Using LinkedIn, Part Five

Searching for a job?

First, check out the LinkedIn Job board. Many companies are beginning to post and use LinkedIn. Members are usually more professional than typical social groups. Also, LinkedIn appears to have aggregation capability from other boards.

Second, your groups might also have job postings. Here there is already some similarities with members, so the risk is less than a general population.

Third, after you have gone through Jobprenurshipä training, use your value proposition, brand, and communication message to focus on your targeted companies by searching through LinkedIn via company searches to find influencers, trusted advisors, and decision makers who might be interested in you. Also, look for those who recently worked in the company to obtain insights and connections that could be invaluable. This is invaluable when researching companies.

While you are networking and participating in groups, “pay it forward” by helping others. That will continue improving your brand and extend your network as someone who might be trustworthy.

One final word about LinkedIn, this is an incredible tool but only a tool. The ultimate purpose is not to replace face-to-face meetings. It is to help increase your productivity in getting face-to-face meetings where you can utilize the Jobpreneurshipä methodology of developing trusted networks, extending your brand in your community, and obtaining referrals.

Hiring decisions and larger cost buying decisions don’t happen merely through the internet. The risks are too high. You will need to still meet and greet, interview, and get friends to help you. You will need to get involved in associations or networking groups. You will need to pay it forward to help others. But intelligently using LinkedIn is a competitive advantage.