Since the majority of my readers are just getting started in SEM (as in 2 years or less in the biz), its important that you, the reader, start rubbing elbows with some of the people that have been around for a while.

An easy way to do just that, and promote yourself at the same time, is to use LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the ultimate resume. Whether or not you’re active looking for a job, you still need to be a member of this site. It’s a great way to build your “people portfolio” and maybe even get some recommendations from others.

A good portion of you are probably doing web design or something similar as a way to make some extra money. Add that as a “position” that you currently hold, and then invite some of your better clients to join your network.

Don’t invite your family or friends. This is 100% professional. You don’t want Mommy recommending you, telling everyone how wonderful you are. It doesn’t carry any weight on LinkedIn. Get current & former clients to recommend you. Get friends and other webmasters to link up with you. If you hang out on Digital Point, eWealth, WMW or Webmaster Radio Chat, consider posting your LinkedIn profile link for people to view.

Looking for a ‘real job’? LinkedIn is the place to hook up with potential recruiters and managers that are perusing through the profiles. My friend just got hired by Yahoo! because of his LinkedIn profile, so I know it works.

By the way, other similar sites I should mention include Ryze and Friendster, although these are more socially-based instead of professionally. Still could be worth checking out. Heck, it’s another place to promote yourself, if nothing else.