LinkedIn have recently started to roll out a feature called “Find an expert” which is aimed at helping users find a service provider for a task they want completed.

Currently only available on the mobile apps (iOS and Android), this option allows you to ask your network and also the wider LinkedIn audience for their recommendations on who could provide the service or support you are looking for, such as an accountant, a marketing company etc.

Given the impact of a recommendation from someone you know, this seems like a great way to find a service or support provider easily and it’s a straightforward process to follow.

On your mobile device, tap the share an update box (the plus sign, like when you’re making a post), choose who you want to see the post from the drop-down list (indicated in the image below by a blue arrow), and then press the “Find an expert” button (shown by a green arrow below):

You will then see this screen:

Select the “Ask your network” button and fill in the following screen which gives you the opportunity to provide details on the type of provider you are looking for and what service you want them to provide:

On the pull-down list for Select a Category you will see:

If you selected Accounting for example, you then get the option to choose what type of accounting help you are after via another pull-down list so you could choose Personal Tax Planning for example.

Once you have completed the form select Next, review your post to make sure it reads well, no spelling mistakes (!) and then hit Post.

The audience you have selected will then be able to see your post and comment directly or, should they prefer, they can send you recommendations privately via a message.

This feels like a great way to find qualified, high impact and useful resources you need to help you to be more successful or drive your business forward. Well done LinkedIn!

Read more: Any Idiot Can Be A LinkedIn LION!