Is LinkedIn Worth It?

Do you have a LinkedIn profile?

Are you really doing anything with it?

If you’re like most people, the answer to that is no.

We can only devote so much time and attention spread across various social media sites. Something’s gotta give. Some sites we personally click with more than others. The way I look at it, you’re better off working with the ones you like.

It’s no secret I love Twitter and barely tolerate Facebook or LinkedIn. I still enjoy having whatever reach and influence I can muster on those other sites, but most of my energy goes into Twitter. There have been times when I’ve even considered just getting rid of any social media profiles on services I don’t love.

However, I think that would be short-sighted. I’m expected to know a thing or two about these sites and so use them even though I’d never claim to have any credibility with using them for marketing (I do feel comfortable saying that about myself regarding Twitter).

But back to LinkedIn.

Here’s a couple thoughts to get the ball rolling, here (because for this I’m essentially going to place this in your hands):

LinkedIn is great if your clientele is businesses which are big enough to have employees.
LinkedIn is great if you’re employed rather than an entrepreneur.
LinkedIn is great if you’re a freelancer, due to its powerful recommendation feature.
LinkedIn is not so hot if your idea of marketing is having a good time and posting stuff that’s humorous or casual.
LinkedIn isn’t so great if you’re not looking for a job or to hire someone.

I could be totally wrong on these, but these are my impressions of LinkedIn. I have the feeling I’m not alone in this. Like any social media service, you get out of it what you put into it. There are some folks out there suggesting LinkedIn is a virtual goldmine of leads and contacts if you know how to work it. Maybe they’re right.

So here’s my question for you: what do YOU think of LinkedIn? Anybody who knows more about this than me is welcome to share their thoughts, experiences, tips and warnings. If you or anyone you know is particularly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about LinkedIn and would like to write a guest post on it here at Remarkablogger, please let me know.

Filed Under: Blogging

http://www.GoPetFriendly.com/ Rod

Your castigation of LinkedIn is so over-generalized, it's not worth writing more than I've already written.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  If I wanted to castigate LinkedIn I wouldn't be asking everyone for their
  
  input about it, would I? I would just pass judgement and that would be the
  
  end of it. What I'm saying on this post is: “tell me what I'm missing so we
  
  can all benefit.” So if you have something worthwhile to bring to the
  
  conversation, we'd all love to hear it. Has LinkedIn been beneficial to you?
  
  How do you get the most out of it?
http://www.dcfemella.com dcfemella

I really like LinkedIn now. I've made some great connections on there. Back in the day, I would have thought it was a waste of time, but now they have added Groups, Company Pages, and more interactivity that it really is a great resource, especially if you have a B2B company. The problem is that many people only use 10% of what LinkedIn has to offer. I'd love to learn more about writing a guest post about it.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Yeah see it's interesting that you say people only use 10% of it. Why is
  
  that? How is LinkedIn always in 3rd place? As I mention in my post, some
  
  people really get a lot out of it. I haven't seen anything super-compelling
  
  to me that makes me want to put more effort into it yet. Thanks so much for
  
  your comment!
  - http://www.dcfemella.com dcfemella
    
    I'm not sure if the number is actually 10%, but I know the majority of the people I come across, have a LinkedIn profile, but that's it. They don't connect with anyone, don't participate in groups, have no applications, etc. I had one guy say that LinkedIn is only for people he has worked with. It might work for him, but then what is the point? You might as well stick with Facebook if that's the case.
    
    I think that if you connect with the right people, then LinkedIn is a valuable service. In the end, it's all about relationships.
    - http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
      
      You're right it IS about the relationships and tools are just a means to
      
      that end. And in the end, the tools don't really matter.
      - Jamie
        
        You’re right; LinkedIn is all about people & relationships – but the tools can only be deemed useless if you don’t use them…surely everything you dont use can be described as “useless” for you? If you take the time to look at the tools offered by LinkedIn e.g. the analytics information which shows you info about the number of, and the type of, people who are viewing specific parts of your business page (which you should definitely have!). This information gives you the information you need about the kind of people who are looking to use your business’ products or services – you’ll often find that these results surprise you! Social networking is just like any other form of marketing & brand awareness activity; the benefits you recieve from using it reflects amount of time and thought invested into it.
http://www.thenorthernedge.ca CMColeman

There are two features of LinkedIn that I find value in – Groups and Answers.

