You know why you don’t like using LinkedIn and all of its crazy features?
Because LinkedIn takes work.
It’s not as fast and fleeting as Twitter, and it’s not fun like Facebook. You can’t just hop on, leave a snarky comment on someone’s latest photos of their cats, and log back off. You have to talk to people and connect strategically to enhance your network. LinkedIn is a tool for business rather than pleasure, and that alone makes most roll their eyes roll far back into their head. I only use LinkedIn when someone wants to connect with me, and even then I’d rather be stabbed repeatedly with a dull fork.
So how do we make it more fun?
We don’t. But we can pretend LinkedIn is much more fun! Next time you get an invitation to connect, think of it as a “friend request.” When you update your status, imagine your sharing the most amazing thing ever with your closest friends. Talking with a group? Think of it as a an exclusive clique that you’re a part of.
LinkedIn won’t become more fun immediately, but we can imagine it is much more than it is.
What do you do to make LinkedIn bearable? Do you imagine it’s more fun, do you just put up with it, or do you avoid it all together? I want to know what you do to make LinkedIn a party.
I use the Amazon.com app to update what I’m reading. Nerdy, I know, but it helps a little.
Woah! Slow down Jenna! The party’s just getting started!
You are so right! LinkedIn is hard work. It’s not much fun and as I know from my experience people are not as engaged as fro example Twitter or Facebook.
I use LinkedIn as a way to connect with people outside of Europe.
What I figured out is that on LinkedIn groups people are not really sharing insights - there you can find a lot of sales pitches. And, I do not like sales pitches in social media sites.
On the other hand, I can find likeminded people on LinkedIn to connect on other social networks - like Twitter or Facebook. So it’s a good addressbook to find people and to share personal information - and this worldwinde.
Oh Oh… so many spelling mistake
Sorry! I guess you know what I mean. Would be nice to have a function on this blog that allows you to edit your comments 
Next up, how to make a root canal seem like Mardi Gras!
I jest, but make-believe doesn’t really work for me. What does work for me is focusing on the results I expect to create from my actions, whether it’s LinkedIn or anything else. When I’m clear about what possibilities open up from the connections I’m creating, for instance, it ceases to seem like such a chore.
I honestly don’t pay it any mind, unless I get a request to connect. It’s cool to be connected to professionals and have the opportunity to find jobs, but other than that, there are other platforms for ‘fun’.
LinkedIn became more fun when I started paying attention to groups. It occurs to me that I could join or start a group that is based solely on a personal interest rather than a professional one. Or a dream job/fantasy job. I note there’s a Mystery Writers of America group, for example. What the heck, I’ll go for the cheap thrills.
Linkedin is a great tool that is easy to use. It’s like anything - you need to practise a little before gaining expertise. I use it to keep in touch with people and to research companies.
However, I have been using Twitter more these days than Linkedin.
Typo: It’s not as fast and fleeting as Twitter, and it’s {not} fun like Facebook.
I’ve been LinkedIn for a few years, Jay, and have managed to meet some very nice folks from all over the world. Folks I wouldn’t have had a chance to meet otherwise. Some have become what I’d honestly term ‘good friends’. I use FB to keep in touch with old friends and family, Twitter for news, updates and for following certain ‘characters’ :o) but LI allows you to get to know people through discussion. And there are a good number of people who are interested in sharing thoughts both professional and semi-personal. Folks who may be going through, or have gone through the same things you are going through today.
It does take effort and you do get pissed at the self promoters that flood some groups but if you look hard enough at different discussion groups you will find professionals who also like to have some fun. But it’s not really party time. After a while it’s like sitting with a group of friends in your living room sharing stories, experiences and even a few laughs. Spam seems to be the biggest problem in some groups, so much so that I set up my own group, just for creatives and under a strict anti-spam policy.
For those interested in more than just a party, I’d suggest investing the time. It’s not all hard work. Cheers, Rand
I agree Rand, LinkedIn has the potential for networking, interaction and engagement. I’ll give it another try. What’s the name of your group on LI?
I’ve found there is some good stuff on a group called Leaders and Thinkers (the manager is resolutely trying to calm down the spam so you don’t have to sift through it), Communication Arts has some really great discussions, TED: Ideas Worth Spreading is sometimes wonderful and other various writer, creative director and professional groups according to your interests. You have to create your own experience. Some are open groups so you can go in and browse around to decide if it’s the right group for you. My group is by invitation only. Do your thing and we may run into each other…
Thanks Rand!
I’ll have a look at the recommended groups. TED sounds promissing. Hope to see you again.
Best regards from Switzerland
Aldo
Yeah…a request to connect with me from a coworker yesterday reminded me that I hadn’t updated my little summary of myself since I left my last job….8 months ago.
It’s a critical tool for me as a job seeker and a great way to take my work experience beyond the resume. It’s also much easier to share. I include a link in my email signature and Twitter profile. I look at it as another opportunity to build my own brand.
The launch of LinkedIn Today has also made it a lot more interesting.