Social Networking 101: Getting LinkedIn
I think of LinkedIn as the Mothership when it comes to online networking. LinkedIn (or LI) is the reason I started my own relocation business, Moving Links 4 You, as it put me in touch with millions of people who are potentially selling, buying, moving. It helped me think outside that box we so often find ourselves in!
My work takes me many places all via my laptop from wherever I am. I'm a Baby Boomer living in the 21st Century and taking advantage of some great tools available to all! I know the social media vs. networking world is puzzling to many. I'd love to help open the door for you. Here's how it happened for me. Maybe you will realize there is a place in your business for LinkedIn.
It took me a while to figure out how LinkedIn works and how in the world it could work FOR me. Initially, it felt like I was rattling around in this big, cold warehouse that stored packed boxes. I couldn't peer into them but I wanted to. Nobody was communicating and it felt cold and lonely. I couldn't bother.
Six months after I joined LinkedIn in 2007, I went back to it (not sure why except people were talking about it) and discovered the Q&A on the site. So THIS is where the "meeting and greeting" takes place and some great social networking begins. The Q&A is where I began to meet people from all over the world. I asked a question or two that got little attention. THEN, I asked "a favorite book" question in February of 2008 and the floodgates opened with over 100 answers. I have repeated the question each February times three now. Here's the link to the favorite book responses from the 2008 question - when 150+ people responded. Every member of LI can ask 10 questions a month. Some don't ask any. Others would love to have more than 10. I have become known as ReloMary and for my weekly SUNDAY QUESTION. You might say it's become my "handle." It is a way for me to cross paths with many on a regular basis and get to know them enough for us to advocate for each other, which is a wonderful thing.
LinkedIn is a 60-million member business professional networking site with folks from all over the 
world. Think of the potential! When you join, it is imperative you recognize the potential of your LI profile. Remembering that it is a business site, think about what you want to tell millions about what you do. When you have a LinkedIn profile, you can easily be found by Googling LinkedIn and your name. It's powerful. Just put some thought into how you want others to see you.
Recruiters and future employers are now using LinkedIn as part of their search process. Check this article out about how recruiters feel an online presence is necessary in 2010. It's amazing how this site, started in 2003, has become so vital in searches for employees and finding out more about them. With that in mind, do a thorough job on your profile and add a businesslike photo of yourself. Consider it an online resume anyone can see. Use it to your advantage by updating and tweaking it on a regular basis.
There are thousands upon thousands of Groups on LinkedIn. I belong to several for business purposes and they are a wonderful resource to find out information and to do business. I also belong to a few groups that are more social in nature but from which business comes. It's all about people getting to know you and trusting you. If they don't know you directly, they may know of your reputation or know others who know you who can put in a good word. Imagine! It's like real life that way. Some say it's not who you know but who knows you. Get a handle!! Choose it wisely.
The Linkedin status update is a great way to let people know "the lights are on - that you are home!" It is a way to bring attention to your profile each day if you so choose. You can make a status update that will land on Twitter (your option) so it is more easily spread and Google more easily finds you in searches. Again, think of how professional you want to be when making these updates.
I have a blog on my website which also automatically uploads from WordPress onto my LI profile for more exposure. It's another link back to my website, which is important. There are all sorts of tricks to combine LinkedIn to your other networking sites which will amplify your online presence and help your Google ranking. Bottom line? You're more easily found, which is good for business. If that will help you, use it! The competition is tough out there and this is the way of the world in the 21st Century.
This is but a drop in the bucket, but it is a beginning.
We all start somewhere. It'll amaze you how quickly you can get up to speed enough to have LinkedIn make a difference in your work world if you understand how to use it. I had no one in real life helping me but made new friends on LinkedIn who lit the way. You'll be amazed at how we can all help each other.
Not only have I gotten work but I also have the comfort of knowing people in so many places around the world. That has been a huge comfort with my son, Will, in Kashmir this winter working on a movie. Many of my online friends in India have extended a hand to me should he need help. It does bring the world closer and closer. That is something I could not have even guessed when I first heard of LinkedIn.
