The use of groups on Linkedin has grown apace over the last month or so. They are really being used now for some great discussions and networking, however I have also seen some of the worst examples of discussions and network ever. Here are some…
1. Someone asks a question about a specific use of technology and asks for assistance or a response that would them understand it a little better. Discussion then gets immediately hijacked by overt consultancy hits by randoms (not a positive term in my vocab by the way) – none of which answer the question or give assistance. This is rough and the quickest way to destroy the system of the discussions. If consultancy is to be offered, how about after you have demonstrated that you can help in a deeper way, oh and do this in a direct discussion and not in the open posts of discussions.
2. Recruiter posts a solicitation for a role they have under their wing – not the best way to use Linkedin by the way, why do you not advertise normally or through the recruitment section or surgically strike through your contacts in Linkedin? – and then gets hit by a number of people stating openly that they would like to be considered, all in the cold light of day… This is really bad form ( or is it that I am too old and remember a more genteel time for recruitment that involved reading adverts and then applying or being cold called by a headhunter). Certainly if a recruiter advertises a role in this way, then pleeeaaseee take it private through direct messages.
3. Someone posts that they are available and looking for a role in such and such… Please, do not randomly blast how desperate you are out to the world – ever thought of identifying likely companies and people in them, and trying the personal approach through direct messaging.
4. A company just posts about their services or a product directly into a discussion – randomly. Hey ever thought of doing proper marketing or networking to get that connection?
These are just a few of the things I have seen and you could disagree, please do – I like the healthy discussion.
By the way, you can find me active on Linkedin via www.linkedin.com/in/iandnock
IBC has rolled round again and we will be enjoying the delights of the RAI – hot dogs and Coke Lite that are almost as expensive as Inkjet Printer Ink (that is the most expensive thing by volume on the planet I understand) – for the 14th year in a row, over the coming days starting today – 9th September and going through to the end. As for many it will be a hard work expo with quite a bit of networking with the aim of not expiring under the green bottles, and hitting those 9am and 10am meetings feeling refreshed (and not damp under rain). The weather forecast is mixed from warm days to rainy days… Amsterdam is always a little different.
