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.
