Open Networking - Not an Advocate

I think that all of us realize just how powerful a tool LinkedIn can be for business networking.   When LinkedIn first became prominent in 2005/2006,  many of us called it a “ramped-up job site” or “social networking”.  In actuality, it is neither.  LinkedIn is “business networking” and can be used for many purposes (i.e. qualifying sales / business development leads, identifying new vendors / suppliers / service providers / IT freelancers) over and above being the preeminent job search tool for both white and blue collar professionals (LinkedIn’s constituency of skilled tradesmen is growing rapidly).   In my opinion, LinkedIn far outshines CareerBuilder, Monster, Dice, etc. to the point that these web properties will cease to exist in their current state within 12 months. 

I am a firm believer in the axiom “Whoever has the most toys does not win”.  I believe that the quest for the most “friends” on Facebook or most “connections” on LinkedIn is a silly game and a waste of energy.  When your sole goal is to accumulate as many names as possible, your “network” loses value and focus.  Therefore, with the importance of LinkedIn growing every day, make it a point to find ways to add value to your network by:

1.       Joining LinkedIn groups pertinent to your job or industry

2.       Answering your LinkedIn email

3.       Offer assistance to reasonable and responsible inquiries

4.       Become an “influencer” by posting interesting statistics, articles and job leads in your profile.