THE LOWDOWN ON... LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most popular networks for professionals to connect and share their experiences/thoughts. However, it would appear that more and more users are treating it as just another social media platform.

Having a social media presence means that I am connected with a number of students and young professionals. The thing that confuses me most, is when I see people publicising their LinkedIn and asking others to connect with them... whilst there isn't anything wrong with this approach, I don't believe that it allows the user to gain the maximum benefits from the platform and instead it becomes a contest as to how many connections you have. LinkedIn isn't about the number of connections. LinkedIn is about the professional network that you have accumulated over the years and reaching out to others that you would like to learn from or see value in being connected with.

Below I have outlined a few things to think of when you are using LinkedIn, to maintain a level of professionalism and to utilise the platform efficiently:

1. It isn't a numbers game:

I hear many people declare they have 500+ connections on LinkedIn and the reality is, this is not impressive to potential employers/professionals. Unless, of course, you have 500+ connections with people you actually engage with! Otherwise, the number of connections you have, is really not worth mentioning and could even work against you, as potential employers may ask whether you are in touch with all of those connections, and when you answer a meagre no, that can speak volumes to them.

2. Make connections that will be of benefit to you:

Following on nicely from my previous point, it is so important to only connect with people that you are wishing to benefit from. Now, I would like to emphasise that I do not mean only connect with people you would like to employ you. Or that you can use as a leg-up in your career. Connect with people that you would like advice from; connect with people that share or publish articles that interest you; connect with people only when you feel the connection is worth having and ensure you make it worth having!

3. Don't use it like any of your other social media platforms:

LinkedIn is unique in that what you post and share, could really benefit you at some point in your career. It isn't a place to discuss what you've been eating or having a rant about an extremely controversial topic. Whilst discussions on LinkedIn can be controversial at times, there is a level of professionalism that should shine through your discussions. You should always ask yourself: would you be happy with a future employer reading what you are publishing? If the answer is no, then I wouldn't hit the 'publish' button.

4. Send requests and follow up:

If you are wanting to connect with someone, then sending a note with your request, goes a long way. I have had many new LinkedIn requests since beginning my law blog, many of which are students, and I started off accepting most of them. After a while, however, I realised that very few people messaged me to explain why they wanted to connect. I am not declaring to be important enough to receive such a message, but when I have no connection to someone in the real world, it would be good to know why you want to be connected in the online world. So, I can only imagine how many other professionals must feel when students connect with them and do not follow up.

5. Share your thoughts:

Whilst I did mention in point 3 not to use LinkedIn like other social media platforms, there is definitely a space on LinkedIn for you to share and discuss topics that interest you. Once you have connected with people that inspire you, it is worth sharing your own thoughts to display what you know and that you are interested in the area you declare to be passionate about. LinkedIn is becoming more and more of a platform where you can publish articles, post videos on topics and generally just share your thoughts and opinions.

6. Be active:

You should also be active on LinkedIn and in a consistent manner. I cannot vouch to have this tip locked down as of yet, but it is incredibly helpful if you are interacting with others and active on the platform on a frequent basis. Interacting with others will boost your recognition and also show the person that you are interested in what they are doing/saying. The secret to online success is not just posting your own content, but engaging with others.

So, there you have it. My thoughts and tips on how to use LinkedIn more efficiently and to really make the most of the platform. I hope this has helped and as always, I do not claim to be a professional on the topic, it is merely my opinion :)