Good post. One are I am still at odds with is the use of groups. I agree with your theory, of joining a group, writing a personal note and exchanging a link. I have found some wonderful contacts using this method and later followed up and met them in person, continuing a professional relationship. In my mind, joining a group and placing a badge on your profile, shows willingness to be part of a “group”. A group of individuals, who want to share ideas and interests.
Many people do not share this theory. I myself was surprised when I reached out to members of two LinkedIn groups, and was blocked when group members replied “I don’t know this person”. What surprised me more was I am an active member of both professional organizations, outside of LinkedIn.
Below is from a recent, yesterday, email from LinkedIn. This is who they strongly suggest contacting LinkedIn members.
1) Only use your invitations for individuals who you know.
2) The reconnect feature should be used solely to reconnect with individuals that you personally knew through a mutual employer or through attending the same educational institution.
3) If there are individuals that you wish to connect with but they do not fall under the two categories listed then we encourage you to use our other features which include InMail, OpenLink or Introduction requests.
On 4 and 5, I agreed whole heartedly and I myself should make more time to participate in this area, has from limited use I have used it, I have made valuable connections.
Very good ideas.
Paul Rasmussen
· 10 months ago
Great Article, I think one of the things that often happens is that people don't do the basics well in relation to Linkedin and then wonder why it is they don't get the result they want from it. I recently posted about a few simple things that people should do in order to get the best out of Linkedin.
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Many people do not share this theory. I myself was surprised when I reached out to members of two LinkedIn groups, and was blocked when group members replied “I don’t know this person”. What surprised me more was I am an active member of both professional organizations, outside of LinkedIn.
Below is from a recent, yesterday, email from LinkedIn. This is who they strongly suggest contacting LinkedIn members.
1) Only use your invitations for individuals who you know.
2) The reconnect feature should be used solely to reconnect with individuals that you personally knew through a mutual employer or through attending the same educational institution.
3) If there are individuals that you wish to connect with but they do not fall under the two categories listed then we encourage you to use our other features which include InMail, OpenLink or Introduction requests.
On 4 and 5, I agreed whole heartedly and I myself should make more time to participate in this area, has from limited use I have used it, I have made valuable connections.
Very good ideas.
I recently posted about a few simple things that people should do in order to get the best out of Linkedin.
http://pauldrasmussen.blogspot.com/2008/12/link...