Tuesday, October 1, 2013

How to Use LinkedIn

I just joined LinkedIn… Help! I don't know the a whole lot about using LinkedIn. It is kind of intimidating and it will probably be weeks before I post something on the site, but I am feeling a little more comfortable after reading about 2 dozen or so articles on the do's and don'ts of using LinkedIn.
Linked in Etiquette
Here are the top ten takeaways from all of the articles I read:
  1. Don't treat LinkedIn like Facebook or Twitter. This site is all about business, so please no pictures of you partying the night away or status updates about your upcoming weekend shenanigans.
  2. Have a Profile Picture. Personally, I don't mind if you don't have a picture up. Just don't expect me to add you if I have no clue who you are or how I know you.
  3. Personalize Connection Requests. This goes along with #2. You shouldn't treat LinkedIn like a popularity contest. The people with the most connections does not benefit the most, this is about building quality business relationships. Start the relationship off right by telling the person specifically why you are connecting with them.
  4. No SPAM. This should not have to be explained.
  5. Once is Enough. Posting something business related about once a day is enough, please don't post something every hour (see #1).
Like I said, I am new to LinkedIn and I have much to learn about the ins and outs of using this site. I will continue to share everything I learn, but it might take a while.

If you have any other tips or unwritten rules that I need to know, please share! Then, maybe I'll feel a little more confident about using LinkedIn.
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5 comments:

  1. I love that you joined LinkedIn. It's an incredible tool for business networking. I have honestly got most of my jobs from connecting with people on LinkedIn. It's very useful! If you're interested in working for a particular company, just do a search for the company and then see if you have any 1st or 2nd connections. You'll be surprised to find that you probably know someone, who knows someone at that company. It's great!

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  2. Your article on Kimchi & Sweet Tea: How to Use Linkedin is spot on. I utilize it to the fullest, and am glad that someone created it.

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  3. Happyeverafter_BrideOctober 4, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Agree with points 2 & 3, because LI gives out your email address to all your connections and they automatically get to access your connections via you, I have to be very careful who I add a.k.a give access to my client base. Definitely approach it with the utmost business etiquette.

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  4. I guess it's just like when I joined twitter - intimidating and confusing at first, but I will eventually get the hang of it all

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  5. Oh goodness. Not sure I love that they give out that info… I'll have to be careful about who I add now

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