For a very long time, I saw LinkedIn as a way for people without jobs to connect with others in an attempt to get a job. I ultimately ignored LinkedIn because I was not in search for a job. My goal was and still is to be self-employed so I can set my own hours and have a vacation anytime I would like.
However, I soon learned that LinkedIn is more than a place for hopefuls to get the job they want. LinkedIn, like all social networks, is a place where you can connect with other people in your niche. Although there are job offers on LinkedIn, it is like any other social network where connections can lead to more subscribers and sales. Days after I decided to give LinkedIn a try, someone contacted me on LinkedIn saying they bought my book, How To Be Successful On Twitter. Sure enough, I saw another sale for my book. I am not aware of whether or not that person found me on another social network before they found me on LinkedIn, but LinkedIn has allowed me to interact with the people in my niche.
Another great reason to use LinkedIn is that you can connect specific people in your niche who live in specific parts of the world. I can follow bloggers and social media experts who live in New York. I can follow other people in New York who would help my gain more exposure. There are people who I would have never connected with if it hadn’t been for LinkedIn.
There are people who see LinkedIn as a social network exclusively for job hunters and companies looking for applicants. However, LinkedIn is something more than that. LinkedIn allows you to connect with other people, and finding them is made easy with LinkedIn’s search engine. If you aren’t already, give LinkedIn a try just like I did and see what it can do for you.
I just joined LinkedIn and I must say it really is a good place to connect with people in my industry.
I’m happy you are connecting with people on LinkedIn Russel. Connect with enough people and the right one will be able to put you in front of the right opportunity.
Thanks. I appreciate this insight.
My pleasure.
Linkedin is a vital tool for creating and packaging the Brand of YOU. A personalized website where you have a clear unique reflection of who you are outside of the structured confines of prefabbed themes templates of social media is also vital. What you have done at your age and what you continue to do is impressive. We support you and your growth! If there is ever anything we could do to help you, please let us know.
Thank you 🙂
I like to see a website as your home on the web and social media as the platform you use to get more visitors.
Great post, Marc.
Linkedin is good for networking, whether or not you’re looking for a job. I’d think that would be good for businesses, jobhunting, freelancing, sales, and whatever else. Interested in connecting with someone? Look at their connections and see if someone you know, knows them, and use that as a doorway if possible.