This week we started Linkedin, I feel a lot more comfortable at this point and I find Linkedin much more acceptable as a tool I feel that could be utilized by me more so than the others we have explored. The feel is more professional and less social media based. I found it very easy to maneuver and that is probably due to the fact we have been exposed to so many at this point that there are commonalities or similarities which create a mood of relaxation when dealing with it.
Also at this point after stumbling around other sites I am less apprehensive about snooping, poking and finding by exploration how to make my way around to accomplish the simple requirements needed to meet our goals. I feel personally information found here will be a better use of my time to promote and extend my PLN. Businesses and professionals that post here are geared that way with less personal trash to have to wade through to find something useful. This difference is what separates this site for me as compared to blogging, facebook and twitter. At the very least there is less maybe because it is designated as a site for professionals. I must admit I have learned much more than I anticipated and I may go without as much kicking and screaming as before but it will still take a pretty big nudge.
Depending on what your overall goals are, LinkedIn can be a huge help. I have contacts all over the US, and some outside the US, which I rely on for information. Many of them I've had dealt with in training, or at work. From a professional point of view, I am much more comfortable with LinkedIn than I am with other social media programs, such as Twitter.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, that it's not as childish as Facebook. People tend to post more professional information on the main page. However, if you join some groups, there are times when they will get down into the weeds on stuff that goes beyond the scope of professional discussion. I suppose this is going to be the way it is with any social contact. Sooner or later, personal opinions and ideas pop into the conversation that may, or may not, be needed.
Since it has taken me years to develop my LinkedIn profile and list, I suspect it will take time for you to do the same. Even though I am resistant to being overloaded with social media, this is an important part of a PLN. Have you been able to find groups within LinkedIn that you've been able to get information from? Has it been useful if you have?
Matt, yes more so than any other tool we have been introduced to. For me this will be a keeper in my future endeavors. I have actually been associated with Linkedin off and on for the past 3 years as time allows.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that I have used LinkedIn and honestly I struggled much more with it than I did creating the Twitter account. I'm sure if it was due to the fact I'm being immature about it or what but I am not a fan of LinkedIn. I'm trying my absolute best to stay optimistic about it. The only thing I do like about LinkedIn is, just as you stated, it is more professional and less childish. People use it to engage with other professionals and It's a great tool to help me build my PLN.
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