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Oct 15, 2008
@robdiana @michaelfidler @hutch @louisgray @thomaspower @vincentwright @christiananderson @jeffisageek @scobleizer Is LinkedIn still relevant if you're not looking for a job? Or, is there something going on there that I'm just missing?
Oct 15, 2008
@jasongoldberg: There are a lot of "grown-ups" on LinkedIn, and they come in handy sometimes. I've found that C-levels are more likely to be on LinkedIn than other networks. It behooves you to keep a presence on LinkedIn, and requires little maintenance. I like to think of it as a Virtual Chamber of Commerce (sans mini-muffins).
Oct 15, 2008
I use LinkedIn as my professional rolodex. It's easy to DM others there (kinda like Twitter). It's also great for background on people. Haven't gotten into its Q&A or Group features yet, because I don't have work activities to exchange with people in different companies and fields. At least not yet.
Oct 15, 2008
There's plenty of value in logging one's career progress in real time rather than only when you're looking to switch jobs. As Hutch says the rolodex features are also nice. I am using the Q&A system to build up a bit of credibility on topic that I find interesting.
Oct 15, 2008
Jason,
Thanks for including me in your question. Basically, Linkedin is as relevant as you need it to be. If you have other sources which are already satisfying your needs or ones which you believe solve your particular problems faster than Linkedin then that, in and of itself, determines Linkedin's relevancy to you as an individual. As for me, personally, I've been all over the map with Linkedin: from extraordinary, otherworldly highs with boundless expectations, to the absolute lowest of lows - lower than I'll share with you in this response. Over the past 4 years, I invested probably 7,500 hours of times and created literally hundreds of Linkedin-centric forums, groups, and blogs servicing tens of thousands of men and women from all corners of the world discussing all major topics important to business professionals. In the end: that proved to be a business as well as a personal mistake. Not a mistake to serve men and women in discussion groups. That's still one of my favorite joys. It was a mistake pouring more into Linkedin than I was getting out of it. (This is not based on a short-term assessment but, rather, an assessment of a multi-year, in-depth involvement in Linkedin.) Though 90+% of the boundless enthusiasm I had for Linkedin is irretrievably gone, I'd still recommend it to small business users, job seekers, and Recruiters. (Of course, with a caveat that they go in with a WRITTEN OUT plan which includes such things as overall ROI, backing up key data, and an escape plan should anomalies manifest in Linkedin's decision making about the end-user data being generated there.) As with any of the things which strongly capture our attention, we need to establish some level of equilibrium in our relationship with it. Having gone through all manner of things with Linkedin, my point of equilibrium is to merely consider it as a business tool - no better, nor not much worse than any of the other business tools you and I decide to use to help ourselves do business better, find jobs quicker, address social causes more strategically, etc. Of course, I have endless opinions on the subject of Linkedin but, that not withstanding, I'd have written a shorter response, if I'd had a bigger cup of coffee! :-) Keep STRONG, Jason! Vincent Wright
Oct 15, 2008
Oct 15, 2008
I haven't tried Xing... I'll check it out and then let you know when I can do a side-by-side comparison.
Oct 15, 2008
@hrrajpal @soganoff @rachelbeer @jeffcutler @jbuss @leolaporte @shannonswenson @mona @damato @elbaso @johnxkills thoughts on effectiveness of LinkedIn and LinkedIn vs. Xing and other business networks?
Oct 15, 2008
@jasongoldberg Because I'm more experienced at using Linkedin, I'd probably be prejudiced in my voting and vote in favorite of Linkedin. And, too, because Linkedin is substantially larger - and larger sites tend to serve generalists like me better - I'd probably, again, rule in favor of Linkedin. However, the one enduring issue with Linkedin which would cause me to rule in favor of Xing is Linkedin's lackadaisical interest in its user interface, its less than stellar on-site communication capabilities, and its supremely challenged Customer Service department. (There are a few others but, must run take care of a client... bye for now...)
Oct 15, 2008
The best business network you can have is the one where you actually can pick up the phone or pop into a person's office to say hi and to get something done.
