Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tech Corner Post: LinkedIn



Written by Michele McGuire

            LinkedIn is the world’s most expansive professional social media platform. With over 175 million users, LinkedIn allows individuals to connect and network with a community of professionals.

            Why is LinkedIn important to you? It provides an excellent resource for you to communicate with people that matter to your career. LinkedIn is free for a basic account. By purchasing a premium option, you can have access to a more powerful search, views of full profiles of anyone in your network and access to 10 InMails a month.
            On your customized professional profile you have the opportunity to portray your personal brand to colleagues and potential employers and the ability to manage what potential employers learn about you from the internet. Check out some of PRDaily’s advice on giving your LinkedIn profile a boost. Your LinkedIn profile is viewed at the top of a Google search of your name. Not near a computer? No problem! LinkedIn has an iPhone application, making your network easy to access from your mobile device.

            LinkedIn is a great resource for PR professionals. It has proven beneficial in researching and networking with journalists and bloggers, interacting and listening to audiences and interests groups as well as building your personal and brand credibility.

            LinkedIn helps you connect with individuals who can be influential in your career. You have the opportunity to connect to your contacts. These people make up your professional network of classmates, colleagues, friends and employers and can help develop your reputation on LinkedIn through recommendations. It is imperative that PR professionals stay up to date with current events; LinkedIn Today shows you the top news of the day relevant to your industry, interests and network.

            LinkedIn is not only beneficial for developing your individual profile, but also has great resources for your company or organization. Whether you’re looking for a career opportunity, winning new clients or building your professional reputation, LinkedIn connects you to jobs, sales leads and ideal business partners. Also, there is a group section allowing you to locate and interact with experts within the field.  Check out this infographic, it defines the Portrait of a LinkedIn User.


No comments:

Post a Comment