Joining LinkedIn and creating a detailed profile is the first step towards developing a professional network online. Knowing how to grow your network is an essential next step of your job search puzzle.

Signing up with LinkedIn and creating a professional online profile is a huge first step. Once you've done that, in order to get the most out of this service, you'll need to build a network of people you've known for a while, people you may have just met, and maybe even some people you have yet to meet. This post will reveal several ways to build a successful network on LinkedIn.

The most basic way to add someone to your network is to e-mail them a request to connect with you. Of course, this requires that you already know their e-mail address. Thus the best place to get started is with the people you already know.

Each day, take some time to review the lists of former classmates and co-workers that appear on your home page. If you know any of the people on the lists, you can send them a request to connect without knowing their e-mail address.

Next, you can also add people who you meet at live networking events. When you meet new people and exchange business cards, you may want to mention to them "I use LinkedIn to keep track of my new networking connections. Do you mind if I send you a LinkedIn invitation?"

A good way to find people to connect with that have similar interests is to join several groups that relate to the type of work you've done and the types of work you'd consider doing. For example, if you are a scientist, you may want to join a biotech or pharmaceutical LinkedIn Group. If you are a doctor, you may want to join a group for a specific hospital in your area or a group that discusses healthcare issues. Once you join a group, you can send out requests for introductions to other members without knowing their e-mail addresses.

One way to gain recognition on LinkedIn and also attract more connections is to provide answers to questions that other people ask. Simply click on the "Answers" tab on the top of the page to get to the Q&A section. Then, search for questions that you can offer expert opinions on and type away! When answering the questions, consider including a note to readers that says, "Please connect with me on LinkedIn" with your e-mail address included. Also consider asking questions that will elicit responses from like-minded people.

As an added bonus, you can also build your network with people you don't know on LinkedIn who have announced to the world that they'll connect with anyone. These people are designated as LIONs - Linked In Open Networkers. LIONs like me have a desire to connect people together and will do what they can to help you make connections. LIONS typically have their e-mail address plastered on their profile. You can find LIONs by searching on LinkedIn using the keyword "LION" or use a Google search such as this. Once you've become comfortable with LinkedIn you may wish to become a LION as well. You have the potential to receive many invitations to connect on a weekly basis and should be able to grow your network by 10-20 people each week.