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.linked in.com/sta tic?key=wh at_is_link edin&t rk=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?
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
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
Never, but never question engineer's judgement
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
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
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
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
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
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
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
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
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
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
It seems like a relatively harmless service.
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
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
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
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
Johnny boy is on it, so it can't be bad, right?
V
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
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
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
Regards,
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
RE: Value of LinkedIn /proffesional 'networking' site
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