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Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

(OP)
I just got an invite from the local sales director of our CAD supplier to join LinkedIn.  http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=what_is_linkedin&trk=hb_what for anyone unfamiliar with it.

I've previously had people try to persuade me to join, most noticeably my direct boss.

So, out of interest what is members opinion of the usefulness etc of this sight?
 

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

helped me catch up with some guys from college... that's about it so far.  
 

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

It is almost like MYSPACE for professionals.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Well, at least it hasn't increased my incoming spam volume.

If your boss thinks it's a good idea ... then it is.

 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

It allows you to keep in touch with the people you'd keep in touch with.

From a "networking" perspective, I don't see that it increases your connectivity any, just possibly maintaining the existing connections, which may be a reasonable goal, in of itself.

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

It seems to be harmless, and I have found a couple of people I had lost.

 

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

(OP)
What if earlier contacts you no longer particularly want to be in touch with try to sign you up, especially if due to the other people they know etc. it may not be simple to just decline them?  (This is based on my facebook experience where a bunch of people I really had no great desire to get back in contact with made a friend request, when I didn't immediately accept they had a mutual friend ask me about it... too much hassle for my liking.)

Do you think there could be negative consequences from being linked to the wrong person?

I know one of disgruntled employee from here put some unflattering posts, or however it works, on former colleagues/bosses sites, or something like that.  I have no desire to get caught up in that nonsense, I assume you can get stuff like that deleted but is it more effort than it's worth?

Point well taken Mike, I figure I'll probably sign up but wanted to see what some other members thought first.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Why not ask your boss why he thinks it's a good idea, instead of displaying blind obediance?

Your CAD supplier probably wants you to join as it shows his network of people so he can impress his boss.

Personally I've found it to be no use whatsoever. If you're wanting to improve your business contacts and advance up the slippery ladder then iron your apron, borrow some peacock feathers, and join the freemasons.
 

corus

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

As others have mentioned, I've used it to catch up with people that I haven't spoken to in a while. Other than that, no opinion, one way or the other.

Plus, to get any of the features that would be helpful in "networking", you have to pay for it.

V

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I have been notified of job openings by people I trust.

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I joined after some pestering from a fellow engineer.
It is harmless and I log in very very rarely, but reciently I received a good job offer through somebody who used Linkedin to contact me.
So overall positive experience (from somebody who disconnected from Facebook because could not stand it)

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

In the social networking world, it is perfectly acceptable to ignore a connection request, and anyone who hassles you about it is the one violating the unwritten rules.

I suspect that the portion of LinkedIn users who find it professionally useful is tiny but nonzero (and I'm sure varies significantly by profession). Me, I've just found it useful for getting in touch with people from my past (as someone else said, "MySpace for professionals"), but here are a couple tiny anecdotes:

* I been part of a chain passing along a job search. A friend of mine would have applied for it had he not just accepted a different job.

* A co-worker's husband got a bit of a leg up in a job interview because the interviewer had looked at his LinkedIn contacts and one of those contacts was someone the interviewer really respected.

Some of the Q&A areas can be very interesting.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies:  FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

to add to what kelowna stated, I too have received a job offer through LinkedIn.  This was not through any of my associates in my network, but from a headhunter service.  I declined the offer but one of my coworkers accepted.

It seems like a relatively harmless service.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I use it once in a while, mostly just to keep up in contact with colleagues that I don't talk to regularly.  I think that networking is generally a good thing & I don't think there could be any harm in joining linkedin.

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I have found it useful, and I would not relate it to a MySpace clone (ie no "check out my photos"), though some might tend to treat it that way.  About the only "social" aspects I see from the site is in joining Groups, and then these are only "sociable" if you actually participate in your selected Groups.

I use it to maintain contact with present and past co-workers, and people that I have come to know or respect through my daily work-related activities.  I also use it as my version of my online resume.  I have benefited from it by being able to contact people out of State since I am looking to relocate cross-country.

As HgTX says, it perfectly normal to deny connections that you do not want.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the be

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

(OP)
Corus, I've had the discussion with my boss, had a chuckle at the blind obediance bit, don't think my boss would use that phrase about me.

Plus I thought Mike was being a bit sarcastic, maybe not.

Thanks all, this isn't anything I'm losing sleep over but just wanted to see what other members were doing/thought.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Personally, I like LinkedIn. When I was in between jobs, I was able to use my contacts to find what was out there without having to filter through positions I wasn't interested in. Also, I know that one of the offers I received was partially due to the recommendations on my profile.
Overall, I give LinkedIn two thumbs up...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

Hey KENAT...

Johnny boy is on it, so it can't be bad, right? wink

V

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

(OP)
Do you think he'd let me add him as a contactwinky smile.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I have it, it really has done nothing for me...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

That's just Gen Y all over. How much have you contributed? (grins)

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

LOL... well i filled out my name...

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I have used it to re-connect with some former colleagues and classmates.  I have also begun looking at some of the groups.  As GregLocock indicates, what you put in will affect how useful a tool it can become.  I have received notifications of job openings all of which would require relocation (something not real practical for me at the moment).  Overall a positive experience and I like how the site recommends accepting links from people you professionally trust.

Regards,

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

What the groups do is provide you with access to other members who aren't within your current network. There are professional groups, alumni groups and even fan groups (I'm a member of Red Sox Nation for instance). You can search for groups (i.e. eng-tips member group) and request to join. Assuming they've selected the option, you will then be able to contact many of the group's members directly. It's a good way to reconnect or meet others in your profession.  

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

This site is also great for stalking.  I just found out where an exgirlfriend works.

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

^^ Almost wanted to give you a star, but then thought, "What if he is 'one of the quite ones'?"

RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site

I suppose it's like anything else; It's only as good as you make it.

This site is a perfect example; If you join and don't ever log in, then it's not of much use.

Charlie
www.facsco.com

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