it.  Tony

Use to check out someone's background.

But I get endless solicitation from lenders, title, insurance. I have 38 solicitation waiting for me....

Not much...

Networking and SEO.

I have never actually had a sale from posting in LinkedIn, but many tell me they see my posts.   Guess it keeps my name current.

That is where most of my clients find my AR blog posts.

Not much.  It is a business networking tool and doesn't have the frequency of use that I see on Facebook, etc.  I use it to amplify my message, as others have stated.  Nothing more.  Free account all the way.  Not worth paying for.

Nothing. I do have thousands of LinkedIn contacts.