Thing 5

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being completely ignorant of online networking and 5 being a very active online networker), I would say I was a 3 and a half. Aside from Facebook, which I only use socially, I do not network online very actively.

I have a Linked In profile which has an up-to-date education and career history. I also have over 40 contacts. A recruiter in Sharlyn Lauby's article on optimising your Linked In profile suggested a person with this number of contacts uses the site every week. Hmm, I am not sure I do! Most of my contacts are people I know or have personally spoken to at least once. This would be a good time to expand my contacts beyond my immediate network. 

I think in the UK though, we seem slightly wary of people we don't know who want to 'befriend' us. Being a member of the same group on Linked In does make it easier to contact people you don't know. I have found the groups on Linked In the most worthwhile feature of the site although I am yet to join in any of the discussions.


I do like the quote from LinkedIn founder, Reid Hoffman, that Facebook is the backyard BBQ whilst LinkedIn is the office. To me, there clearly is a distinction. Yet social and professional networks do often crossover. I believe Facebook has the capability to expand in LinkedIn's direction. I have a Limited profile on Facebook which is less public to some selected friends on the site, but they really could develop this I think.


The LIS New Professional's Network looks great so I look forward to meeting people that way as well!