If you are interested in getting started on LinkedIn, I would be happy to help you get going. You don't have to know a lot to start out. You just have to be interested. I know you will learn quickly along the way with a little help from your friends. Absolutely, there are many people on LinkedIn who you already know. There's no time like the present. Give me a call at 530.515.6299 or email me at relomary@gmail.com.
My Social Online Networking 101 Series at A News Cafe will include posts about LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, XeeSM, and YouTube. While there are hundreds of online networking sites, these are the ones I focus on, as they seem to fit well together in 2010.
Mary Lascelles (aka ReloMary) is with Moving Links 4 You Concierge Relocation Services - Assembling your Selling, Buying, Moving Team. You may reach her by calling 530.515.6299.
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Great article!!!!!
Hi Mary,
Had it not been for LinkedIn, I would never have met you. Great article and see you again soon on LinkedIn.
Best,
Lubna
Mary ...... at long last, a solid and accurate assessment of the powers of LI. Well done! Here's to your fabulous ability to help so many.
Best
Ch
Florida, Mumbai and Toronto represented here in responses. How cool is that? Yes, the power of LI...
Linkedin has been incredibly helpful to me. I get regular writing work from connections and get the opportunity to network with other writers and entrepreneurs. It does take a while to build a network and you must really remember not to promote (an error I made at the beginning of my LI adventure), but it is well worth it.
Great article, Mary!
Laura
http://www.Friendlywriter.com
Hi Mary
GREAT ARTICLE!... I can't describe how very "On Point" I think you are here!
The beauty of the medium is that you can get connected with those persons who exactly fit your niche (whatever you wish that to be) AND you get the hindsight/perspective of others who may not be within your niche; but have unique perspectives (different views) that you never even dreamed of!
Keep up the good work Mary. It's no wonder reloMary is successful. You help them get where they want to go.... moving or not! WOW
Add NYC to your list represented!
Hi Mary- wonderful article. I love it. I am sure it speaks to many of our journeys. It does mine as well. I know I left Linked in and came back as well. I have found the Q and A's fun.
I wish you the best. From the little I know you, I get that you would be fantastic for those seeking relocation and needing support.
Great to have your comments, Laura, Pete, and Angela... Thank you...
Hi Mary, LI is a great marketing tool and you are so good at it.
The old adage ‘What you put in is what you get out’ is so true on Linked In, you are so good at communicating this in your blog.
The more questions you ask and answers you give the more connections you make and the more opportunity to help others increases interest in your profile - so win win.
It can be an empty warehouse, but you can turn it into an active business resource of great knowledge by being active.
Thanks Mary
Great article Mary. You've done a terrific job of explaining linkedin.
Sheilah
Mary,
I decided to test your hypothesis that "online presence is necessary" and looked up two acquaintances I know aren't on LinkedIn via Google.
For the first, a Gen-Xer, I found a few links to his current employer and to the graduate program he attended. Not bad--at least he doesn't share his name with a serial killer--but those aren't things he has much control over. They say what the employer or university wanted them to say, cannot be updated, and neither, on its own, is a complete picture of him. (Oh, and on the first page of Google hits there's a link that shows his age--something I know he wouldn't willingly disclose.)
The second, a Boomer like us, is worse. He's not there. Doesn't exist. As far as Google is concerned he might as well be on Pluto. And he's out of work and not having much success in the job search. (Yes, I did offer to show him around LinkedIn and help him create a profile of his own if he wants, but he hasn't taken me up on it.)
I know what I'll find when I Google myself: my LinkedIn profile is the first hit. Some of the others on the first page aren't me--I have a common name, even including my middle initial--but since a couple of months after joining LinkedIn my profile has been the top result on Google. And I control what it says about me!
My point, if I have one, is that it's very difficult to keep off the Web these days. There's way too much information floating around out there. And having an online presence has become like having a checking account or credit rating was a while back--if you don't have one, you don't exist in the modern business world. So if I'm going to have an online presence, I'd rather have some control over it.
