Comments on: Serendipity, Or Why LinkedIn Really Works http://linkedintelligence.com/serendipity-or-why-linkedin-really-works/ The unofficial source for all things LinkedIn® Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:41:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kay Stout http://linkedintelligence.com/serendipity-or-why-linkedin-really-works/#comment-922 Kay Stout Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:18:12 +0000 http://linkedintelligence.com/?p=423#comment-922 Finding connections on the internet has always been somewhat of a hit/miss process. LinkedIn provides the tools necessary to professionally reconnect with colleagues and friends you've known over the years. More importantly, you can now gain access to their network and their networks network. As a career coach, I've always known that 80% of most positions are found through networking. Person-to-person and/or snail mail contacts can take weeks (or months!!). The internet has shortened the connection time and LinkedIn gets a 5 star rating from me. Finding connections on the internet has always been somewhat of a hit/miss process. LinkedIn provides the tools necessary to professionally reconnect with colleagues and friends you’ve known over the years. More importantly, you can now gain access to their network and their networks network. As a career coach, I’ve always known that 80% of most positions are found through networking. Person-to-person and/or snail mail contacts can take weeks (or months!!). The internet has shortened the connection time and LinkedIn gets a 5 star rating from me.

]]> By: How LinkedIn helps you strengthen your network, even by chance « Learning to network http://linkedintelligence.com/serendipity-or-why-linkedin-really-works/#comment-921 How LinkedIn helps you strengthen your network, even by chance « Learning to network Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:09:05 +0000 http://linkedintelligence.com/?p=423#comment-921 [...] How LinkedIn helps you strengthen your network, even by chance Filed under: LinkedIn, Manage my network, Web 2.0 — artemgy @ 4:08 am Scott Allen recently wrote about the way he likes LinkedIn because it helps him make fortunate discoveries by accident - Serendipity, Or Why LinkedIn Really Works [...] [...] How LinkedIn helps you strengthen your network, even by chance Filed under: LinkedIn, Manage my network, Web 2.0 — artemgy @ 4:08 am Scott Allen recently wrote about the way he likes LinkedIn because it helps him make fortunate discoveries by accident – Serendipity, Or Why LinkedIn Really Works [...]

]]> By: Arthur M. Gallagher http://linkedintelligence.com/serendipity-or-why-linkedin-really-works/#comment-920 Arthur M. Gallagher Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:07:44 +0000 http://linkedintelligence.com/?p=423#comment-920 Scott, I could not agree more about the way "chance" discoveries help me strengthen my network. And I think this is one of the great reasons to maintain a quality network of trusted business colleagues, rather than casually connecting with open-networking link seekers. I feel I get a great deal of value for the time I spend "casually browsing" my own extended network. When I successfully connect to someone, I find it's useful to peruse those people they have brought me as new second degree connections. And it's often interesting to note who is adding new connections and occasionally who they are. Its not just that I can develop a better understanding of the industries and markets (my current ones, and others). I actually develop a better understanding of who I know out there, what they are up to and how we are intertwined. Its like being able to see the wiring under the covers, and realising how it all comes together. And of course spending time nurturing my network can only help it grow - in strength as well as numbers. Cheers Arthur Scott,

I could not agree more about the way “chance” discoveries help me strengthen my network. And I think this is one of the great reasons to maintain a quality network of trusted business colleagues, rather than casually connecting with open-networking link seekers.

I feel I get a great deal of value for the time I spend “casually browsing” my own extended network. When I successfully connect to someone, I find it’s useful to peruse those people they have brought me as new second degree connections. And it’s often interesting to note who is adding new connections and occasionally who they are.

Its not just that I can develop a better understanding of the industries and markets (my current ones, and others). I actually develop a better understanding of who I know out there, what they are up to and how we are intertwined. Its like being able to see the wiring under the covers, and realising how it all comes together.

And of course spending time nurturing my network can only help it grow – in strength as well as numbers.

Cheers
Arthur

]]> By: Ed Callahan http://linkedintelligence.com/serendipity-or-why-linkedin-really-works/#comment-919 Ed Callahan Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:47:47 +0000 http://linkedintelligence.com/?p=423#comment-919 Serendipity happens at every stage of using LinkedIn - in fact, its serendipity that leads you from stage to stage. My phase #1 would be like everyone else's - I;ll join, after all, it's free; what is this going to lead to? Will LI start spamming my friends? Phase #2 was growing my network and realizing that it was a great way to stay in touch with my extended business network. Phase #3 is realizing LI is perhaps the best business development tool available. With a sizable network there aren't many companies I can't find a connection in - even if its 3rd degree, as long as the person has shown themselves to be a major user I can Inmail and get a response. It also a tool which enables us all to take advantage of the 'wisdom of crowds" (Q&A feature). And when it comes to "networking for life" it is always true that you "give to get" and the private messaging capabilities is turning into a wonderful way to make virtual introductions. And what better way to establish my digital brand? As an individual and a consultant. That said, its clear I am a fan. I am experimenting with the other options. I now have accounts on Facebook, Ryze, Ecadamy, Spock and Xing. Regarding multiple accounts - "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" - different philosophies on different networks? Trusted relationships on LinkedIn and perhaps open networking on Ryze or one of the others. Business digital brand on LI and personal brand on Facebook. Ed www.linkedin.com/in/edcallahansprofile Serendipity happens at every stage of using LinkedIn – in fact, its serendipity that leads you from stage to stage.

My phase #1 would be like everyone else’s – I;ll join, after all, it’s free; what is this going to lead to? Will LI start spamming my friends?
Phase #2 was growing my network and realizing that it was a great way to stay in touch with my extended business network.
Phase #3 is realizing LI is perhaps the best business development tool available. With a sizable network there aren’t many companies I can’t find a connection in – even if its 3rd degree, as long as the person has shown themselves to be a major user I can Inmail and get a response. It also a tool which enables us all to take advantage of the ‘wisdom of crowds” (Q&A feature). And when it comes to “networking for life” it is always true that you “give to get” and the private messaging capabilities is turning into a wonderful way to make virtual introductions. And what better way to establish my digital brand? As an individual and a consultant.

That said, its clear I am a fan. I am experimenting with the other options. I now have accounts on Facebook, Ryze, Ecadamy, Spock and Xing.
Regarding multiple accounts – “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – different philosophies on different networks? Trusted relationships on LinkedIn and perhaps open networking on Ryze or one of the others. Business digital brand on LI and personal brand on Facebook.

Ed
http://www.linkedin.com/in/edcallahansprofile

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