In Groups, I am a part of about 20 groups, 5 of which are active, and 2 or 3 that I find value in connecting with my peers. To me, it's much the same as what a forum community may provide, with a bit of a different flavor.

In Answers, I have an opportunity to be educated by experts on a range of subjects, but more importantly, I have the opportunity to connect with my target market. Almost every time I've answered a question, I've had follow-ups from either the original poster, or others reading the thread. IN being able to provide an answer (like on Quora) I am able to showcase my expertise in a non-markety (I know that's not a word) way.

All being said though, I tend to focus on Twitter and Facebook in my regular social media marketing efforts – simply due to allocation of time. I phase in an out of LinkedIn – not the best strategy, I know, but once again, it comes down to how much time I'm willing to invest “in” social media, as opposed to working with my clients.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I've spent some time in the
  
  questions part of it and it was really spammy so I sorta dropped it. Perhaps
  
  it's time to revisit that.
- http://groupon.comclone.com groupon clone script
  
  Good Stuff CM! I like your experience. thanks for the sharing with us…
Lindsay S

I love your site and think you're awesome! But…so super wrong about LinkedIn. It is a wonderful resource for entrepreneurs and for people who are considering entrepreneurship. It's a wonderful break from the crazy talk on Facebook and Twitter and it's fun to find people in your professional network who you don't want/need to be friends with.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Thanks Lindsay! To be clear, I KNOW my impressions of LinkedIn are wrong.
  
  What I want to know is how are they wrong? Because I know I'm not the only
  
  one who needs to be set straight on LinkedIn. So I figured I could tap into
  
  the collective wisdom of my audience and find out! I knew you wouldn't
  
  disappoint me. The comments have been great, so far.
  
  I really like your point about LinkedIn being a break from the “crazy talk”
  
  on Facebook and Twitter (and that's a great way to put it, too). There is
  
  real value in that.
http://twitter.com/ThomasClifford Thomas Clifford

Here's my “secret sauce” for LinkedIn: use the “Advanced Search” feature.

Of course, the advanced search function is only as good as your number of connections. The more connections, the better your search results.

The LinkedIn formula I teach others is simple:
1. Create a great, complete profile.
2. Connect with people.
3. Use the advanced search tool to find what you need.

Think of it as your “personal google network.”

LinkedIn demystified.
http://twitter.com/ictadviser Martin Walsh

I had an almost 'empty' LinkedIn account for a couple of years then last month a friend suggested the LinkedIn groups for WordPress were pretty good. Having put a little time into developing my LinkedIn profile and joining some WordPress Groups I can confirm so far that they seem relevant to my work, I've received some good responses, and generally quite spam free. So I guess I agree with you, you can get something out of LinkedIn but it isn't high on my daily routine. (Keep up the great posts!)
miriamgomberg

I have had a LinkedIn account for about 3 years now and after opening it, I didn't look at it again. Recently, I took an MBA class at the University of Nevada Reno on Personal Branding and discovered how useful LinkedIn can be.

The professor had us join several groups and start discussions in them. Some of them started some great conversations within a community. The best group I am part of is the Sales Playbook, which is an extremely active site. I am grateful that Dr. Simmons had me look again at LinkedIn as I am now a regular reader and contributor on it. Miriam
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  That is such a great “before and after” story, Miriam, thanks so much for
  
  sharing!
http://kikolani.com/ Kristi Hines

I wrote a post awhile back about the benefits of LinkedIn for bloggers (http://kikolani.com/linkedin-f… I think it can be worth it, depending on your niche and how active they are on the network, especially in the groups.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Feel free to link to it. If your comment goes into moderation, don't worry,
  
  I'll approve it.
Jennifer M.

