HPJOS

My husband joined, thinking it might help with potential future clients having recently started his own bookkeeping business and trying different ways of networking. He had one lady say she had problems with bookkeepers & struggles to find one that could cope with her business that she operates in both Canada & USA - an escort service...

But I do have a friend who was contacted through LinkedIn and has a job as a result of that contact so I guess you never know what it turn up, quite like any forum really.
Helen

mnicona

I find it amusing that us Brits have something negative to see in anything 'new' and progressive.

Linked In a simple 'business' networking tool adds huge value to those interested in progressing in their career or businesses looking to connect to possible clients. I do admit though, that the only time Linked In is a waste of time, is if you're the type of person creating a fabricated CV/resume that makes you sound more than what you are... simply to impress and you have no real intention on using as a tool to progress. Again, the same people who have 800 'friends' on Facebook!

Linked In and Facebook are two totally different animals. Yes they can be used in overlapping manners and abused, but you can't control every minute element of a site. Plaxo on the other hand is an example of mixing business with social ... and it goes wrong.

Linked In has a primary purpose of helping 'like-minded' professionals connect. Why do people insist on using the old 'I like to meet people in real life' line....the world is a global work ground now, so making strategic connections outside your own geographical region is vital (and obviously not feasible to do in real life all the time)!

I use it to build connections in my industry out in Oz as I'm looking to relocate there after Canada. I also used it to build up knowledge and solid connections for my move to Canada - which worked great. Valid and helpful connections made that add value is a bonus, anything that doesn't provide value...what have you lost...nothing but an invite or the joining of a group.

I run my own consultancy and use it to connect with key people in companies all the time. The job board is also a powerful tool both for recruiting or applying. Why would anyone have anything negative to say about tools that help you connect to possible business relationships and improve oneself. Again, use as you would expect others to use it and you'll see the benefits.

The one thing I find irritating living in Canada, is when Brits get together and make life sound like it's a chore....I don't think we need to be as overly fake as some cultures (have a nice day comes to mind), but come on....get a grip, see things for the benefit they can add to your life don't be so dismissive and reluctant to change.

In other words, you move to somewhere like Canada as it offers a better lifestyle etc, embrace and reduce the amount of Brit moaning....it can get embarrassing

mnicona

LOL....just in case you hadn't noticed...we actually are in an online digital age now. Business cards are an old and non-environmentally friendly luxury. If I kept the business card of every person I met I'd have cases of them. Nope, I'd rather connect and have their details available anytime, anywhere I need them (i.e Linked In). Business cards don't update when the individual moves on or is promoted or has a number change etc!

I can only assume that your job/role requires very little interaction with clients or building strategic relationships otherwise you would know this.

dbd33

That's an assumption too far. I have an automatic gearbox and still see little merit in linkedin.

mnicona

Again, I'm assuming your job/career doesn't really call for it....just like a billy no mates wouldn't see the value in Facebook. Doesn't mean it holds no value...maybe just not for 'you'!

Automatic gearbox, glad to see your moving with the times

dbd33

No, it doesn't. In my role as a pimp, I'm bombarded with resumes, no need to seek them out. In my role as developer and peddler of computer software around the world, I use industry niche specific discussion fora. As a consultant working in multiple countries I rely on word of keyboard. A catalogue of the jobs people wish they held is of no immediate value to me. If I was selling property or "prestige" cars then, sure, a database of targets has value, I don't wish to be more of a target than I am.

mnicona

Again the infamous, negative and overly single-minded Brit attitude strikes again

I forgot it's all about you, in which case we can simply ascertain that Linked In or similar sites offer zero value to 'all. Good job you so eloquently pointed this out, otherwise I was under the impression that people may actually see value in sites such as Linked In. We'd better generalise for everyone then and state how useless such sites are, that'll be helpful to people!

dbd33

Oh, I expect there are people who enjoy it, there are all manner of special interest sites of no value to me; geneology sites, furbie fetish sites, all sorts. Have fun with it but don't generalise your interest to the rest of us.

mnicona

Nice to see the Brit attitude to open discussion is still there...hit a nerve

Alan2005

LinkedIn is of no value to me - I'm not in sales, marketing or the media. Same goes for twatbook because I've no interest in seeing 1000's of updates from plonkers playing twatville or twatwars

Your attempt to paint those who see social networking sites as being full of narcissistic wannabes as 'typical negative brits' is silly. It doesn't even merit debate. Not everyone wants the world to look at them or wants to 'advance' their careers by making 'strategic' connections. Whatever that means.

dbd33

Did I? Jolly good.

mnicona

I'll take your irrational response as someone who's never going to understand or even realise value in these types of things. I was also waiting for you to pipe up seeing as it's those types of attitudes that create such a stereotypical 'know it all' attitude that's associated with Brits (unfortunately). The point I made was very simple (but as usual prompted attitude)...if something adds very little or zero value to you on a personal level, don't simply dismiss to others and complain about it. Again, your response leads me to believe that you still won't understand this point though.

Good 'debating' with you guys

mnicona

Glad you can get some sort of 'win' out of a simple debate that obviously went over your head. Good luck!

Aviator

You may have noticed business cards also include peoples e-mail, web address and other contact details. If I did not get cards, there is no way I could remember everyone I met to add them to a linked in page, would not have time to manually enter them into a hand held at a busy event and don't carry a scanner around with me. Handing over a business card is quick and easy.

I don't keep business cards either, but enter them in our CRM program when time permits. The info has to come from somewhere. Business cards are far from a luxury or thing of the past.

I too have no use for sites such as Linked in either. My current networking system (meeting people face to face) works fine. In my old job, something like linked in would get any job hopeful nowhere.

Unless 100% of my business contacts were on such a site, it would be useless. How current the info is also relies on the individual updating it when a change occurs, I suspect there are some that don't.

mnicona

You make some good points...and refreshingly useful!

Your point about biz cards having email addresses is a good one, but Linked in doesn't require you to always have the individuals email. You'll either have worked with them, be part of a similar biz group, or have a natural connection which ultimately allows you to invite the person. I do this all the time with those I meet at conferences. Or you can become a paid premium member in which case it allows a number of 'InMails' that you can send to those you're not connected to....obviously you can state if you're open or not to this type of request....but yes can still be abused.

Is your CRM system accessible to all and wherever your located? Does it update when an individual's details update? I too use a CRM system, but use it for much more focused and trackable sales leads...Linked In is simple the connection tool. A CRM is the management tool.

Fair point on Linked In adding little value to you as you deal face to face, which is great. For those who don't have the luxury to build relationships face to face, online avenues offer 'additional' and valuable options.

Great points!