If we're smart, the first thing we do when we're faced with right-sizing or redundancy adjustment is to reach out to real people. Next is to look around our social media circles to see who's in a spot to help us. Last is the blind communication to people who could help us if they only knew us better. That said, I think LinkedIn is more like a safety-net application. I've built up my connections there so I can offer them help if the worst happens in their careers. I can use my other contacts to connect people and if I need to get info for a story or column, I can reach some real smart people there. It's well beyond what you get on MySpace or Facebook and it's much more responsive (and valuable) than the quick-hit stuff you get on Twitter. As for Xing - I think I'm on there, but I haven't tried it. There seem to be a proliferation of Jeff Cutlers in the area now and I've tried to lock down all the networks and Web apps I can with my own name. But that doesn't mean I can use all of them all the time. If I find out more, I'll be back. Thanks for including me. Jeff http://www.jeffcutler.com 
Oct 15, 2008
Apart from job hunting, I don't know what use it really is aside from providing a way to keep in touch with people who might be useful professionally, but who you might not see socially.
I've dipped a toe into the forums and Q&A, but not found them engaging enough to go back. From my point of fiew, apart from the horrible UI, and the fact that it's so hard to make any changes without losing them, the main problem is that many people still don't even have a profile, or intend to create one, so it still feels quite niche. Incidentally, I've suddenly found, in the last few days, that I've been contacted by recruitment consultants who've searched LinkedIn and found my profile. I was telling headhunters to look at my profile a few months ago and now it's happening proactively. 
Oct 15, 2008
for me Linkedin is just a safety net for job hunting. I don't really use it for anything else than adding more people, with the hope that if i ever do need to find a job, I've got a place to reach out to. I don't email on it, i don't post anything on it. All I do is grow my network. @jasongoldberg @robdina @vincentwright @hutch
Oct 15, 2008
@jasongoldberg I have never used Xing, so I can't comment on that. The real question is whether your network is really people that you have contacted at some point and what you are trying to get out of it.
Oct 15, 2008
I think linkedin is indeed, like @jeffcutler says, a "safety-net". When you got a job you only use it for connecting with ppl you encounter and thus expanding your network. When you DON'T have a job however, linkedin can come in very handy... problem is: you have to have a network established to benefit from it. You can't start building a network the moment you lost your job. It can be seen as a "precautionary measure". Get in before it's too late!
Oct 15, 2008
I use LinkedIn for research, inspiration, lead generation and keeping in touch. Recruiters seem to use it heavily as well. It's a good question and one I've heard asked about most social media platforms. The least of whom that should be asking is LinkedIn themselves, lest they risk becoming irrelevant. http://twitter.com/shannonswenson
Oct 15, 2008
@jasongoldberg I don't really have a need for it fortunetely, but I know it is very relevant for a lot of people I meet online. It seems like Linkedin wants people to use it on a regular basis and have added features like CNBC, but I haven't tried it. If Facebook had it I might spend more time there. Maybe you could get it! I do have one problem with Linkedin. Many of its users are being handled by a third party. I've set up several profile and handed them off to one of their employee to maintain. This is fine for work, but takes away from the social aspect. I suspect it will become a more popular spot as long as the economy is slow. I agree with Rob, Facebook is for people I know mostly offline, but online too.
Oct 15, 2008
no-one really knows how to use Linkedin properly ...I do but it took a while to learn and you have to pay.
Oct 15, 2008
@jasongoldberg I checked out Xing for the first time today. I like the interface and would be willing to take a stab at it if there were more people in this space using the tool. That's what all social networks boil down to: are people I know using it? What is going to possess me to open another account on another site with similar functions to one me and my friends/colleagues already use. Guess we'll just have to take a stab at it to see if it's a Me Too Network or a cool new tool with useful functionality.
Oct 15, 2008
jacob morgan (http://twitter.com/jacobm) just posted "15 ways to market yourself on linkedin": http://www.jmorganmarketing.com/15-ways-to-market-yourself-on-linkedin/
Oct 15, 2008
i agree with most of the comments on here, specifically that LinkedIN seems to be more my busines netwwork while Facebook is my friends network. There Q&A, Discussion groups etc is not much different than what we are all doing here. The challenge on all of these is where do you invest your time and how do you keep them all updated and accurate. If you try to do too many, then you need to quit your day job, so my view is focus on a few and get them near perfect.
