LinkedIn 101
Chances are you’ve already received an invitation to join LinkedIn. It’s is a social media site that primarily focuses on business networking, emphasizing professional networking more than personal updates. It’s extremely useful for promoting your business and recruiting employees.
If you’re new to LinkedIn, you’ll find these tips helpful as you get started. Keep in mind that while the social platform has many similarities to Facebook, comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
LinkedIn is not Facebook
Although both are social media sites and have some things in common (you can send invitations, post on your wall, create a profile), LinkedIn has some key differences that are worth noting:
- There is a limit to the number of invitations LinkedIn users can send.
LinkedIn allows enough invitations to create a large network but limits the amount to discourage unwanted messages or invitations from unknown people. Users can request increases, but these are evaluated on an individual basis.
- LinkedIn users tend to share different types of information.
A picture of the family vacation in Colonial Williamsburg? Share it on Facebook. An interesting blog post about marketing strategies? Share it on LinkedIn. LinkedIn carries a more business-like tone, and, therefore, may not be the best venue for your “Top Ten Songs I Dance Around the House To” mix. Although there may be a few areas where subjects to share overlap, consider this rule of thumb: if you would not share it with your business partners, keep it off of LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a Business Tool
LinkedIn can be a useful and economical tool for recruiters. Some recruiters may spend more than $3,500 to fill every position. LinkedIn provides a more efficient way to help you locate talent. It’s also a good resource for job seekers. In addition to a list of job openings, LinkedIn shows who in your network may be affiliated with the company to which you are applying.
If your business wants to take things a step further and use this platform to track down possible sales leads or promote services, LinkedIn offers premium services for a fee. Advertising services here provide advanced search filters, unlimited profile searches, and even ways to enhance resumes so that they get the attention of potential employers. If you’d like more information on how to create a LinkedIn profile or how this social platform can help your business, this site offers a series of free online tutorials.
And if you’re checking out the LinkedIn neighborhood, feel free to connect with us.
