Linkedin: Why You (or Your Group) Should Use It

I’ve been on Linkedin for a long time, and at first, I thought it was going to just be a resume posting site. I knew it had potential, but it seemed to be lacking something.

In the past 4 months, Linkedin has really started taking off. I think it’s starting to reach critical mass: everyone is starting to use it. Along with the growth of people using it, the groups function is continuing to mature. Coming from an association management background, I knew the groups could become powerful. Why? We all need recommendations, resources, and peer advice. With the downsizing of America, many of us lack co-workers with whom we can discuss and share ideas.

Now when I go to a local association chapter luncheon, like PRSA, I can build relationships with the people I meet. I send them a Linkedin invitation, and then I can see when they’ve changed jobs or gotten a recommendation. This starts conversations that would have never happened before.

Plus, smart associations are building groups for their members so that they can network and share resources, articles, and ideas. My local PRSA chapter looked into creating a listserver 5 years ago, but it was too expensive. Now that same group has a free Linkedin group that will complement its face-to-face meetings.

I’m excited to see that others are beginning to catch on to the great possibilities for connection through the Web.

By the way, I received some great packing tips and recommendations for movers from the LinkedWorking St. Louis group. Read the comments here.

Sonia

Sonia is the marketing strategist & word geek for NeuConcept.