In today’s Media Post column, I mentioned an incredibly useful tool for PC users who want to integrate their MS Outlook contacts with their LinkedIn and keep their digital Rolodex constantly growing.

Here are the features the tool provides:
* Build your network selecting from people you email often
* See suggestions of who to invite based on email frequency
* Invite with one click to build your network faster
* Update your Outlook contacts with LinkedIn profile information
* Receive notifications when your contacts change their LinkedIn profiles
* See when people you e-mail frequently are not in your network
* See LinkedIn mini-profiles for everyone that emails you
* Use the LinkedIn dashboard to stay up to date with your network
* Access LinkedIn with one quick and easy click

Source: Linkedin.com

Using the Tool bar, you can highlight and grab contact information straight from an email signature and create a contact for that person as well as automatically click to invite them to join your network on LinkedIn, all right in your Outlook window. It is a major time saver for the busy executive who wants to keep their connections current and growing, but doesn’t have time to constantly log in to LinkedIn and find them. Since installing it, I’ve saved tons of time and increased by LinkedIn connections dramatically.

Follow these simple instructions to set it up if you’re an Outlook and PC user:

1- Visit www.linkedin.com

2- Scroll to the bottom of the browser where you’ll see Company, Tools, and, Premium.

3- Click “Outlook Toolbar,” listed in the Tools row.

4- Click the yellow “Download it now” button.

5- Run the installation software to install the tool. Your Outlook should automatically restart to reflect the download.

6- You will see a toolbar within your Outlook window equipped with a LinkedIn button for quick access to the site as well as buttons for the many features the tool provides.

Now get connecting!