Web2.0: LinkedIn

As some of you might already know I have been experimenting with various components that make up Web2.0 just so I can be better informed of the changing landscape in which I make a living and consult my clients. One tool that I have been playing with is LinkedIn. I kind of like this tool. Over the course of the years I have managed to become somewhat of a recluse, always in front of my computer screen, but back in the day I used to be out in the public a lot more and have managed to make a lot of friends and great “network connections”. I have a process that I try to keep up with everyone’s birthdays, got this from my cousin dave, and I try to touch base w/ each person on their birthday, whether it be by telephone or email, I try to make a contact with them. This way, each year I am able to touch base with each of my 1000+ contacts. I know that sounds like a lot of folks but it really isn’t if you have been in business for a number of years, you can come into hundreds of talented contacts in a very short period of time.

Back to the task at hand, what is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is an online network of more than 16 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.

Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals. Through your network you can:

• Find potential clients, service providers, subject experts, and partners who come recommended
• Be found for business opportunities
• Search for great jobs
• Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals
• Post and distribute job listings
• Find high-quality passive candidates
• Get introduced to other professionals through the people you know
• and I am sure there are a lot more applications…

LinkedIn is Free! You can signup on their website, LinkedIn: About LinkedIn, be sure to download their handy toolbar for Microsoft Outlook too, you can send invitations to your contacts automatically this way. It’s definitely a thumbs up in my book… Oh yeah, be sure to check out my profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cottonrohrscheib