Networking for Survival Seminars - Networking through Linkedin

Submitted by Mitch Seigel on Tue, 03/01/2010

When I started my Linkedin account just over three years ago there were less than 15 million people using the service. There are now over 90 million users, with almost half, 44 million, in the United States. Whether you are looking for people in your past, building networks for the future, looking for new employment, or to hire the right person, Linkedin makes it easier, faster, and more efficient to get what you want. Just a couple of connections away could be that elusive person that you thought could never be reached.

Linkedin can be a major part of your networking pre-research. By establishing your complete profile, and then always keeping it fresh, potential clients, employers, employees, and vendors can all check out your background at a click of a button. Recommendations can be given by associates which enhances your credibility in the eyes of those doing the investigation.

In addition to having personal connections with others, you can also belong to multiple Linkedin sponsored groups, which allows you to directly connect with all those in a common group. For example, if volley ball is your thing, and you belong to a volley ball supporting group on Linkedin, you can send messages directly to other members, and vice versa. All the while, you will be adding to your network.

By reading your network updates regularly, you know when someone changes jobs, connects with other people, looks for work, has speaking engagements approaching, and much more. And when you make changes or take action, your linked in connections will know what you are up to as well.

Linkedin is a great tool for researching companies and their employees. Before you make the cold call, make it warm with the knowledge you acquire through Linkedin. Search by industry to develop a prospect base of accounts. If all else fails, go to the Linkedin Learning Center, where you can find out everything you ever wanted to know about Linkedin.

Remember, online networking does not replace in-person networking. It enhances the experience and expedites the opportunity for increasing your network.

What are your challenges when it comes to using Linkedin for online networking? I look forward to hearing your comments.

Until next time …