Know-How Exchange : E-Marketing

Okay, let me tell you my 'WHY I'm glad I'm LinkedIn' story.

Our Saskatchewan Minister of Environment created a regulation (at the request of major electronic brand names in the guise of 'stewardship') that assesses the highest fee to consumers for recycling in North America. Then a multi-million dollar contract is awarded WITHOUT public tender for transportation and de-manufacturing of electronics (completely refusing participation in the program to existing recycling operations). The executive director of the non-profit organization administering the public funds tells me that if I have a problem with regulation and the way it was handled, I should try to bring my case up to the board of directors of the brands behind the 'stewardship' program (who by the way do not want to be found, let alone hear a counter argument).

I went to my LinkedIn network (and a few others I participate in), and I network my way to acquiring names, addresses, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, cottage numbers, of each and everyone of the board members I was challenged to find. Within six hours, I can begin calling each and every board member and present my case.

Thanks to LinkedIn and a social engineering, I was able to build a large portfolio of information that enabled me to level the playing field with major corporations and our Provincial Government. Without the connections, I suspect that without the support of my network, the process would have required much more effort with less pleasing results.

Something I learned through BNI: Networking is not just what you get our of it, it's strongly tied to what you put into it. You DO have to give to get. If you expect to simply put up your profile and have the world beat a path to your door, you will be sitting for a long long long time. Reach out, and give to get.

Its worth it.

Darcy Moen
Customer Loyalty Network

Guy Kawasaki had a great post on his blog called
"10 ways to use Linked In"

give it a read:

https://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/ten_ways_to_use.html

topline reasons include:

1 Increase your visibility.

2 Improve your connectability.

3 Improve your Google PageRank.


4) Enhance your search engine results.

5) Perform blind, “reverse,” and company reference checks.

6) Increase the relevancy of your job search.

7) Make your interview go smoother.

8) Gauge the health of a company.


9) Gauge the health of an industry.


10) Track startups.

11) Ask for advice.


Hope this helps,

Patty

I'm also exploring LinkedIn. For me, it would be the ability to get an "introduction" to someone I'm interested in connecting with (if I can't find their contact information otherwise).

It's also a community that you can discern by looking at who responds to various questions. I've connected with people as a result of their questions (or answers to questions).

I believe your question was why anyone would join something "like" Linkedin.

1- get a job
2- Get business
3- learn
4- Connect with past contacts
5- get exposure

I have been with Linkedin awhile and I have achieved all of these except get a job, which I was not looking to do.

Every morning I visit 2 sites. Linkedin and marketingprofs. I spend more time on marketingprofs because it is my field.

When I evaluate a potential candidate, I always look to see if they are on Linked In. I've also kept in touch with some great former collagues through LI.

That being said, if you are looking to create a networking site that competes or fills a specific niche, you might want to ask "what doesn't Linked In provide?"

I subscribe to several of these networks, including LinkedIn, which I prefer to the others. If you're considering building a site, I think it's necessary to offer a free basic level, as LinkedIn (and most other sites) provide. Then look a building revenue through upgrades, special abilities for subscribers, etc. Look at the other networking sites and see what they provide for a fee.

However, I think Melissa hits on a great point - what can you offer that LinkedIn does not? You should try to identify some unmet need on these sites that you can provide.

Joy