Linked In

[944fan]

I was just wondering what the etiquette on Linked In is. I was recently promoted at work to a manager and the other managers and directors all use linked in. I've created an account but I am unsure about adding people to my network.

If I go out and see a customer and they give me their business card is it then ok to add them on linked in? Or will I look like a tt?

[oldbanger]

I use linked in and only have former work colleagues and professional friends in my network. My current employer encourages the use of it, but most people who work there anonymise their accounts (don't really understand why as why use linked in other than to advertise yourself?) so I have no idea how to find the ones I know. Generally though I think people do have their clients in their network but then you are advertising those clients - if that's commercially sensitive information, then maybe you need to think twice.

[bogie]

it is what you make of it - most of my colleagues are on it, we are all linked, hundreds of customers and industry contacts, im in about a dozen industry related tech groups

up to really what you do with it....of course, stay away from spamming people

[TurricanII]

I thought the categories when sending an invite were pretty clear, either 'have done business with' or 'have worked with'. Not been on for a while though.. What really stood was when people send an invite claiming to have done business with me when they have not.

[944fan]

Good point about advertising who my clients are. Some are sensitive and I wouldn't add those but for the most it isn't a secret who we work with so that should be fine.

I guess I'll add a few and see who responds.

[Rooster]

I find linked in extremely useful especially with networking and keeping in touch with old colleagues.

[SteveS Cup]

I'm a recruiter so LinkedIn is my dream tool!

You can hide your connections so people can't see your clients etc.

I've been using it for years and I've created a lot of business from it. I've also been approached about many interesting opportunities including my current role, I keep in contact with a lot of ex colleagues and I also keep up to date on market trends, who's hiring etc.

Brilliant tool for me.

It depends what you want from it though.

Don't be shy about connecting with people. If there is a reason to connect and the receiver of the invite sees the benefit then why wouldn't they connect!?

It's a networking tool at the end of the day, you wouldn't go to a networking event and not talk to anyone!

[Puggit]

swerni said:

944fan said:

Good point about advertising who my clients are. Some are sensitive and I wouldn't add those but for the most it isn't a secret who we work with so that should be fine.

I guess I'll add a few and see who responds.

I wouldn't be so paranoid.

I've over 500 contacts on mine.
No one knows who are customers who are friends or ex colleagues or ex customers

You were my customer

[turbobloke]

This may be of interest to those PHers on LinkedIn.

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[muffinmenace]

http://leakedin.org/

[mrmr96]

muffinmenace said:

http://leakedin.org/

Do we trust that site? If they don't have your password... then you're HANDING IT OVER!!!

[Hoofy]

"Your password was leaked and cracked. Sorry, friend."

"password" was what I entered.

[thetapeworm]

mrmr96 said:

muffinmenace said:

http://leakedin.org/

Do we trust that site? If they don't have your password... then you're HANDING IT OVER!!!

The code suggests it just uses JavaScript to display the results on your screen, it doesn't take anything away, process it and send it back, it's all done locally. Seems safe enough.

[Hoofy]

According to another thread which linked to another website, they send the hash thing off to compare it to the pwd list. I can't seem to find the link, though.

[Edinburger]

I agree with most of you. I have a basic LinkedIn profile and over 500 contacts who are colleagues (former and current), clients, friends and various business associates. I find the groups very helpful too.

In response to the recruitnent guy - I cant help thinking you lot are spoiling LinkedIn with calls about every vacancy in my industry or even worse the "do you know anyone who may be interested" calls!