LinkedIn: strategic considerations

LinkedIn is a social software, therefore, it comes with a set of strategic and political considerations that perhaps it is best to carefully consider, if one is to benefit from this new tool while helping one's friends derive maximum value from it.

I might change my mind by the time I have a third cup of coffee, but as of this very moment, the following issues seem paramount:

1. Will LinkedIn help me find a date every Saturday night?
2. How can I increase my bank account with LinkedIn, without making my friends and connections feel that I'm using them (which, of course, I am)?
3. It seems fairly easy to "link in," but how do I "cash out"?

The answers are coming up!