Linked In - Any use?

[Gutsy]

Not sure about Linked In, though it's good for search engines by the looks of it, but I do know of one or two who have had work from Ecademy. I'm pretty new there myself so still testing it out.

 

[tichaonampofu]

I have to agree with Gordon. LinkedIn and Ecademy and any other such networks are all part of the whole Web 2.0 Social Networking scene. As Gordon says "the chances of making money from these platforms is very small" and I think this is where people make the mistake. I was a victim of that to originally joining and hoping I would get plenty of referrals and business from it but then soon realised that wasn't happening and whilst initially I was put off by this it dawned on me that Networking is not all about making money it is about building useful relationships for the future. Someone I meet on LinkedIn or Ecademy today could be instrumental in a year or two so it is worth keeping the relationship.

Another aspect I see largely used by many people on the Social Networking sites is portraying themselves as an "Expert". I put expert in quotes largely because, an expert by definition is somebody with a great deal of knowledge about, or skill, training, or experience in, a particular field of activity. The pro and con with this at the same time is largely filtering, but I guess that is the beauty with socialism you personally decide whether the information or experts advice you have just read after reading a post is true or false.

 

[Gutsy]

I must say I find Facebook more effective than either LinkedIn or Ecademy - or am I just not getting it right, as far as I can see all you can do is make contacts on them, on Ecademy I keep getting told I have messages, but I can't reply to them until I upgrade to the paid version?

 

[doogie]

I am on LinkedIn and I've found it good for getting back in touch with some old colleagues etc who I haven't spoken to through personal sites like facebook, bebo etc. Not got any work through it yet, although I did provide a quote for someone from a group posting they made on there, so there is always hope.

 

[Kasumi]

I'm currently using many of the networks mentioned successfully for business, however as I always say to clients undertaking Web 2.0 campaigns there is a very fine line between "social" networking and business networking and often contrary to popular belief the two do not go always go hand in hand.

Many of the so called social media websites that exist can be used successfully for business, building and developing strong connections within your market sectors while at the same time being used to promote your products/services to pontential customers/clients.

 

[peteark]

I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, I have an account on Linked-in but haven't done anything there, have a small bunch of contacts on ecademy and a twitter account.

My own thoughts are that you need to be very active on any social network to have a small chance of sourcing business, as I am busy with work I just cannot find the time. If I do happen to get a spare hour I prefer to add some content to my website, post on a blog or write a press release than post dribble on any social network.

 

[KMiDigital]

I have to agree with most of the comments as I am in both and where it's helped on some occasions, getting referrals, it is a little daunting to know where to start.
I find LinkedIn is the better of the two for my business as I do know some of the people on there but I guess like anything you only get out what you put in.

Here are a few tips on how to use LinkedIn and it may help to get more out of it. Free light version - How to REALLY use LinkedIn - Book LinkedIn and Online Business Networking by Networking Coach Jan Vermeiren there is a form to fill in but it is worth it.

 

[PennyPR]

I have to agree with Gordon. LinkedIn and Ecademy and any other such networks are all part of the whole Web 2.0 Social Networking scene. As Gordon says "the chances of making money from these platforms is very small" and I think this is where people make the mistake. I was a victim of that to originally joining and hoping I would get plenty of referrals and business from it but then soon realised that wasn't happening and whilst initially I was put off by this it dawned on me that Networking is not all about making money it is about building useful relationships for the future. Someone I meet on LinkedIn or Ecademy today could be instrumental in a year or two so it is worth keeping the relationship.

Exactly right tichaonampofu. It's all about connecting with people, not networking for profit.

We wouldn't expect to get business by standing looking at our feet at a business networking do, so why should turning up online make the world fall at our feet? You're still dealing with human beings who like making connections through sharing information and points of common interest. The more people you connect with, the more people will recommend you because like people flock together and boost each other.

But we've never had such good tools to be able to get our points of view across and set off those sparks of common recognition that get things going, to add to our networks. I do think direct personal contact has to be added somewhere into the connecting mix. But once you've met someone a few times, social media allows you to keep in touch more frequently in lots in ways that were just not possible before.

 

[Eagle]

I've been a member of LinkedIn for more years than I care to remember. Like Ecademy, it's far too complex (in terms of interface) to be of any use to most people.

 

[KMiDigital]

If you could have a site like LinkedIn or Ecademy for connecting to business people in a way that worked, what would you look for and expect?

As we are part way through building this sort of system, but just for the UK, it would be great to have your feedback on what you think works and what doesn't?

 

[Tim Barlow]

I am finding LinkedIn more and more useful as time goes by.

• Twitter like functionality that has been added. People are using it less regularly than Twitter (and keeping it professional) which means I can keep up with it. The iPhone app is particularly helpful with this
• Self cleaning contact database
• Recently been using it to find people who I can be introduced to and can help me solve specific problems

How would I improve it? Make it exactly like facebook but keep it strictly business.

 

[Eagle]

Business forums like these! They're simple and effective. Always have been. Ecademy and LinkedIn are just toys.

 

[Gutsy]

I agree with you there Eagle. I can't seem to make any headway with either Linked In or Ecademy (it could just be me, lol),but forums such as this one are great.

 

[dmuir]

joined ecademy found it not much use as a business tool everbody wants you to become a connection wither there is any possible business link, and we seem to be bombarded with emails daily

 

[Eagle]

Ecademy's networking model encourages massive networks i.e. quantity = quality. :blink: Most of the content is utter rubbish now.