A recent Tweet string with @wileyccoyote inspired this post. It went something like this…
I am not currently in the job market looking for a position, but I was as recently as January 2010. I also have many (more than I can count on one hand) friends and family members in the job market. And, many more who are considering entering the job market as we speak (the mass exodus that will happen when the economy starts to shift as MANY miserable and overworked employees leave at once shocking their employers because they thought everything was A-OK is fodder for another post.)
While talking to them, I get the distinct impression that some people think of social media networking – especially LinkedIn – as a tool you use once you’ve lost or job. And, that it’s just a site you plod along with while you’re working, but don’t really engage all that much. You know – accept the occasional LinkedIn request, sign in to approve it and sign out.
The point I was trying to make with my Tweet exchange with @wileyccoyote (and she totally gets it – she’s a social media rock star with INgage Networks) is that if you wait until you’ve already lost your job then you’re missing the whole point of networking. And – it’s not just about amassing large numbers of contacts and asking them to do things for you. The point of social media networking is to learn from others (none of this is a big surprise there) but then also to be willing to teach others and ask for help when needed. It’s a quid pro quo situation and for candidates – this means that you are stronger because of your network.
You know – like the Verizon(R) guy. When a company hires you now, they have additional factors to take into consideration. How well networked are you? If you have a business problem to solve can you reach to your network to help solve that problem quickly? If the company has a need for particular expertise, might you have some contact in your network that could solve that need? Does your network see you as valuable and do they ask for your insight on important issues?
Building these types of relationships takes time and it’s very important. Start engaging with your network NOW! Not because you have to, but because you understand that your network makes you smarter, faster, and better.
Totally agree with you, Naomi. As in our Twitter exchange, I truly believe that LinkedIn is one of those extremely overlooked networking resources. Just the other day, a contact connected me to one of his contacts because he thought this gent would be a good fit for one of our open positions. Never would I have met this candidate, no matter how many searches I did on LinkedIn or other sources. People are definitely stronger because of their network.
BTW, I blushed when you dubbed me a “social media rock star.” I’m honored.
Naomi,
Great post. I use Linked IN EVERYDAY. It is a wonderful business resource as pointed out by two senior stars in the social realm both you and Courtney.
I can’t tell people how important it is to have a decent Linked IN profile and start connecting. When you need the networks, you don’t want to have to start from scratch. Thanks for all your support while I was looking this summer. You made a difference to me.
Pauline
@pbrannigan
Thanks, Pauline! I appreciate your kind thoughts. I hope you’re well and that the pups are keeping out of trouble!
Great food for thought Naomi!! I also think it’s tough, there’s a balance you have to strike. I don’t have time to participate in EVERY network that I’m a part of as often as I’d like, or as you suggest. But something is better than nothing, right? I find it particularly helpful when you can link accounts, for instance between Twitter and LinkedIn, that way your updates stay fresh and maybe even spur a conversation, with minimal effort.
@wileyccoyote is a shining example of how it’s done right!! Another one of our social media rock stars at INgage Networks is our Director of Human Resources, @LoriBurke. She was featured in a Mashable article, “7 ways to get more out of LinkedIn,” that you and your readers might find helpful, too. Feel free to connect with her for more insights!
Best,
Kathy
@KathySaenz
Thanks, Kathy! I just connected with Lori (we were trading Red Sox chat) and will definitely look for the Mashable piece.
Re: all the different social networks out there – I totally think you’re right. It’s about picking the few that matter to you and doing those well. It’s a little like dealing with social media in general, right? Hard to step away but you have to limit it otherwise it will consume you.
Naomi:
Great blog post which adds another color to the crayon box!
I too use LinkedIn daily for various means and methods of finding the most qualified candidates. What I find amazing is that if they actually used it to not only network (as you pointed out) BUT to actively L-E-A-R-N through discussions and by networking among various groups, then they might NOT actually need to find another job in the first place!
For me, LI is not about the number of connections I can rack up, it’s about the value of each of those connections. In my humble estimation, this is vital to both my professional existence and my job security.
Thanks for letting me share my two cents.
Lori
@loriburke
Hear! Hear! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Lori. I agree wholeheartedly and can’t wait to read your Mashable piece later this afternoon. Pauline is lucky to be working with so many thoughtful people at INgage Networks!
~Naomi
@naomimarr