Submitted by adam_seeber on
in
Forums
Hi all, just wondering what everyone thinks of "professional networking" sites such as Linkedin.com and the like? They seem like a pretty valuable tool, especially if your role enables a lot of external networking opportunities - but does anyone actually make any use of them?
Cheers!
-Adam
External Networking
Hello Adam and welcome to the forums!
Yes, people regularly apply social networking sites like LinkedIn for a variety of purposes. I know one employer who no longer bothers with classified or on-line advertising. Instead, the particular person I have in mind simply searches LinkedIn for qualified professionals and recruits them directly.
Although one cannot assume this is a widespread practice, I was (personally) surprised by the practice.
I will let others chime in on how they apply LinkedIn for building and maintaining networks. PM me your email address and I can send you a list of books on the topic that I have read. Also you may refer to the Building a Network cast.
I think LinkedIn is a great
I think LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch with people who you meet at various events. I rarely connect with someone I haven't met in person or at least had detailed discussions with online.
Finding former coworkers
It's good too for finding people that you didn't keep in touch with, but would like too. I check for coworkers from former employers regularly. It makes the keep in touch step easier too, I think since you can check out their profile, especially if they are using their status updates.
Other MT Forums re: LinkedIN
Read these
Thoughts on LinkedIN
http://www.manager-tools.com/forums-1402
http://www.manager-tools.com/forums-4074
http://www.manager-tools.com/forums-3679
JHB "00"