Is LinkedIn Still Alive?

Question

So its been a really long time since I've done anything with my Linkedin and now that I'll be getting licensed soon I figured might as well revamp it as soon as that happens and maybe put forth a tad bit more effort into it.

Is anyone still using it? Having any success with it or is it one of those things where its there so you just filled in the blanks and never did anything with it?

How about someone or somewhere that will help you create a 'professional' or 'presentable' profile like there is with Resume's which is how I kind of feel towards Linkedin ya know.

Don Konipol · Answer

I check in every week because I'm sure I am missing something.  Yet except for a few inquiries about financing, the "discussions" related to real estate, real estate investing and real estate lending seem to be a continuous never ending stream of promos and ads for exotic investments or unrealalistic financing.  Further, I get numerous requests for networking connections, usually by people trying to connect with everyone on the planet.

For every 10 promos, there is a discussion topic someone posts that receives no further discussion or postings.  If anyone does post a response, it is usually a promotion for whatever particular service is being sold.

I have heard that Linked In is great for recruiters seeking to fill executive job openings and people researching a particular business or industry.  I know nothing about how effective it is for the former, for the latter it is certainly no better then a general google search and perhaps not even that good.

One of the problems that Linked In is having is that the people most in demand for networking have stoped taking network requests.  They're probably tired of the endless stream of sales pitches, job searchers, and investment opportunity pitches.  I agree that virtual networking is great - but will this first generation open to all type platform deliver the kind of results net enthusiasts believe?  Perhaps for some in a limited way, but certainly not for the majority.

This brings forth another issue, the highly promoted theory that  social networking sites are replacing all other marketing.  While I do see the power of Facebook in promoting some personal and business services, as well as promotional power for consumer brands, I am not sure we should all abandon our other advertising and marketing media. However, if as I suspect virtual networking sites will hasten the demise of the formal multi level marketing industry (who needs to kick money "upstream" when you can make all your contacts for free online?), then a great though unintended service has resulted from the tremendous growth of these sites.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

I used to use LI more...and I agree that it is more spammy than it used to be.  There are still many quality corporate-types that are easy to reach on LI that would not be accessible otherwise.  I don't spend as much time there as I used to either.

I also think it is really primarily a resume site.  The other core value center is being able to post Q&A there and get responses that rival those on BP for selected topics.  In some cases you may even get better results there for stuff that is more related to finance or accounting topics than strictly RE advice.

Darryl Dahlen · Answer

I view LinkedIn as an online resume. Since it usually comes in first on a Google search for your/company name it can be useful for those who are looking for you.

I know some people in the tech indusstry who get job offers (legit ones) based off of their LI profile, but for those of us in real estate, I think it is better suited as a vetting tool.

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

I've found that I use it less and less.  While the core functions that I used to use are still there, I feel like the site has become a bit overrun with spammyness, and as a result, have pulled back.

Then again, I do always check someone's LI profile when doing my research.

Mark Yuschak · Answer

Hey stranger!  Long time, no talk.  :)

I have a LinkedIn account and used to be very active.  I think I have 550+ contacts, but honestly, I never really use it.  If I get a network request, I accept it if I know the person.  It never goes any further than that.  I consider it more of a database of long-lost contact's email addresses.

I can't say I've ever told a potential client or business partner "Hey, check out my LinkedIn profile to read about me."

Joel Owens · Answer

My space was bought about 5 or 6 years ago for 650 million dollars.It has lost so much value over the years that it was recently sold for about 35 million to group fronted by the singer and producer Justin Timberlake.

They supposedly have a bunch of new ideas for the site to turn it around.Only time will tell.I read the article about 1 week ago but can't find it now.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

For my fellow LI enthusiasts...It passed MySpace as the number two forum now:

LI Now Number 2...Passed MySpace

Twitter is number 4.

David Brienza · Answer

I agree LI is abit difficult to navigate and find useful info.

If you're not using LI for useful real estate networking, contacts or business help/advise, marketing your services....What do you recommend using?

Account Closed · Answer

I still use Linked-in and it has been more than a resume source for me.  I find it is probably less useful that it once was.

It has been a good way to build contacts online and off.

Nick J. · Answer

I think I'm on the same page as most everyone else then too.

I too, feel like its more of an online resume and like Josh, will check for a person when I researching something.

I think ultimately, considering it doesn't take but a few minutes to create a decent 'resume' it wouldn't be bad. Then check in every so often I guess. I think I'll do that soon.

I don't expect any leads or business to result from it but more so to have something someone can research me for.

Is LinkedIn Still Alive?

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