General discussion

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #2153525

    I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

    Locked

    by charliespencer ·

    Anybody familiar with it? Is it worth my attention or is it a big fat waste of my time? Obviously its a social site of some type, but I have no experience in this area.

    Thanks for any feedback on this topic.

All Comments

  • Author
    Replies
    • #2919307

      Hmmm… Interesting I was going to ask a similar question

      by jiminpa ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Like you I am unfamiliar with all the social networking sites, I don’t have a MySpace page nor will I ever. I don’t IM.

      This is as close to social networking as I get.

    • #2919306

      I’m not personally familiar with LinkedIn…

      by boxfiddler ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      but my brother-in-law finds membership useful. He is a business owner in the Midwest, specializing in secure Information Management for those preferring not to do their own in-house.

      I’ll ask him for some detail, and post back after hearing from him.

      • #2919284

        B-I-L…

        by boxfiddler ·

        In reply to I’m not personally familiar with LinkedIn…

        says that he finds it useful for networking with others in the same business as he. He considers it a sort of professional organization rather than social site. He is regularly updated in relation to those with whom he has chosen to communicate.

        Kinda general, but that’s what I got.

        • #2919276

          I guess it boils down to a lack of ‘networking’ skills on my part

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to B-I-L…

          I’m not sure I know what ‘networking’ means. I don’t have a “real world” network, so I don’t know what to do with an online one, or where to start with it.

        • #2919231

          I don’t much care for…

          by boxfiddler ·

          In reply to I guess it boils down to a lack of ‘networking’ skills on my part

          the use of the term ‘networking’ when it comes to building relationships with people. No matter the purpose behind the relationship. It’s horribly impersonal, seeming to me to be yet another step in the objectification of people. A bad enough problem as it is.

        • #2790723

          Get LinkedIn

          by eileen-mckenzie ·

          In reply to I guess it boils down to a lack of ‘networking’ skills on my part

          I use it as a tool to promote my business. Potential client go there to basically see my work experience. IT also comes up on searches for my name of business name- so it improves my exposure. I keep in touch with other business professionals, and have had great results. I know if Im looking at something at Company A, I go to linkedin to see who I know in company A and contact them for inside info.

        • #2789282

          Unless you’re ready to permanently leave the workforce, JOIN . . .

          by drisi ·

          In reply to Get LinkedIn

          There is much to gain and little to lose by joining. I was out of work or working below my skill level for quite a while. The first time I contacted someone regarding a specific job through LinkedIn, it led to an interview which led to my current job. (Disclaimer – Similar results not guaranteed . . . 😉
          Basically, LinkedIn is to professional networking what MySpace and FaceBook are to social networking. You can control how much info you make availabe to others. But most importantly, if you are looking to work at a particular company and don’t personally know someone there, this could get you an intro.

        • #2919224

          Deleted

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to B-I-L…

          The ever popular double-post.

    • #2919302

      LinkedIn

      by jellimonsta ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      It is more of a professional social peering site, and less personal.
      I have been a member for some time (since I was asked by a coworker). I don’t ever really visit the site unless I have a request for being ‘linked’ pending. I did manage to find a couple of old coworkers from other companies though, so it has its uses.

    • #2919283

      I’m on there too….

      by gadgetgirl ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Definitely more work oriented than anything else. Good for keeping track of ex colleagues for references, and keeping in contact with others working in the same field.

      Interestingly, I had an email from the group I’m affiliated to (Info Security) which got me back in contact with one fella, ex Symantec bigwig, who I hadn’t seen in years.

      Also had an email asking if I was interested in a similar job in my locality; I was, but picked up the email the same day as the position closed.

      Comes in handy for me. It’s definitely not a social networking site, Palmie, it’s pure work based. Same as TR, you only get emails and newsletters that you subscribe to.

      Any specific questions, you know where I am!

      GG

      • #2919226

        Thanks.

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to I’m on there too….

        I guess I don’t know what value there is in establishing or maintaining a professional relationship with an ex-coworker. I realize that may sound odd but if I’m not job hunting (and I’m not), what’s the benefit? I’m not a career-oriented or ladder-climbing kind of guy.

        I need to Google “Networking for Dummies”, I guess.

        • #2788878

          You should be looking even if you’re not looking!

          by fractalzoom ·

          In reply to Thanks.

          A sadly common reality in business today is that you should be looking for a job all the time, even if you’re not looking for a job. Given the ruthlessness with which supposedly-secure positions get eliminated in the business world, it’s incumbent on each of us to be in contact with a network of trusted business associates to be able to respond if the axe should fall. That network is built over time from former colleagues, business peers and contacts, professional organizations, anyplace where you come in contact with people in your field or related fields.

