Since I started this column about a month ago, I've had the privilege of interacting with a lot of Social Media Today readers - many with questions about LinkedIn.
I would be naive to say that LinkedIn was the easiest platform in the world to navigate and that all the answers are right at your fingertips. In reality LinkedIn can be challenging, and often frustrating to the casual user or someone who's just getting started with the network.
With that in mind, about once a month I'll post a few questions from readers and contacts about LinkedIn and give the answers. Feel free to contact me if you have questions you'd liked answered. Plus, if I don't know the answer, I'll tap into my network of LinkedIn mavens to see if they can help.
LinkedIn is a shared experience and it works best when you're part of the community. I truly believe some of the questions will be ones that you have thought about too! With that, let's get started:
Question: Why should I connect with someone if they don't share their connections? What's the point?
Answer: Sharing your connections on LinkedIn is an option not a requirement. Many users want to protect their network - recruiters and sales professionals, for instance. While I'm an open connector not everyone is comfortable with that model.
For me, the point of LinkedIn is to connect in a professional environment and build relationships through interaction. If you're on LinkedIn to see your connections' network, you may be going about it the wrong way.
Question: How do I build my recommendations on LinkedIn?
Answer: There are three ways to get recommendations on LinkedIn that have worked well for me over the past several years:
1. Recommend someone first, then ask them to return the favor. If you have worked with a colleague or client and want a recommendation, write one for them. Then, in the message you send them add this: "If you are so inclined, it would mean a lot if you could write a recommendation for me as well."
2. When someone compliments you on a job well done, ask them for a LinkedIn recommendation. When I get positive feedback on a presentation, an article I have written or a client project that was successfully executed, I will often ask if the person providing the feedback will write a recommendation on LinkedIn. It highlights what I do and adds to my brand equity.
3. Think of recommendations as letters of reference. If you are leaving a company or organization on a positive note, take time to contact your direct supervisor, colleagues and other executives and ask them to recommend your work. LinkedIn recommendations can often be as important as the letter of reference, and enhance your chances of landing that next great gig.
Question: How much time do I need to spend on LinkedIn to be effective?
Answer: For the LinkedIn member who does not run a group, or manage a Company page, the average is around 30 minutes a day. This allows you enough time to answer invitations, participates in groups and be part of the community.
The caveat here is that you need to take time upfront when you are just starting out (or building your presence) on LinkedIn to fine-tune your profile, join several groups and connect with other professionals.
But, once you've done so, you can easily spend as little as 30 minutes a day on LinkedIn and you'll be able to take advantage of all that the network has to offer.
However, if you decide to use LinkedIn as part of an overall marketing program that includes social media, then you will probably need to dedicate more resources for specific campaigns and initiatives.
Final Thoughts
I have been on LinkedIn for more than 7 years and I'm still constantly learning. The fact that LinkedIn is a dynamic, ever-changing (and improving) business platform warrants continued discovery and education in its best practices.
LinkedIn is very deliberate in helping its members in understanding and using new features as they roll out, and is dedicated to making the LinkedIn experience a rewarding one.
I am very interested in receiving more of your questions on LinkedIn, so feel free to send them to me and I'll endeavor to answer them in future columns.
Want to connect on LinkedIn? Send me an invite and I'll gladly accept your invitation!
Image: Questions/Shutterstock