LinkedIn questions?

[East Bay Rider]

Is anyone here on LinkedIn?
Is anyone getting any value from Linkedin? Please describe.
Is there a way to add notes regarding a connection to my list. For example if we connect and I want to keep track of extra info (family names, things in common etc.) so I can refer back for future correspondence, is there a place I can add that info in my profile? I would think that would be especially useful for those in sales.
If anyone wants to connect that'll be fine. If anyone can suggest a better way to use it or increased functionality that'll be great too.

[TerryTibbs]

Yep, use it to network in my industry and to keep in contact with old colleagues etc. Not seen any facility to add notes. I find it useful. :)

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by TerryTibbs

Yep, use it to network in my industry and to keep in contact with old colleagues etc. Not seen any facility to add notes. I find it useful. :)

When you keep in contact with others do you use the inmail message system within LinkedIn or do you send regular email?
I've always heard to build my network without bias - everyone is welcome. Do you think LinkedIn has helped you or anyone you know with your careers?

[betrezra]

Very useful in my industry.

[snowbird]

Yes, I find it useful. For example now I know where my contacts are currently working, something that wasn't so easy to keep track of before.

[theloxmyth]

Keeps me in touch with and helps me to link-up to my industry acquaintances all over the countryside.

One person leads to a bunch more in my trade/craft.

Useful?

Not certain a'tall.

[JUSTROLEXES]

In the watch world my LinkedIn is TRF
and yes very helpful
I never used it Bill but everybody I know have good things to say about it..

[SSD]

I have an account, but it keeps asking me if I want to connect with people I have no professional similarities with. Must be a setting done improperly. All my contacts are from where I work, and nowhere else. Hmmm...

[Puffy]

pain in the arse, deleted my profile after getting hounded by recruitment companies and headhunters

[fusionstorm]

Great tool to keep up to date with people's professional lives, especially when there are changes in employment or their job titles. Though I have my setting to No for "interested in job opportunities", I do get unsolicited requests from recruiters. I don't mind so much, as it keeps me abreast of who's hiring in which sectors in my industry.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by SSD

I have an account, but it keeps asking me if I want to connect with people I have no professional similarities with. Must be a setting done improperly. All my contacts are from where I work, and nowhere else. Hmmm...

Just a wild guess but I wonder if those people shown are contacts of the people that you are contacted with, or even their contacts twice removed.

Also, maybe someone can help me to understand, am I supposed to reach out to strangers whom I've never had any contact with simply because we share similar backgrounds? Ive been at my job over 20 years so I obviously haven't been out making business contacts at different companies. So far I'm only connected to coworkers and friends - even some members here.

[blackmsport]

I am with linked in

it's like facebook for grown ups

[sea-dweller]

Networking in my industry and for keeping in contact with ex-colleagues, etc

[PhilM]

Originally Posted by blackmsport

I am with linked in

it's like facebook for grown ups

Totally agree with you on that one

[East Bay Rider]

Someone should start a TRF group on LinkedIn. Maybe we can all connect and help each other out.

[NW_watch_fan]

Practical value 1: Let's see, I need to contact an old colleague of mine. Here's his email. Wait, he doesn't work at that company any more. Now how do I get a hold of him? Oh, yes, he's in my LinkeIn network so I can send him a note there.

Practical value 2: I need a contact in company XYZ (sales contact, job opportunity, etc)? Oh, here's the (purchasing agent, hiring manager, etc.) - but if I just email them he won't pay any attention to my email. Wait, let me check linked-in. Oh, I see this guy is directly connected to John over in marketing (Linked-in shows you how any person in their network is connected to you via your connections). I'll just ask John to give me an introduction.

You won't use it that often, but when you do use it - then it is beter than gold. I also recommend you spend time building your profile and building your list of connections (only add people you really know, by the way).

Hope that helps.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by NW_watch_fan

... I also recommend you spend time building your profile and building your list of connections (only add people you really know, by the way).

Hope that helps.

Can you elaborate on that point? I'd always heard to build my network indiscriminately and to touch base with each contact at least twice per year.

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Can you elaborate on that point? I'd always heard to build my network indiscriminately and to touch base with each contact at least twice per year.

There are different schools of thought, but what LinkedIn suggests is, connect with people you know so, for example, if they ask you to introduce them to another of your connections, you can do that in a substantive way.

There are people (LIONs, LinkedIn open networkers) who believe the more contacts the better and connect with anyone, but most people I know tend to connect with people they have at least some kind of professional relationship with.

LinkedIn discourages the LIONs by stopping the contact counter at 500.