Also with LI I have been able to get one of our guys to create a Mashup from Salesforce, so if Im off to meet someone, his/her profile comes up within sfdc as a bit of background prior to meeting them - just makes sure we are better prepared. Interestingly, Gartner released their predictions for 2009 Strategic Technologies (http://blogs.gartner.com/david_cearley/2008/10/14/gartner%E2%80%99s-top-10-strategic-technologies-for-2009/) and Social Software and Social Networking were listed. What does this mean, what will this space look like in 12 months? Feel free to comment here too - I posted a question on LI directly.. http://www.linkedin.com/answers?viewQuestion=&questionID=343764&askerID=275760 
Oct 16, 2008
Once again, I agree with Thomas.
It works for me, but I decided to pay a little because I enjoyed it so much. Perhaps I've a different mind set, hence a different result. Who knows, Linked In one of my two homes on SN sites. 
Oct 16, 2008
With unemployment in the white collar sector hitting a high, we need sites like LinkedIn. Where are these people going to go? Most of them do not have the benefit of a blog or website, nor the know how to build either. LinkedIn at its base is free.
Imagine the worker who is thrust out into the world with nothing but a few files in a box, and with an overwhelmed HR dept., not much support. At the least, LinkedIn is a starting point, it's a beginning. This is the beginning of a collaborative community. We can only get out this economic mess by doing it together, and not relying on others to solve the problems. 
Oct 16, 2008
for me, the value is far too one-sided. i don't mind them being one of many identity brokers, but they seem to want to be the de-facto identity, and importantly a REPUTATION broker too. that just doesn't sit right w/ me and makes me a little worried. so, i dont use LinkedIn. simple
Oct 16, 2008
I use LinkedIn as a virtual resume placeholder; it seems a necessary social tool if you are at all associated with our industry. That said, it seems a spam bed for recruiters and a selling tool for professional "career builders." While I spend 92% of my time connecting with people online line, I tend to agree with @jeffcutler, "The best business network you can have is the one where you actually can pick up the phone or pop into a person's office to say hi and to get something done."
A real time connection seems to hold far more influence when it comes to networking for potential job leads. As far as using LinkedIn as a platform for business and personal socializing, I find there are way sexier and intuitive platforms to get busy with! 
Oct 16, 2008
I tend to use LinkedIn as a research tool, not just during a job search but also for professional development. It allows me to access information via various means (direct contact, questions, etc), and gives me the ability to complement my face to face networking. However, I find it an unusual social media app - a Web 2.0 idea in 1.0 packaging.
Oct 16, 2008
I tend to use LinkedIn as a professional networking tool - as do most. It has several advantages over other database tools out there. As far as groups on LI, I haven't seen a lot of advantages other than being able to connect with others in the group. The recent enhancements made to the group features are meaningless at this point. http://thetalentbuzz.com/2008/09/30-days-later-on-linkedin-group-enhancements/
Oct 17, 2008
It has some value in "asking the universe for help." I have needed vendors immediately for projects and have been able to get qualified referrals within 2 hours for key projects -- and most have been good ideas.
My sister, who consults in Europe, has used it extensively to get short-term engagements in her areas of expertise. And I have been "found" on it by either long-lost past co-workers as well as business development contacts for my companies that have been bang-on accurate. In fact, one person I was trying to reach on a business deal ended up contacting me directly via LinkedIn. And just last week a banker that knew me years ago connected me with a new consulting client after finding me on LinkedIn. I also use LinkedIn to research someone's stated background and connections before meeting with them for the first time. I also will forward their LinkedIn bio to my working team before we have a meeting. Xing? I've signed up but don't get any value out of it. Plaxo tries to be LinkedIn and Facebook combined and doesn't seem to do either well. 
Oct 18, 2008
There is only one reason LinkedIn ever got any traction in the first place: it was the first 'social network' the over-30 crowd could relate to (if not actually use). The dearth of useful information or interactions on LinkedIn makes a sad case for the value of social networks (i.e. to the people doing the actual work, they have none). But on the more positive side - this means marketers can now peddle the same crap they sold to kids a few years ago to their parents (kind of like easy-listening instead of rock and roll). Nice.
Oct 18, 2008
LinkedIn is an excellent social networking to the Scientist and Polyvalent people. To linkedIn, you have all of interesting questions to improve human life! Try to participate to the different questions, you'll see on how its work really. Everything is usefull on it. Sure, some people are attractives and some others have no values. To any request connection, you can choose with who you want to connect, you know what do you want!
