The Job Seeker Linkedin Connections Dilemma Quantity Or Quality

The Job Seeker LinkedIn Connections Dilemma: Quantity or Quality? In all my talking, coaching and coaching, it has to be the most well-liked question I’m asked about LinkedIn:To hyperlink or not to link?Should a job seeker go after a excessive amount of connections, or focus extra on the standard of those connections? My answer, in brief, is each. I am a strong believer and advocate that out of amount comes high quality.(Like this thought? Tweet it!) How to Connect on LinkedIn (the Right Way) Guy Kawasaki of Alltop fame says it greatest when talking about Twitter: “Nobodies are the new somebodies.” Albeit a different medium, I think that philosophy applies right here simply as nicely. LinkedIn is the premier online professional networking web site. And, simply as you'd network at a stay event, the aim must be to get to know these you don’t already know. Moreover, following Kawasaki’s logic, you shouldn’t attempt to predetermine who may help you â€"those second and third levels of separation with essentially the most random of individuals can take you places you by no means anticipated to go. It’s also essential to connect with like-minded folks. A massive variety of connections with non-networking sorts nets you “rubbish in, rubbish out.” Personally, I have used OpenNetworker to develop my community from underneath 2,000 connections to over 15,000 in just over a yr. More importantly, they are 15,000 connections who need to community. This has been instrume ntal in helping me get the word out on what I do. I don’t determine who wants to hear my message â€" I let the audience (my connections) resolve what has worth. They then make the introductions and connections accordingly. Using LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool For job seekers in particular, you have to have your message down. More importantly, your message (or, as I name it, your “Solution”) isn’t that you just’re unemployed or you’re looking for work. It’s all about the place you've constantly delivered value to employers up to now â€"portray an image picture of what you can do for a future employer. When I’m working with clients on their Solution, we get crystal clear on the issues (or pains) they clear up. Fine-tune your Solution, push it out as a transparent message, attract these in pain (i.e. those that need what you'll be able to ship) after which discover the match (interview). Parting Words Can you do that with a small, carefully knit community? Sure. But likelihood is your quick network already knows your accomplishments. Your closest community would rent you if they may. But what about these “nobodies” who could simply be the “somebodies” who lead you to your new job? You owe it to yourself to connect with them sooner quite than later. Where do you fall on the “quantity vs. quality” debate when it comes LinkedIn Connections? Share your ideas within the comments! Image Credit: Brett Farmiloe, Markitors