How to link up to LinkedIn - Military Careers, Second Careers - Navy Times

How to link up to LinkedIn

It was somehow inevitable that the grown-ups would come up with their own version of MySpace and Facebook — a way to connect with others online — but without looking like immature goofballs.

That online networking tool is known as LinkedIn, and seems to fill the bill for many. A professional online networking site, it won’t let users post raunchy vacation photos or promote discussions on the latest episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Instead, it offers users a chance to connect with other professionals online to get work done. Entrepreneurs, CEOs, seasoned professionals and job seekers all use LinkedIn as a way to network with others.

With more than 8 million users, LinkedIn has generated plenty of praise — and criticism — since it was begun more than three years ago. Some bloggers have likened it to “the digital equivalent of a chain letter,” while others claim it has netted them millions of dollars of new business within a few months.

But as it continues to grow in popularity, many using the site seem to have one particular question in mind: How the heck does one really use LinkedIn? Is it worthwhile for everyone, or is it just a craze that only adds to overflowing e-mail and is nothing more than a time suck?

Kay Luo, LinkedIn’s director of corporate communications, says she is aware of the criticisms, and LinkedIn is taking steps to educate its users so that the networking site offers the greatest payoff for users. One of those ways is by urging users to connect responsibly.

“We encourage people to connect only to a ‘trusted’ network,” she says. “These should be people who you know well and can recommend to others.”

So what about that guy whom you’ve never met and who has asked you to be part of his LinkedIn network? Is it OK to just say no? Luo says she uses some parameters to set up her own network.

“I connect with people I would give my cell phone number to,” Luo says. “That would be past co-workers that I like and respect, my current co-workers, my friends, all journalists because they help me do my job and anyone else who I respect and/or want to help out.”

Further, Luo says that those using LinkedIn need to understand it’s not just about trying to see how many names you can collect, but rather an indication that you will potentially help others with their networks.

“It’s an offer of value, so be judicious about who you extend them to,” she says. “When in doubt, I hit the ‘Decide Later’ button to give the relationship more time to develop.”

Some other tips for using LinkedIn:

Be thoughtful.

When you connect with someone, it means that you’re willing to be collaborative. You’re willing to stand behind the person you are introducing and at the same time believe the relationship will be beneficial to both people. Even if it doesn’t further either person’s business, will they still appreciate you introducing them?

Follow the rules of networking.

Just connecting with someone to get something for you never works in the long run. People will consider you a leech and a user and avoid any association. Same thing goes with online networks. Do for others before you ask for something and focus on building and strengthening your network.

“The worst time to network is when you need something. If you find ways to help other people achieve their goals, the laws of reciprocity will generally work in your favor,” Luo says. “People who have zillions of connections and pass along requests indiscriminately don’t understand how to use LinkedIn.”

Get recommendations.

Ask others whom you have a positive relationship with to recommend you. Luo says that by having recommendations, it’s sort of like authors having positive blurbs written on a book’s cover. It catches the eye and makes others want to know more. “These recommendations can also serve you well when you’re looking for a job or a business deal,” she says.

Brand yourself.

“You profile is your whole brand,” she says. “You want it clean and catchy, with things like your Web site in there. It’s your professional presence online.” Luo suggests checking out “how to build a strong presence” on the LinkedIn site.

For more on using LinkedIn and to share your own experiences, check out the blog at www.anitabruzzese.com.

(Anita Bruzzese is author of “45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy.” Write to her at anita@anitabruzzese.com.)