Well I will try to explain the concept (not easy) and then I will delve into some of the features that could be useful.
In essence Linkedin is a contact management tool similar to Plaxo (if you know how that works) where by your contacts update their details and then these can be viewed by you, no more worrying about people changing email address and pone numbers. There is one key difference though in that you join a network and you can contact people through trusted connections. An example is that I am linked to Fred and Fred is linked to Tom, so I can ask Fred to put me in touch with Tom if he has something to offer me like a specific skill or service.
--------------------Joining--------------------- There are two ways you can join the service, there are invitations by somebody who knows you and wants to connect to you, this has the advantage of getting you your first connection. Alternatively you can just sign up for Linkedin at www.linkedin.com and start to build your network. The basic service is free although you can upgrade the account to give more features, such as more introductions and inmail
--------------------Profile--------------------- When you sign up you get the opportunity to create a profile that people can see when they look you up on the site. The profile can contain details of your career and education history, it's basically an online CV that people can see, mine can be seen here http://www.linkedin.com/in/johngrove. The amount of detail you add is down to you and what you want from the site, if you are looking for work opportunities then add lots of detail if you only want to use the contact feature then add very little detail.
If you choose to list your career in detail past colleagues and partners can endorse your work. Endorsements are similar to an online reference, they are in essence a short paragraph about how your colleague felt about you in the role, don't worry about bad comments as you have approve them before they show on your profile. You can also return the compliment and endorse people that you know.
--------------------Connections--------------------- Building your network through connections is the main function and value of the site. You add connections in two ways, either by inviting them directly or by asking your connections to forward an invitation. To invite someone directly you access a form on the site and enter their email address and a standard invitation can be sent or you can customize it as required. Once your connection accepts your invitation they are automatically added as a connection. If you don't have the email address for someone you know you can ask one of your connections to forward an invitation on your behalf, this can be done up to 4 degrees away from you, this basically means through 4 people before it gets to the person you want, again if they accept they are added as a connection. This latter function is very useful if you are looking for someone with a specific skill set and you do not know them personally you can use mutual connections to put you both in touch.
--------------------Privacy and Spam--------------------- One of the main concerns with systems of this nature is the amount of unsolicited email you get from them. I have to say I have never had any emails from Linkedin that I have not signed up for or asked for. For introductions as people either have to know your email or go through trusted connections then these don't produce unsolicited email. You also have options within the system to restrict certain aspects of the system such as receiving invitations, job notifications, and allowing or disallowing people to see your connection list.
--------------------Verdict--------------------- I find the site really useful in maintaining my contacts and keeping my address book up to date. I have had a few speculative calls from recruitment agencies about roles they have that fit my skills profile.
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