Don't Get Banned in LinkedIn

Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has attracted more than 275 million business professionals to its social network. By facilitating strategies to create expanding business networks through professional connections, LinkedIn connects individuals through common employment histories, educational institutions, or similar network connections. Unlike other social media that build upon friendships in social circles, LinkedIn primarily focuses on trusted business relationships or references from an established business contact. Because of its business orientation, LinkedIn can be an incredible source for growing professional networks and increasing business contacts.

However, LinkedIn has established network guidelines to keep interactions professional and safe for all its members. While some social networks permit aliases and creative profile names, LinkedIn requires that members use only real names and provide factual information that is not misleading in any form. Conversations with others are expected to be professional and respectful of individual rights and feelings in order to promote positive, business interactions.

LinkedIn does everything possible to ensure that all its members engage in positive, professional interactions within the network. While guidelines to protect personal privacy and community engagement can't promise every member with only positive interactions, they do establish a boundary to limit abuses of the system as much as possible.

Upon establishing a LinkedIn account, members automatically enter into a legally binding agreement to comply by the network's terms and conditions outlined in their user agreement. Members who wish to no longer engage in the professional network can close their account at any time for any reason. But LinkedIn also maintains the right to restrict access, suspend accounts or activities temporarily, or terminate accounts permanently or indefinitely for any member who misuses the services they provide. When representatives at LinkedIn decide to terminate a member's account, they will do so immediately and without prior notification to the user.

Most infractions on LinkedIn are usually handled with temporary bans and warnings. Many are lifted once the user promises to comply with the terms of the user or privacy agreement. Misuse includes establishing multiple or fake profile accounts, sending spam over the network's messaging system, posting too much copyrighted material, violating anyone's rights, or engaging in behavior that is deemed unprofessional and inappropriate on the network. The level of restriction or suspension varies according to the severity or the frequency of the offense. Users who have been terminated from LinkedIn lose all access to network services permanently or until LinkedIn restores access.

Compliance to all local, state and national laws under girds most of LinkedIn policy statement. Other regulations are built upon professional courtesy and behavior that is expected in most business environments. By building a social media networking plan upon common sense and respect for the rights of others, businesses can share their messages with confidence, knowing that they've built their foundation on integrity and sound principles. Business professional who are conscientious and careful to adhere to the policies of the network are less likely to make mistakes that violate the agreement.

Before getting involved in LinkedIn, learn how to navigate the network with a professionalism that will attract new customers and strengthen business contacts. Growing a positive network with other like-minded professionals can expand businesses in many ways. Getting banned from LinkedIn may sever contacts with other professionals who could be key in growing a business to the level of success desired. Early identification of common problem areas in a social media marketing plan can make the difference between growing a successful company and maintaining the status quo.

Have you experienced a temporary ban or warning and how did you get it resolved? Tell us about your experience.

William T. Cooper is a Social Media Marketing veteran and the CEO of ChristiaNet, an expert Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube marketing company specializing in family friendly advertising. Since 1997 we have assisted more than two thousand firms with their Internet marketing needs to achieve greater sales results using our 2,000,000 Facebook Fans with 100,000 daily engagements and 17,000 C-Suite USA LinkedIn Connections.

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