Join the Online Party!
A few weeks ago I decided to take the LinkedIn plunge and push the button that would invite everyone from my email list to join me there. I had held off doing so for months. Once I pressed accept, new connections began rolling in. That was easy!
Having received his invitation, a fellow colleague of mine (I'll call him Gilbert) emailed me saying he would like to join me on LinkedIn, but he simply did not have time in his schedule to figure it out. In earnest, he said that unless I could help him, he would have to forego joining LinkedIn at this time (or until one of his grown children would be available to assist him in their spare time).
Detours Often Bring Answers
I had planned to send Gilbert an email right away with the easy 1-2-3 steps to help him get set up on LinkedIn, but needed to head to the library to research a blog post. Upon entering the second floor of the building, I noticed the normally closed lecture hall doors were wide open and the room was all lit up. Curious, I ventured in. The librarian/lecturer was setting up her computer slide presentation. Eager to greet her first student, she hurried over to welcome me and I introduced myself as a visitor, explaining my blog research. Her talk was going to be on 'The Usage of Social Media in the Library Setting.' I wished I could stay, but had limited time. Surprisingly, she was only expecting a handful of students to show as this was after hours (such a waste, I thought, as the room could easily fit 200 students and she was excited about her talk). We continued to converse while she scrolled through her computer screens. I found out she writes a blog, too; so we talked about that and I asked if her husband- who she said was also an architect (nice surprising coincidence!)- was on LinkedIn or Twitter or AIA Knowledge Net. I think she said, "No, he's a
Luddite when it comes to social media." So, I felt comfortable sharing Gilbert's story- how he was so sweet emailing to ask me how he could get on Linked In. And she immediately said- knowing I was setting up my new blog-'That will be your next blog topic!'
Why Join LinkedIn?
Here's What's In It For You:
I'm sure you've heard the saying: "If you're not online, you don't exist." Similar to: "Out of sight, out of mind"-- this really does apply to our social stratosphere today with billions of people conducting everyday business, socializing, and living online.
Need a job? Need a client? Or, maybe you're looking to hire fresh, bold talent. What better way to find them than to go where everybody is already gathered.
LinkedIn has a multitude of forums for every kind of business and professional organization. Many headhunters place new job leads in these forums daily.
LinkedIn is a huge networking site. You can meet consultants from every corner of the earth and you never know where that next new contact will lead- a new business venture, a book deal, a better job in another state or country...? The possibilities are endless.
My mom recently increased her activity on LinkedIn. She joined a few medical billing groups and has learned about sweeping changes that she otherwise might not have found out about. Now, she is planning to attend seminars and get specific training so she can continue to provide the best consulting to the physicians she serves.
- Meeting Thought Leaders from Around the Globe
Read a good book or a cutting edge article and want to know what others think about it? Start a thread! Or, perhaps just lurk around and read what everybody else is talkng about. LinkedIn is a great place to share and promote your own blogs, essays, books, and ideas.
As you complete your online LinkedIn profile- which is similar to an online resume format, you will inevitably desire to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities to keep pace with your current field of expertise and to stand out from the competition.
Ready, Set, Go!
Easy steps to get your LinkedIn profile up and running in no time:
- To get started, click on the highlighted link or go to your web browser and type in www.LinkedIn.com.
- Once you're on the home page, you will see a square inviting you to Join LinkedIn. Enter your first and last name to create your account.
- You will need to use your regular email account and come up with a password.
- Make sure to write down your password and keep it handy for next time you want to log in.
- The next step is to create your profile; you will be automatically directed to do so and you can build this over time. No need to get it all set up in one sitting.The most crucial info to complete is your name, title, current work/endeavor and a brief outline of your past experience and education.
- Make sure to highlight your best assets.
- The next step is to join certain groups (which are basically open discussion forums where you can start your own threads, post links to your blogs, and join in ongoing discussions by responding (posting your comments) on topcial threads). Choose groups that relate to your interests and specialties, such as (for architects and related professions): The American Institute of Architects; CSI (Construction Specifications Institute)- a very helpful group; ARCHITECT (the magazine)- check out the Manager's Choice thread; IIDA; BIM Experts- latest info I've seen on this broad topic; Design Intelligence; The Owner's Dilemma- based on the book with that same name (this is an ongoing forum of conversations with and updates by the author); KA Connect created by Christopher Parsons, IT expert; NCARB; USGBC; ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers); ULI; Harvard Business Review; etc... [Please note: these links provided are to the websites of those organizations and NOT to their LinkedIn groups; in the case of the book The Owner's Dilemma, the link provided is to it's advertisement on Amazon]. *Some book links on my site may be affiliate links.
How to Mingle
All dressed up and ready to meet new people? For some up to the minute tips on proper online etiquette specific to LinkedIn, follow this great link (that I found on branding expert
Dan Schawbel's Twitter feed;
to see Dan Schawbel's LinkedIn page, click
here):
Linkedin Etiquette tips, a fantastic article full of helpful information and insights.
Ready to Give it a Whirl?
Do you know someone- perhaps a family member- like Gilbert who needs to or wants to get on LinkedIn? If so, please feel free to forward this blog to them to help guide them along the way.
If you're already on LinkedIn, I invite you to share some of your favorite features and groups on LinkedIn in the comment section below. And please feel free to visit my blog site directly at:
http://www.indigoarchitect.com/
P.S. Gilbert succeeded and is now on LinkedIn; he appeared on my homepage last week and we shared a brief dialogue about architecture.