          Networking is about giving, not taking. I get regular inquiries from people in my network about needs they have – perhaps they’re looking for work themselves, or need to staff a position, or need a product recommendation. By being a resource to the people in your network, you build a shared culture that is likely to be available to you when you need something.

          LinkeIn is an excellent resource for this kind of networking. It’s not about “Look At Me” pop culture like MySpace – rather, it’s a place where you can easily make contact with people you’ve known and worked with in the past to build and establish that all-important network. It’s a very useful tool, nothing more, but well worthwhile.

        • #2788864

          One of my weak points.

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to You should be looking even if you’re not looking!

          “it’s incumbent on each of us to be in contact with a network of trusted business associates to be able to respond if the axe should fall. That network is built over time from former colleagues, business peers and contacts, professional organizations, anyplace where you come in contact with people in your field or related fields.”

          This is where I run into trouble. I don’t have a clue how to do this offline or online. I’m don’t have very strong social skills; my wife and I prefer to spend our time in each other’s company and rarely interact socially outside our families. I’m also don’t know how to sustain a relationship once the common touchpoint (work, etc.) is over; “out of sight, out of mind”. Outside of the workplace and TR, I don’t come in contact with others in the IT field. As of six months ago when I last looked, there were no active professional organizations in the central South Carolina area.

          “LinkedIn is an excellent resource for this kind of networking. … it’s a place where you can easily make contact with people you’ve known and worked with in the past…”

          The turn over in our department is quite low, and I don’t have contact information for those few former colleagues. I don’t have a web-based e-mail account, something it seems all social networks are based on. I guess if you assume you’re going to be unemployed such an address makes sense, but I haven’t opened one because I don’t know what I’d do with it.

          I perceive the real problem to be I have no “real world” social skills, so I don’t have any background to adapt to online social networks. I don’t know how to maintain contact, and I feel quite awkward imposing on someone I haven’t had contact with for an extended period. I would never make a request of someone I only know online; it strikes me as imposing on them.

        • #2790746

          Professional Networking – Purposes

          by bimotagrrrl ·

          In reply to You should be looking even if you’re not looking!

          I agree that you should always be looking for work. My habit is to go on three interviews per year (no matter how happy I am at my job); one internal (if the company is big enough), and two external. This accomplishes four things: a) it tells me my street value when offers are made; b) which in turn keeps my confidence high at work which improves my performance; c) broadens my network of folks I know in and outside of my company; and d) keeps my interview skills honed.

        • #2788663

          Excellent idea

          by williaa6 ·

          In reply to Professional Networking – Purposes

          What an excellent idea. I might adopt that strategy myself.

          I once had a manager who encouraged us to apply for other jobs. At first we thought he must be nuts, but we came to realise the intelligent thinking behind it.

          He was a very good manager.

        • #2791098

          Same goes with me

          by srry ·

          In reply to Thanks.

          Have been on this site for about a year. There are guys who take pride in showing off their # of connections. None of mine resulted in anything useful. Though I am reluctant to show off my skills etc.

    • #2919261

      I use it

      by debuggist ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Aside from the networking (recruiters love it), finding old co-workers or classmates is nice.

      Also, it has a Q&A forum that you can use, too, that covers a broad cross-section of topics (not just IT).

      It makes a nice online resume/CV:
      http://www.linkedin.com/in/dougl

    • #2919259

      I’d say go for it

      by notsochiguy ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I joined up earlier in the year, and it has allowed me to reconnect with some people from previous positions.

      You have the ability to set your communication preferences, too. So, if you find that you are receiving too many messages, you can tweak, and throttle back on what people can and can’t contact you regarding.

      Worst case scenario, you sign up (waste of about 20 minutes once you include former positions), receive a few messages (waste of a couple minutes each), and never use it again.

      Best case, you can peer-network yourself into a new opportunity.

      • #2931238

        Interesting.

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to I’d say go for it

        Normally I don’t hesitate to try stuff. I’m not sure why I’m reluctant. Perhaps it’s a privacy issue.

        • #2789017

          Regarding Privacy

          by patrick moran ·

          In reply to Interesting.

          *SO* much self-provided information is now placed out on the net without second thoughts. Do people realize that the “contacts” provided can be approached by anyone posing as prospective employers to weasel additional information about them? We use the “60 Minutes Rule” — If Steve Kroft was setting up the cameras in your office, would you be as comfortable providing the same information to him?

        • #2788978

          Who?

          by charliespencer ·

          In reply to Regarding Privacy

          Who’s Steve Kroft? Any kin to Sid and Marty?

