Sunday, September 16, 2012

The Value of a LinkedIn Profile





The Value of a LinkedIn profile

Amari Roskelly


LinkedIn is a huge resource for professionals of all fields of study.  Many people begin utilizing LinkedIn to connect with fellow co-workers, similar to a workplace Facebook.  Then, as they get into the features of the site, they often begin networking with new professionals outside of their own workplace.  This is very much the case with my LinkedIn page.  I simply created my account to connect with my fellow co-workers, not even knowing the advantages of having a LinkedIn account.  However, as I began to develop my profile, I realized that LinkedIn had a great deal to offer.  I was able to connect with my fellow co-workers, as well as higher personnel in my department.  Then, as I started grad school, I began connecting with my fellow classmates who were all working professionals and had their own LinkedIn profiles as well.  Since then, I have been able to build a fabulous network with other sustainability professionals, professors, and even product venders that I have come in contact with through various building projects at the Architecture Firm.

Many professionals may be concerned with the pros and cons of having a LinkedIn profile, especially the older Baby Boomer generation that is far more timid when it comes to the use of social media.  The pros of creating a LinkedIn profile and utilizing this particular social media platform would include:

1.      Easily connect with fellow co-workers, students, and other professionals of similar interests and lines of work.
2.      Improve your professional network with both individuals and companies
3.      Users can post their resumes, and provide an easy to use platform to showcase their educational and professional accomplishments.
4.      Members can directly interact with other professionals through the use of groups, polls, surveys and feedback on various topics.
5.      Provide a professional social media platform to attach new potential employers as well as clients.

However, LinkedIn does indeed have a few cons, which are:

1.      It’s difficult to get started and takes a bit of time to establish a profile, however, once you get started, the website does a great job in guiding what steps to take next to continue to develop your profile.
2.      Many people aren’t engaged on a daily basis like they are on sites such as Facebook and Twitter, therefore correspondence can often take a bit longer than expected.
3.      Many say that LinkedIn is “real estate” heavy, which can sometimes lead to a pressured situation, and has the possibility to become an uncomfortable environment to interact in.
4.      Some users will create an account and leave their profiles blank; therefore, it’s difficult to determine if they are the correct professional you are looking for, and are far less likely to return.
5.      With those users having incomplete profiles, other users are less likely to add them to their connections, to prevent a negative image of their own profile and network of professional connections.

Though I have been on LinkedIn for a couple of years, I have been guilty of not being as engaged as I should be.  This past year, I have spent some time developing my profile and adding new connections.  Though I haven’t spent much time researching the various groups that LinkedIn has to offer, I have had group leaders seek me out and invite me to join their group.  In fact, I had the CEO and Founder of “Environmental Leader”, Paul Nastu, invite me to his group on LinkedIn.  This became a turning point for me when it came to utilizing the groups on LinkedIn.  I have been able to connect with many professionals in the green industry, learning a great deal and sharing ideas with one another.  While I haven’t been nearly as active as I would like, I have come to rely on much of the green building technology conversations that are offered on the group’s page.  

            My daily presence could definitely be stronger on LinkedIn; however, when time becomes available, I plan to further complete my profile and seek out other connections to build my green building network.  I have learned that LinkedIn has a great deal to offer, even a new job or career.  Many companies use social media platforms to gain a perspective of potential new employees.  Therefore it’s extremely important for users to present themselves in the most professional light as possible.  As with all social media profiles, users should keep in mind that anyone can access their information and develop an opinion of you and your professional abilities, just based on what information is provided on your profile.  That leads to another important point.  If you do create a LinkedIn profile, it’s important to spend the time to develop your profile, establish connections, join groups, and interact with other users.  It’s the same principles for companies who establish social media profiles and don’t continue to update their pages and interact.  Future employers may view your lack of interaction or even your incomplete profile as a lack of commitment.  That is why it is important to cultivate your profile, showcase your knowledge and work experience.  Once you have your profile established, get involved, find other professionals with similar interests, and join groups pertaining to your particular field of study and interest.  LinkedIn is a wonderful professional social media platform that gives the working man or woman a voice, a stage, and a chance to further their career, in one fell swoop.

LinkedIn is just one of the professional social media websites available.  Others professionals may consider are:

Biznik – A community of entrepreneurs and small businesses dedicated to helping each other succeed.
cmypitch.com – A business website for UK entrepreneurs to get quotes, advice and more.
Cofoundr – A community for entrepreneurs, programmers, designers, investors, and other individuals involved with starting new ventures.
E.Factor – An online community and virtual marketplace designed for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.
Ecademy – A business network for creating contacts and sharing knowledge.
Entrepreneur Connect – A community by Entrepreneur.com where professionals can network, communicate, and collaborate with others.
Fast Pitch – A business network where professionals can market their business and make connections.
Focus – A community focused on helping business decision makers and IT professionals make decisions.
JASEzone – A professional community where you can find potential clients and business partners.
LinkedIn – A professional network that allows you to be introduced to and collaborate with other professionals.
Networking for Professionals – A business network that combines online business networking and real-life events.
PartnerUp – A community connecting small business owners and entrepreneurs.
PerfectBusiness – A network of entrepreneurs, investors and business experts that encourages entrepreneurship and mutual success.
Plaxo – An enhanced address book tool for networking and staying in contact.
Ryze – A business networking community that allows users to organize themselves by interests, location, and current and past employers.
StartupNation – A community focused on the exchange of ideas between entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.
Upspring – A social networking site for promotion and social networking.
XING – A European business network with more than 7 million members.
Young Entrepreneur – A forum-based site for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are passionate about promoting business for themselves and others.
Ziggs – A professional connection portal founded on the principles of professionalism and respect.

So whether it’s LinkedIn or another professional networking website, I highly recommend professionals to take the time to join one and begin networking with other professionals.  You might just be surprised how it benefits you.  Remember, be active, be bold, and use social media to your advantage.  It certainly will pay off!

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