Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What's Different About Social Media

I just listened to an excellent keynote speech by Peter Shankman and he pointed out one of the biggest differences between social media and other media.

Social media is a two way communication. Radio and TV are one way. They say something and that's it. You have no way (or very little way) of responding and intereacting. Social media is a two way street. You're constantly updating and interacting with people who are interacting directly with you. You post something and right away people see or hear it and respond.

Remember that to get the most out of LinkedIn you need to do more than just post a profile and not do anything else.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

What Do You Want From LinkedIn?

LinkedIn can be used for many purposes. Obviously all of them are some form of networking.

Do you want to find a job?

Find people at a particular company who can help with a job search?

Contact people you knew in school or at work that you've lost touch with?

Get to know people in the same line of work to discuss similar problems?

Meet people with similar hobbies or interests?

Expand your business through people you contact through LinkedIn?

Join groups of people with a similar school or business background or interest?

Get help with particular problems that involve your business?

Hear about job opportunities?

Post job opportunities?

The list could go on and on. Think about why you are using LinkedIn. This can help you focus so that you can get the most out of LinkedIn. It can be used many ways but it's up to you to think about how it can be used for what you want or need the most.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Things to do with LinkedIn.com

There's more to LinkedIn than just posting our profile. People need to be able to find you and network with you and just posting a profile won't do it.

Joining groups and participating in their discussions is a way to meet others and have them meet you. What are your interests, either personally or professionally? That's a starting off place to see what others are off to and let them get to know you.