          Regardless, I signed up in response to the invitation I was sent but have done nothing else. No work or academic history, etc. I’d completely forgotten about it until this thread popped back up. I just can’t figure out the point of these sites. I think that’s connected to my weak “real world” social networking skills.

    • #2931227

      I’m on it with a few colleagues

      by tony hopkinson ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Can’t say I bother with it, maybe they are self promoting based on knowing me :p

      I even got an invite off a TR member who I multipost flame with, go figure.

    • #2790748

      Nothing but free time utilisation

      by ashish.kuriyal ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Once you busy you would be having no time for second thoughts even. But once you free you will be browsing lots of website and Linkedln is one of the website and not so essential like BBC.co.uk or google..
      Isnt it?

    • #2790747

      I do use it…

      by tim.retford ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I find it helpful for two reasons:
      -Finding contacts: whenever you establish a connection to someone, you get to view their contacts, a couple of which you probably know already… add them too and you’ve extended your network. You can also search by name and find out information about people… could be useful for that job interview when you’re trying to find out a little about the interviewer.
      -Maintaining contacts: people switch jobs, but will often stay up to date on LinkedIn… this helps you to maintain contact even after job or physical moves, etc.

      • #2790745

        It’s Like Semen…

        by cj ·

        In reply to I do use it…

        It’s an acquired taste.

        Some people consider it nothing more than ‘another social networking’ site.

        Others find it invalauble for keeping in touch with former (and potentially future) colleagues.

        I have been a user for some time, purely as a colleague told me i should check it out.

        I don’t find much use for it personally but i know a number of people who have used it to great success to find people for jobs vacanacies and so forth.

        In my opinion, if you enjoy the whole social networking phenomenom give it a bash, if you consider just one more way you can be tracked give it a miss.

        Chris
        Network Administrator for a recruitment agency

    • #2790737

      LinkedIn has lots of usable functional networking features

      by maniakmatt ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I would get on there if you are looking.

      Like someone else said in a reply to this, it is always worthwhile looking.

      LinkedIn has lots of job search networking features like online resume, recommendations which can be written from you about others in your network and vice versa, you can join groups and as of tomorrow those groups will have the ability to have their own discussion board, public or private, as well as other features (I think this will set it apart form others like LinkMe, although they are not far behind).

      LinkedIn is in front of the others for now and seem to be proactive in keeping there.

      Cheers,
      Matt

    • #2790726

      LinkedIn is good!

      by bfloria ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I use it and have linked with many professionals. It is the business version of facebook.

    • #2790724

      Get this book – I am on Linkedin Now what?

      by bob.roman ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      Linkedin is very useful. It is a way of Professional Networking(verses using facebook or myspace). We have a group here in Milwaukee that meets monthly to discuss its features and also network.

      Here is the book by Abba.
      webiste:http://happyabout.info/linkedinhelp.php

      Or go to Amazon and search for it.
      I’m on LinkedIn — Now What???: A Guide to Getting the Most OUT of LinkedIn by Jason Alba

      BR
      Milwaukee

      • #2790638

        Looks interesting.

        by charliespencer ·

        In reply to Get this book – I am on Linkedin Now what?

        Thanks. The table of contents looks like the second section may have the tools I need. I have no problem managing my profile, I just don’t know where to begin with establishing relationships.

    • #2788586

      ‘LinkID’ can attract potential employers and agencies

      by jan.nielsen1 ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I am an independent IT consultant setup in Belgium and I only joined LinkID in January 2008. During the last 8 month I have already been approached from at least 8-10 different agencies that I would not normally have been in contact with or even known about.

      So if you are independant or thinking of going going independent LinkID is a way of attracting attention to yourself.

      I must emphasise that you should not rely on ‘LinkID’ to get you the next contract, you have to make an effort yourself and contact the agencies in your area.

      Also, LinkID could open up opportunities in other countries etc.

      Good luck with LinkID.

      Jan Nielsen
      IT Consultant Infrastructure
      Brussels, Belgium

    • #2788461

      Personal Choice

      by cupcake ·

      In reply to I was invited to join ‘LinkedIn’. Should I?

      I have been affiliated with LinkedIn for a while, especially helpful when I moved across the country, so that I could keep in contact with friends and former co-workers, bosses, collegeagues etc. I’ve even managed to start a group so that we can maintain professional discussions and connnections.

      Worked well for me here in KC as well, when I was laid off, it helped me make connections for my new position. I am not much for ‘face to face’ networking, seems a little phoney most of the time, but the online sight was very helpful when it comes to maintaining connections to possible positions and references.

      Its the only site I use, however, and I have been invited to quite a few. Plaxo, Naymz… some others I don’t rememeber. I would rather do one well, than many half-arsed.

Viewing 13 reply threads