Oct 18, 2008
@sarahcrisman Xing is quite popular outside the U.S. They're also known for being a more sticky and engaging service / network vs. LinkedIn. See this article in the economist. http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12304861&CFID=23427865&CFTOKEN=63437862 @mhedayat @eyebee @jbuss @nigelwalsh @infodiva
Oct 18, 2008
I joined linkedin about a year ago and asked people then why I wanted to be there. Pat Kitano whom I admire very much said it is you personal resume. I find it hard to navigate but if I were really looking for a job I suppose I would go there. I find myself connecting to the same people whom I am already connected to in other groups. Why join all of them? A wise man named Jeff Turner said you have to join all of them even if you never do anything with them. You need to protect your name and reputation.
Oct 18, 2008
@jasongoldberg that was an interesting article, I had never heard of Xing before now Ning is a different story
Oct 21, 2008
@VincentWright I know that more than anyone I have seen you dedicated yourself to LinkedIn. I would consider you THE expert on LinkedIn so if you are fed up with the value exchange, that speaks volumes. I started in 2003 and maybe have 900 or 1,000 contacts. I found that the inability to contact people was the main problem, as well as some UI clunkiness. I know HR uses it but I suspect facebook will take over if they beef up their info. section and it gains popularity.
A F,
Oct 22, 2008
I was just pondering this the other day. I used to "hang out" (answer LinkedIn Q&A's) on LinkedIN, but find myself going there less and less. I understand the concept of "sticking to one's knitting", but I think LinkedIn blew it bigtime. They had (still have) an opportunity to make their site more *sticky*, but I think they just don't get it.
Think i'll hang out at socialmedian for a bit :-) 
Oct 22, 2008
Linkedin is just boring compared to the fast action on twitter. In all my years on Linkedin, I never made a great new connection like I have on Facebook and twitter. But, I am not look for a job so I might be missing the impact. Has anyone found employment as a result of Linkedin?
Oct 22, 2008
the question & answer function in LinkedIn is agreat for business related questions. I've used it effectively several times within groups.
Oct 22, 2008
I am in the big group of "show my face here" just in case but "what am I supposed to do now" :)
Oct 23, 2008
I had a different experience, especially if you start asking or answering questions, and communicate with your network and groups. I received new contacts and even sales.
Oct 23, 2008
Andy
What do you pay for LinkedIn, I find the more I pay, the more I focus, hence BNI is my main focus, ecademy.com #2. Everything else is noise.
Oct 23, 2008
@jasongoldberg
BNI is Business Network International. My Face-to-face networking. Out chapter meets every Friday at 6:30am at the Russell Hotel in Maidstone where we meet, and we find business for each other. I have been a member for over eight years. There are chapters world-wide.
Oct 23, 2008
I don't pay anything. I try , as fa as possible, not to pay to be seen or heard. It works for me.
Oct 23, 2008
@xcelwealth
It may work for you, but I find, if I don't pay, I don't care. If I get something, I pay, then I care. Do your clients care for you?
Oct 24, 2008
Fortunately, I don't see it that way. For me ROI is the ultimate in Marketing. I don't say, I ever pay, but definitely not on Social Networks.
Oct 26, 2008
I have never used LinkedIn for a job search but do still find great value in it. I think the key to all social media tools is choosing what works for you and investing a little time in that network. I use LI to cultivate professional connections and I have found new clients and projects there. It is one of the top 3 marketing tools in my arsenal. Again, though I believe it is what you make it.
Oct 27, 2008
@jasongoldberg The most value I receive from LI are the MANY forums and, now, NING groups established. Have you checked into any of them? If not, why not?
Oct 31, 2008
Ditto! I have never really wanted to use it! But just for the sake of networking, i do at times. When people add you there, you can't ignore them.But i don't really know why they should add me there, of all the places on the web! Strange!
5 days ago
@VincentWright Yes. Whether it is professional networking or social networking you have to think of what you are getting out of all your hyper activity. This is very true in case of professional networking because every minute we spend there adds to cost like any other resource we use.
5 days ago
Linkedin has opened me new avenues to connect to key people of my field which otherwise is not possible in Job search sites as I am representing many freelancers who don't have much time to promote their image online. Linkedin has given us front page listings in google searches to our Project Vyas which over a period of time has created recognition and credibility among our local communities as no one else in our town has used Linkedin in such an extensive way. Today many software professionals, project managers, HR people natives of my town settled abroad are trying to connect to me on their own. The secret is stand out in any network whether it is Linkedin or Stumbleupon or Digg. Stay long and consistently.
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