Getting linked up to LinkedIn

Social media was one of the internet buzz phrases of 2008, and 2009 doesn't look being much different.

Previously we have looked at Facebook, which is great fun but a little lacking in professional usefulness. People seem very keen on updating their status, trying to get you to join daft groups like the "Baked Beans on Toast Appreciation Society" and generally throwing cream pies at each other.

If you are looking for a "Facebook with A levels" then LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) might be a better bet.

LinkedIn, which is free to join, describes itself as "an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries".

The object of the network is to find, be introduced to, and collaborate with other professionals.

When you join, you create a profile that summarises your professional expertise and accomplishments. You then search for and add other contacts to join you, so creating a network.
Your network then consists of your connections, your connections' connections, and the people they know.

But why would you bother? LinkedIn says that the system will help you find and be introduced to potential clients, service providers, and subject experts.

You can also "create and collaborate on projects, gather data, share files and solve problems".

But does the reality match up to the promise?

I have been a LinkedIn member for about six months, but haven't really taken it that seriously. My "network" consists of 14 people, which is very low. In my group one person has more than 500 contacts and the average is about 30.

I belong to the "intranet professionals" and "internal communication" groups, both of which have a forum, but they are not used very much.

What I do get however, are endless requests from people I have never heard of asking me to "join their network". And according to some e-mails I have received after asking for CiB member's thoughts on LinkedIn I am not alone.

But I do think that you get out of LinkedIn would you put in. CiB member Lorraine Donald said: "I've definitely found it very useful. It helps break the ice with new contacts if you've LinkedIn beforehand, or do it straight after meeting up.

"Potential new clients can check you out in an instant, and see your recommendations, your work history and background - it's like a living CV and credentials document.

"You could discover that you worked in the same company, or went to the same college as a new client, which has happened to me! You find out you know people in common, and that helps build trust and relationships.

"I like the idea of using Facebook for personal and social use, and LinkedIn for business/work related contact," she said.

But Adrian Holliday said that he was also pestered by people he didn't know. "A colleague of mine thinks it's great and is linked in to 200-plus others. I've probably missed the point of it," he said.

Jackie Mitchell had had a similar experience, but Helen Osman, sister-in-law of CiB member Rick Osman, said: "Working for a small consultancy, I am finding it is a good way to stay in touch with people I used to work with and also another way of building relationships with existing clients and increasingly clients who are being made redundant - sadly two in the last couple of weeks.

"I am putting them in touch with people who are in a similar position or are in the same industry and in the longer term these people should get new jobs and could become future clients - over and above that they are nice people. It is also useful for tracking down past clients, whose contact details I no longer have.

"Whilst it is a case that some people are merely collecting contacts - an ego trip (I've got more friends than you) I suspect that there are a lot of passive users. For example, last week I sent out invites to half a dozen people, but only one has come back. This could be because people don't want to be my contact, but I suspect (hopefully!) that this is because a lot of members are not logging on regularly."

But the final word rests with freelancer Carole Seawert who has found the system useful. "I am currently waiting to hear if I have landed a contract to write the copy for a new website," she said. "The contact came via LinkedIn."

So if you do choose to sign up with LinkedIn, the secret may be to a) make sure your profile is as comprehensive as it can be b) that you grow your network of contacts as quickly and widely as possible and c) use LinkedIn as an adjunct to your other network activities and not a replacement.

Labels: internet

posted by Steve Nichols @ 3:30 PM Comments: 0