Just had the same conversation with an associate who trains companies on how to better utilize LinkedIn. Like any social media tool, its only beneficial to users willing to engage their audience.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Yeah and it's a bit of “apples vs oranges” trying to compare it to other
  
  social networks, too. Completely different features between LinkedIn and
  
  Twitter.
http://twitter.com/thecopycorner Laura R. Espinosa

Just to pre-requisite a few facts about me:
–I'm an entrepreneur but a freelancer
–I'm not looking for a job or to hire someone
–I do keep the swearing and the potty humor out of Linkedin, but it doesn't mean my marketing is dry.
–My clientele are business owners, but I don't necessarily look at the number of employees they have

So, that being said, I'll try and tackle your discussion question, Michael.

I'm on all social networks, and part of that is because different networks give me access to different kinds of people. I equate Facebook to socializing over a family BBQ, and Twitter to the popular bar analogy. Linkedin is equivalent to going to a networking brunch to me. Or a casual mastermind meeting with other business owners. I go into the groups I've joined, start or participate in discussions, and out of those–either people click with me or I find people whose comments I like and whose thoughts I agree with. If they're exceptional, I follow up and ask them to connect, then get to know them either through Skype, email, or if they're in person, I go out for coffee with them. And now I have someone in my network who I can say “yes we've talked a lot” “yes, his integrity is sound” and “yes, I would totally recommend him for ABC services.”

That's one way I use Linkedin; to expand my network of kickass awesome people so incase I need someone for something, I already know them. Cause sometimes people just don't like Facebook. Or just don't like Twitter because the medium doesn't fit their persona. It doesn't mean they're not a badass person in real life. And I just want to find badass people.

Another fun thing about Linkedin that I love is their contact address book, because it lets me custom tag my connections into categories like “washington state business owners” or “people that love swear words in their emails” or some other way to group people, so when I send messages to them, they're always tailored. It's like having my own mini email list (without abusing it).

Linkedin is also great when trying to find local professionals and business owners. It's like a mini yellow pages. I've had quite a few local people find me on Linkedin through a mutual connection, and we've gone out for coffee and talked about business partnerships together.

So those are a couple of crazy, non sleazy things that Linkedin can do. Hope that fuels your brain!
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Laura, it very much does, thanks! Great ideeas.
- http://thecaffeinatedblog.typepad.com/ Kari Rippetoe
  
  This totally makes sense to me and is how I use LinkedIn as well. @twitter-14034192:disqus also made a good point about Advanced Search – I use this extensively as a sort of “yellow pages” too.
  
  Since LinkedIn has introduced better sharing features, I have found that an increased amount of LinkedIn traffic is referred to our company website and blog through linkedin.com/share. This is so valuable for content marketing because it goes to show that business-related content isn't just shared through Twitter AND people are actually paying attention to content shared through LinkedIn.
  
  I've also had a very positive experience with Groups. If I have a particular business-related problem and ask a question about it via Twitter, it's actually quite difficult to get any meaningful answers *even though most of my followers are in the same industry*. I think this comes down to the fact that Twitter can be very noisy and it can be difficult to make yourself heard over all that. If I post my question to relevant groups on LinkedIn, though, not only do I actually get answers but they're exponentially better than what I may have gotten on Twitter.
  
  So, I think it all comes down to being able to leverage LinkedIn's features and the power of your network in the best possible ways (not just when you're looking for a job). Complete your profile. Make use of apps. Join and participate in groups. Share content. Expand your network beyond just the people you work with (otherwise, what's the point?).
  - http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
    
    Kari, thanks for sharing your experiences and information with us. Very
    
    useful stuff.
The_Schmittster

Hey, I don't think you're that wrong about LinkedIn.

For me it's of use because I'm constantly looking for work, but if I weren't I doubt it would be of much use.

It's much more difficult to connect with people than say Twitter, which I guess is a large part of the point of social media, but then maybe I'm using it wrong too.

