Linked in to 2008

Workplace expert Tory Johnson who covered the future of technology in job searching today on Good Morning America, shares many of the same views I have on these topics. Which is whay I am eager to get you thinking about how to use technology better in 2008 when it comes to your career. So today, we start with Linked In. Haven't used Linked In? Here's how to get with the times:

What Is Linked In?:
LinkedIn is a place to find and leverage professional opportunities, now and throughout your career. Linked In enables you to:

• Present yourself and your professional capabilities
• Find and reconnect with colleagues and classmates
• Leverage tools to find and reach the people you need
• Build a powerful network of trusted professionals
• Discover professional relationships and opportunities
• Tap into inside connections and information

There are already 13 million professionals in the LinkedIn Network.

Getting Started:
1) Go to LinkedIn.com.
2) Click “join now” in the top right hand corner.
3) The system will ask you to complete a basic profile including your current job and most recent degree completed. Click “join Linked In.” You’ll have a chance to input more information later if you choose to.
4) The next page will ask how you want to use Linked In. Review this page carefully as the boxes you check will enable your profile settings. You can always change the settings later if you find you have checked too few or too many boxes.
5) The next page will help you begin to create your network. Invite only those professionals, friends and colleagues whom you trust. You should however, invite people from all industries and aspects of life (past jobs, university, family, etc.) as the point of Linked In is to connect to friends of friends of friends.
6) After you invite people to join the network, explore the system. Create your profile by clicking on the top of the profile tab. Search for people you know who already use Linked In by clicking on the people tab.
7) Check back often. See who accepts your invitation and then search your network and their networks for candidates, job opportunities, networking, brainstorming etc. Network with colleagues and former colleagues to share best practices, benchmark, or share professional development opportunities.

Linked In is intuitive and easy to set-up on your own. However, the following video tutorial is recommended to help you prepare to set up your own LinkedIn Account: Scott Skybell’s LinkedIn Tutorial.

Tips for Success:
When setting up your account, be sure to carefully review the information you include:
• Don’t include any company information that is proprietary or confidential.
• When you invite people to join your network, or people invite you, only connect with people you know. The system is built on trust so it isn’t as effective if you connect to people you have never worked with, met or interacted with before.
• Build your profile out. Include as much detail as you can about your experiences as that will help you to connect and be connected to more effectively.

Once you're on Linked In, check out Jason Alba's book and blog: I'm on Linked In, Now What?