Here's mine: Karen5Lund
(Just to show that Mary is spot on, another comment here was posted by someone I know through Q&A on LinkedIn!)
Again, thanks for all the replies.
@Karen - that's a pretty powerful scenario you describe. LinkedIn helps people be found in this day and age. It's amazing how the internet has replaced the yellow pages. Because LinkedIn is so huge we anticipate finding people on it who are working or seeking employment. It's powerful stuff!
Mary,
Following on what I wrote earlier.... I attended a program on Social Media & Networking at Baruch College yesterday (excellent, btw) and the very first question an audience member asked after the panel discussion was, "What if you can't find me in Google?" All the panelists said something along the lines of, "Join LinkedIn immediately."
One panelist, with a background in HR, said that 70% of HR departments now Google (or otherwise search) candidates. Some companies require it. Not being found is probably better than having a negative online profile, but not by much.
So everything you said.... important! We need to be visible.
Great article Mary! I love your sunday questions! LinkedIn is great and has connected me to many interesting people from all over!
Great Article Mary!
Like so many have said before me -- if it weren't for LINKED IN, Mary, you and I would not have gravitated towards each other ... both enjoying the banter between Q&A, I would say respectful of each other's views.
I'm a 6-week old LINKED IN baby! Ironic if you think about it because I've been primarily involved in sales and marketing for 25 years. I am going to delve in and say perhaps I was skeptical of LINKED IN or social media in general. The reason being? Well, the first few people that I saw adopt and promote it were evangelistic individuals that seemed more bent on self promotion than imparting any great wisdom.
I will say I've been a e-newsletter junkie for a few years, enjoying snippets of information that impart knowledge and better understanding on a vast variety of topics. Probably because I came from the media world, where reporters and journalists had their following from the integrity of their stories -- people paid to read what they said.
I first looked at this social media as the same way "Publishing" software opened doors for anyone to say they were a graphic designer ... making it harmful to the many who actually studied art, went to university .... yet many are still fooling themselves, because you can still tell the difference.
On that same note, I would look at social media or bloggers in the same light -- giving people the tools to run amok with no set of rules ..... considering how much it costs to print, market, publish a book ..... hello blog and LINKED IN where everyone can be an expert on any given topic.
Perhaps that is a long-winded response to how I initially thought of LINKED IN yet now have embraced LINKED IN and social media ..... I hope I haven't lost or clouded my synopsis. Like anything, any tool or social setting, business or networking, people do gravitate towards those with interesting questions and responses.
So, guess what? I actually believe that by allowing yourself to ask questions and put forward your comments ... that is where some of the magic can come from. Its not the rantings of self promotion (well, there are a probably zillions of those, and we all tend to click on to the next one to scan, on the quest for knowledge or allow us to think.
The true magic is who you can become LINKED IN with, in a collaborative environment where you can feel free to expose and test your knowledge and put forth your comments. After all, people can just simply click on by you ... or in some instances, you will find some great connections that you might not have if you hadn't stepped outside your norm.
Cool eh?
Hi Mary
Very good article.
It would be helpful to the new comers as well as to those who are interested in using the site properly.
Wish the best to you.
Zia
Thanks, Mary!
And some great points, Jeannette - you have nailed it with the word "magic" - and it's different for everyone, I can assure you of that.
Hi Zia - I didn't see you slip in here! We were both here about the same time making a a comment. I'm finding the input here valuable - being fairly seasoned. There's always something new to learn. But, the beauty of it is, none of us knows it all and we all help each other along the way.
Even if your account is private and only allows your friends to view your pictures. Facebook has the right to keep copies, and some companies will purchase account information to determine whether or not to hire or not. There is a company that does this in Grand Rapids, MI. Makes you feel bad for those high school & college kids who thought they were just having fun...
Great article.. Thanks for sharing...
Hi Mary, I loved your article! We became acquainted through the Q&A section of LI. Our networking relationship quickly grew into friendship. I agree that while navigating around LI is confusing, it is well worth it.