On the plus side, it puts me in touch with potential clients and gives me an online resume I can show off.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  “On the plus side, it puts me in touch with potential clients and gives me
  
  an online resume I can show off.” <– Well, there ya go, then. It seems
  
  to have something for everyone.
http://how2runfast.com/ Mike LaChapelle

LinkedIn is definitely worth it. I've helped friends get jobs through connections on LinkedIn and it's helped me increase my visibility in my industry. I've blogged about LinkedIn here:

http://blog.timesunion.com/suc…
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Awesome, Mike, thanks for that resource!
http://www.mywholehouse.com Do Mi Stauber

I have not used LinkedIn much because it has no provision for people who are not just one thing. I am a freelance indexer; I am also an artist, a musician, and a teacher/coach. In Barbara Sher's parlance, I'm a scanner. I want to connect with people in all of those roles, and LinkedIn forces me to choose one. Has anyone found a way to work around this?
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Not that I know of, but if anybody would have ideas about that it would be
  
  Emilie from http://puttylike.com
  - Lyonsden10
    
    I found that issue as well. Right now, I’m battling a chronic illness, so had to stop all my work endeavors and even, sadly, took all my sites down. I never paid much attention to LinkedIn either and didn’t really get it.
    
    But recently, I realized it will be an amazing resource if and when I can work again. I worked as a technical writer for my day job, but was also an author, podcaster, and advocate for women’s health information. I didn’t like having multiple LinkedIn accounts. So I merged them.
    
    It wouldn’t bother me to write my profile title for both fields. I also don’t mind putting both types of experience in there. There seems to be plenty of flexibility in that area. For instance, I wrote a book on tech writing and listed that, and also wrote a book on women’s health and listed that. I actually love being so eclectic as it broadens my network and may lead people to exploring areas they wouldn’t normally access.
    - http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
      
      Yes, it sounds like LinkedIn would be great for you, go for it! I actually
      deleted my LinkedIn account yesterday and have been really liking Google+,
      which is not career-focused.
http://how2runfast.com/ Mike LaChapelle

LinkedIn isn't just a static electronic “resume”. If you are a “scanner” with multiple interests, like Do Mi Stauber, you can still use LinkedIn to stay in touch with people you have worked with before (and who might be interested in hiring you again), share what you are working on, where you will be through TripIt, and integrate LinkedIn with your social media (Twitter, blog posts, etc.). You can join groups focused on your interests and answer questions that highlight your expertise.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Great ideas, Mike, thanks!
- http://www.mywholehouse.com Do Mi Stauber
  
  Thanks, Mike. But you still have to identify yourself by one profession and one “employer.” That's where I get stuck.
  - http://how2runfast.com/ Mike LaChapelle
    
    You can call yourself whatever you want. I do know several people who have
    
    multiple LinkedIn profiles, but I don't think that is the solution.
    
    Michael Martime, for all his protests about LinkedIn, has a better profile
    
    than 99% of the folks out there and one that is a good example for people
    
    who have multiple interests.
    
    His LinkedIn “headline” is “Helping Business Attract, Engage, and Sell via
    
    Blogging”. Not a bad description. http://www.linkedin.com/in/mic…
    - http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
      
      I just don't take the time to actively engage on LinkedIn. I cross-post
      
      stuff to it once in a while and that's about it.
  - http://www.bethrobinson.me/ Beth Robinson
    
    Not really. Include all your “identities” as current
http://www.bethrobinson.me/ Beth Robinson

I was always awful at keeping business cards and even worse at keeping in touch when people changed jobs and contact information. My first and still most beloved use of LinkedIn is as a self-updating address book.

And it's self-updating with background info. On Twitter I can't tell what people used to do unless they have a website link where they've put all that information, and many people don't.

I do view it more as a relationship starter (being able to easily find new people in certain business areas is good) or touchpoint and not so much as a relationship builder. I agree that Twitter and Facebook are better for that in many instances, even with LinkedIn groups.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  That's brilliant, Beth! Thanks for sharing. I never thought of LinkedIn that
  
  way.
Ana T

Similar to Michael, I adore Twitter, neutral about Facebook and I just can't get into LinkedIn at all.

