Do you have a Facebook or MySpace account? These websites are great for 'poking' people, 'throwing sheep' at your friends and generally wasting time, but you can't really justify this time as professional 'networking'. LinkedIn is a different 'social networking' tool.
Do you have a Facebook or MySpace account? These websites are great for 'poking' people, 'throwing sheep' at your friends and generally wasting time, but you can't really justify this time as professional 'networking'. LinkedIn is a different 'social networking' tool.
The following is, unashamedly, lifted from the LinkedIn website (why paraphrase when they say it best):
LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.
When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.
Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals.
LinkedIn is free to join and it's well worth the effort to sign up. To get the best out of the site, take the time to complete a detailed profile of yourself, so that you are easily 'findable'.
My LinkedIn profile is here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonwehner
ACTION LIST
- Sign up to LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/home and create your profile.