The word entrepreneur has a rather interesting etymology. It comes from the French word, ‘entreprendre”, which means ‘to undertake’. The French verb has its roots in to Latin words, ‘entre’ or ‘between’ and ‘prendre’, which mean ‘to take’. The meaning of this word, which is rather commonly used in the business world, is both interesting and relevant to the task which entrepreneurs fulfill. They are the professionals who identify business opportunities and are often in between or in middle of professional contacts and relationships. The work of an entrepreneur is never done as he or she constantly needs to network and grow their circle of contacts to grow their business. This is also precisely the reason why LinkedIn is rather valuable to entrepreneurs.
Why You Need LinkedIn
Information and Contacts: Entrepreneurs often need information, contacts and resources that they can work with to successfully see through a business venture or project. They need to know who can get a certain job done well and effectively. LinkedIn, the professional social network is the place to do this.
Solutions: As an entrepreneur you need to constantly seek more efficient and effective solutions to all of a business’ or projects’ needs. This may include streamlining administrative processes or look for new resources for a project. On LinkedIn you can find just the right professionals that you are looking for. Even if your trusted contacts may not be able to help directly they could introduce you to their contacts, who may be useful in this direction.
Competitive Edge: As an entrepreneur you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the market and the industry. 
The best way to do so is to actively participate on LinkedIn. Not only can you find the answers you are looking for but your LinkedIn group could be the professional support network that you have always wanted. LinkedIn is also a great place to bounce new ideas and get the reaction of professionals from the same industry. This is also the network to be on to get an honest opinion of your business and also on the competition.
Trusted Contacts: Trust is a rather significant word in any business relationship. When you are introduced to a contact by one of your trusted connections, you start the working relationship at a far better point than when you hire someone off the street. On LinkedIn you can quickly check references and actually interact with people who may have provided a prospective employee a recommendation.
Staying in Touch: You may have lost contact with former employers, co-workers or employees. LinkedIn is a great place to converge and re-establish past contacts. You can check on what former colleagues and friends from college are doing and send in an e-mail to make contact. LinkedIn informs you ever time one of your contact updates his or her profile and this keeps you abreast of what is happening in their lives. You or your business contact may have business opportunities to share. If used correctly, LinkedIn truly can be an incubator that can help you grow your business.
Photo credit: rudhrakssh, Chinadaily