I think it just feels phoney because everyone is there to help their job prospects rather than because they enjoy it.

I also worry about the number of people who plug LinkedIn saying you need to have your photo and lots of details about your life on there to make the best of this social media. However, I feel sceptical about having too many details and a photo together on-line. I want to emphasise, that I am not paranoid. However, you do hear horror stories from time to time and I think you do need to be careful with your on-line information.

I realise there are pluses to having a LinkedIn account and some people love this application. However, I can only wonder why can't we go back to the days when you only needed a paper CV rather than a paper CV and an on-line CV? Why are we making more work for ourselves when job-hunting?
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Thanks for sharing your views, Ana. I've noticed that the questions feature
  
  of LinkedIn feels phony because people are asking “questions” that are
  
  blatantly self-serving and often just plain ridiculous. However if you can
  
  ignore that and answer the honest questions in your field of expertise,
  
  people do notice because after a while you've racked up a string of “best
  
  answer” votes, which is pretty cool.
  
  I've never heard of anyone having problems from their information being on
  
  LinkedIn, but Facebook safety is regularly in the news.
http://twitter.com/whoopiepiesuk Whoopie Pies UK

So many other businesses have invited us to join LinkedIn, but we are a relatively new company with no employees as yet, so would you say that LinkedIn is of no benefit to us yet? Thanks
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Well if you wanted to hire employees, LinkedIn would be great for meeting potential hires.
Russ Knight

I make no apology for my love of LinkedIn.

As someone who is in sales and is passionate about helping job seekers, it’s the perfect tool for me. Here are a few of my favorite uses:
1. Connect job seekers with people in my professional network.
2. Stay connected to my network, even when they change companies, location, etc.
3. Learning about job openings before HR knows the job is open (to pass to my job seeker friends.)
4. Finding the RIGHT contact within an organization. Jigsaw can help with that, but Linkedin is my first choice to start.
5. By offering to train others (sales teams of my prospective clients) I can give value first, which I believe is important.

I maintain seperate identities on facebook vs. LinkedIn, same me, but I’m goofy on facebook in a way I never am on LI. Twitter is my enigma still. I am present – sort of – but it’s not my first choice. I selectively tweet my LinkedIn updates but seldom go to Twitter directly.
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Looks like you got your plan all figured out there, Russ. Excellent and best of luck to you! I’m sure LinkedIn will be very worth it for you.
http://www.nicecarvings.com Melissa Jones

I searched “is Linkedin” and Google added the “worth it” so I clicked it and this blog post was in the top spot. Some interesting information here in the comments. I’m currently trying to broaden my business networking through social media, or any kind of networking that can be effective. My question about Linkedin is cost? Is the free version even worth it, or do you need to go right to the subscription levels? Are there any good articles out there about using Linkedin to it’s full potential? Thank you for your time. Great Blog!
- http://remarkablogger.com Michael Martine
  
  Ahh… the power of SEO!
  
  From everything I know the free version of LinkedIn offers tremendous value if you’re a good fit for it. Only after you’ve taken a good look at it and understand what the paid version offers would you really be able to make that decision.
  - http://www.nicecarvings.com Melissa Jones
    
    Haha thanks Michael! So I went ahead and started complete my profile there. It seems pretty neat! Once I got a good start I just used a tool they have that invites your contacts from your email program and wallah! I have like 40 connections already
    
    I might not have started with LinkedIn if I had not come across your blog post.
Edwina Dejesus

blatantly self-serving and often just plain ridiculous. Back in the day, I would have thought it was a waste of time, but now they have added Groups, Company Pages, and more interactivity that it really is a great resource, especially if you have a B2B company. So I guess I agree with you, you can get something out of LinkedIn but it isn’t high on my daily routine. Awesome, Mike, thanks for that resource!