Learning more about LinkedIn during Bellingham Network Group’s Presenter Hollie Hilde!
On Tuesday March 26 the Bellingham Network group gathered at Bellingham Library to learn more about the growing professional social media site called LinkedIn. The speaker was Hollie Hilde, Marketing Manager at Moss Adams who was ready to go with her class as evident in her cheerful attitude that was probably fueled by Starbucks. She started out by talking about some interesting statistics about Linked in. Today over 135 million professionals use Linkedin for posting resumes, networking, marketing and getting connections with other professionals. This stat covers over 200+ countries worldwide. She recommends that people really take the time to fill out the information on their profile to showcase their skills, talent and interests beyond work because it will show they are comfortable with using the network. A naked profile won’t get the same attention and could hurt the person’s chances of networking with professionals. Some of the interesting tools she mentioned were applications that can be added to your page to share more information on yourself. The apps include event listing, amazon book list, e-bookshelf, blog link, polls plus many more to choose from on linkedin. This can lead to more connections when people learn you have the same interests as them. Many of the employees have formed groups that allow co-workers to share information and news regarding their employers or just discuss what’s happening on the job. It is a good way to learn what’s going on in your particular industry, employers’ current situation and competitors. The funny thing about groups is not all of them are serious business related. Some even cover bacon recipes for the many who love bacon on everything.
One of things she talked about at length was getting recommendations from former employers, current and also you giving them will help your network get to know you better. Giving more recommendations will lead to more people giving you one on your page. Try to get them after you know that you will be leaving the employer, finishing a major project or even trying to land that big promotion after that assignment. Don’t ask for recommendations from people that are not in your business such as family members or friends. It looks unprofessional and could risk your chances of moving up in the business world. Hollie stated that Linkedin is not Facebook or any other social site, it is not a good idea to post non-business related topics on your status. Keep fun and work separate was her main message. Linked In is also a good way to learn about a business if the website doesn’t give you enough information you can learn more detailed information on the business you may be interested in applying for in the future. It is also good for your business to have one if you don’t. You can gain huge numbers in networking.
One of the last things she covered was using linkedin on a daily basis to keep updated on who is trying to connect with you, reading the group forum and see who has visited your page. Also another way to gain more networks is by having your URL (your page’s address) printed on your businesses cards, website, flyers and email signature in case people want to learn more about you and what you do for a living.
After words there was some questions asked and people seemed to be more comfortable with the idea of using Linkedin as another tool to network in the business world.
–Jeremy Moore, Gateway Volunteer