Thanks for sharing!!
Jane
Hey Cupid!
Wanna thank you again for Monica. When I posted on LI that I needed a good deed doer in the Memphis area you responded like immediately. Monica was a blast and a lot of fun.
But you my dear............are probably just as good a good deed doer.........helping out someone you don't really know........and without asking me for a VISA or MC number.
You're the bomb!
Rich
http://richdigirolamo.com
Thanks Jane...all the way from Maine. -) Off to earn your masters now. Love it!
Rich - I like to pay it forward as what goes around does come around. Anyone reading this should click on Rich's website above to see this character with a propeller hat.
I've met many fine characters on LI. I had penpals in grade school and now this is a different way of having penpal relationships in the 21st century. Friendship and business happens - it's cool.
The world is truly our oyster if we just grab hold... LI has given us a way to do that.
Hello Mary,
I enjoyed your article on LinkedIn. Like yourself, I joined LinkedIn a long time ago but have not used it properly until just recently. I did not even know there was a Q&A section until last week and this is where I am finally meeting people for business related information and friendship. LinkedIn can be a major asset to those who take the time to use it properly. I enthusiastically endorse it for anyone wanting to stay connected with like minded professionals.
Rich
Hi Rich...I'm glad you found the Q&A because that is really where you start to get the value of LI in learning things and meeting some mighty wonderful folks. You have to get to them by clicking MORE and then ANSWERS. Very confusing until you know the road map.
What I appreciate is that there are a lot of people who are willing to help - but you don't really know WHO they are until you've been there awhile and given it a chance. I'm glad I did.
Great article Mary!
You and I met on LI in the Q&A section over a year ago and I am glad we did. The knowledge we've shared and the trust we've built will last a life time.
LinkedIn is the perfect vehicle for building exposure to your business but it is also a place to connect with people from all walks of life and from all around the world. I can share my first cup of coffee in the morning with a writer in the UK having lunch or an import/export expert in India having dinner while we discuss issues, either business, politics or personal topics.
Thanks for your contributions and I'll 'see' you in LI!
Thank YOU, Dave. I appreciate that a lot. It's been really great getting to know you who lives where I have roots for so many years - the Twin Cities!! Yes, I will see you on LI...
Excellent article Mary! (of course....)
I have found all that you have discovered about LI as well and that includes you! Being a consultant who mostly works from home, I've enjoyed LI as a tool to connecting with people from all of the world AND it doesn't feel cheesy. Unlike some other social networking groups (whose name shall remain anonymous) LI does not bombard us with advertising. We get enough advertising everyday all the time that it is nice to find a spot for some respite when socializing.
Another thing I like about LI is it feels professional. I like that there is the opportunity to "meet" someone you may not know through someone you do know and the kind of old fashioned way that a new person has to be "cleared" before we meet them. It just feels safe in a really big opening up world.
Thanks for writing about this and am glad we know each other!!!
Lynn,
You added some wonderful comments here. It is true. We meet in a safe way on LinkedIn and it does open up the world to folks who work at home or in remote places. It's astonishing what chats you can have in a day - like Dave said - you can have your morning coffee with someone having lunch in the UK or somebody who has just finished dinner in India.
What's really cool is I know specifically who Dave is talking about! It's a place to develop unique friendships and connections who may help in business or "just" make life so much more interesting.
So good to have your comments here, Lynn. Power on with all you do! And see you back on LI soon - after the 16th, I hear.
~Mary
This website tells who LI's audience is which gives an overview of a few things which is interesting. http://advertising.linkedin.com/audience
I heard today from a friend about LinkedIn taking part in the Bay 2 Breakers race this week-end in San Francisco. The first 100 LinkedIn folks to show up to be on their CENTIPEDE team will be part of something that'll get good press. I'm going to see if I can find a website relating to that.
Here's the link for the Bay to Breaker's LinkedIn endeavor to be in the Guinness Book of World Records with their centipede! http://blog.linkedin.com/2010/05/05/linkedin-bay-to-breakers/