LinkedIn - A Networking Must

Nothing gets accomplished in the business world without some form of networking. Within a work environment, the relationship you build with each co-worker is a very basic form of networking. Your professional reputation is based on your ability to interact and collaborate effectively with your colleagues. Positive relationships will grow when founded on honesty, reliability, and your dedication to successfully contributing to common goals. But Wikipedia brings to light an interesting and not always recognized aspect of networking. In their definition of “social network” they say, “Smaller, tighter networks can be less useful to their members than networks with lots of loose connections (weak ties) to individuals outside the main network. More open networks, with many weak ties and social connections, are more likely to introduce new ideas and opportunities to their members than closed networks with many redundant ties.” Consider the value of LinkedIn for professional networking. LinkedIn allows you to connect not only with direct and current professional colleagues, but also with “looser” connections, such as vendors, friends, former colleagues, college alumni, and casual acquaintances. Studies show that more career opportunities come from networking with people outside your close sphere of connectivity. It may be that people you work with have you and your abilities pigeonholed, based on their perception of your current job. Acquaintances sometimes find your experience and expertise more interesting and impressive. They can help you make additional connections with professionals with common interests and/or a business need for which you are well suited. Approach your LinkedIn profile as a self-promoting marketing exercise. This is an opportunity to brand yourself. Minimally, provide the facts, just as you would in a resume. In addition, feel free to be creative and let your personality show, by expressing your passions and interests. Take care when establishing your Profile and Contact Settings. For networking purposes, you should allow people to see your Connections, and to send you Introductions and InMail. To further flesh out your profile, consider joining Groups in your areas of interest. (Some of my best networking experiences to date have come from joining my Alma Mater’s Alumni group, and being active in Discussions.) Peruse the questions posted in your areas of expertise and provide value with substantive answers. Sign up to follow blogs that you find enlightening. Share your book reviews and recommendations, using the Amazon Reading List application. In short, participate actively and help people get to know the professional you. Today, a presence on LinkedIn is a must for anyone managing their career and/or a business. This is only one aspect of social networking, but an important first step for those looking to enhance their career profile. For more ideas, see Guy Kawasaki’s blog post: http://blog.linkedin.com/2007/07/25/ten-ways-to-use/