Social networking (using social media to interact and share information) isn’t just about finding posted jobs…it is about building relationships. Your job search requires you to do more than just apply for jobs online. Learning how to use social networking sites will help your long-term strategy – by creating new relationships to open doors now […]
The post Add Social Networking to Your Job Searching Portfolio appeared first on Career Sherpa.
You built an awesome LinkedIn profile, but no one is contacting you. The secret is in sharing status updates that appeal to your network and potential employers. What kind of status updates should a job seeker post on LinkedIn?
The post 10 LinkedIn Post Ideas For Job Seekers appeared first on Career Sherpa.
Informational interviews are an essential part of a successful job search. Not sure what you need to do? Marcy Twete, author of You Know Everybody! A Career Girl's Guide to Building a Network That Works, offers some great tips for nailing your next informational interview.
"The good news is, most people will want to help someone new to the business world," says Twete. "The bad news is, people are busy!"
When you reach out to a potential networking connection, be respectful of his or her time by providing more than just a handful of dates you might be available to meet.
Instead, offer to come to their office or a coffee shop near them, even if it requires a long drive or a train ride on your part. Or ask for a quick 15-minute phone call.
"Someone is much more apt to give you 15 minutes on the phone than an hour in person," says Twete. "If you come to the table with great questions on that call, they'll be more likely to want to meet you and mentor you."
A virtual informational interview is another great option, especially if the company's employees are remote.
"No one wants to dedicate an hour to a meeting and spend the first 20 minutes talking about things you could learn from a LinkedIn profile," says Twete.
Come with questions that are pertinent to that individual's background and be curious about how that relates to your own potential career path.
Not only will it make you feel more confident, but it can give you topic ideas. Twete suggests finding the answers to these questions before you meet with someone:
"When a college student or recent graduate meets me armed with great questions and it's clear she has done her research, that's when I'm ready to open my network and help her grow," she says.
"Your online persona introduces you to anyone you're meeting well before you do," says Twete.
In this day and age, you should expect to be googled by employers, recruiters, and other professionals, especially if you're meeting with them.
Make sure your social media profiles are either private or 100% appropriate for business consumption. The last thing you want to do is show off that infamous picture from Spring Break 2010. Not a good look.
In addition to managing your social media presence, consider creating an online portfolio with a .com in your name. Start a blog. Upload your portfolio. Showcase your personal branding statement. This will help you control your online reputation and make you look super professional.
Nothing can help your job search quite like an informational interview. By following the tips above, your informational interview will surely be a success!
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
The job search process is always evolving.
It's not about going to the job boards, finding the job opening you like, and then applying for it. That method will only have you waiting by the phone for a call that's likely not going to happen. Today's job seekers need to take a more proactive and interactive approach called professional networkingâand LinkedIn is a resource to help you do that.
Creating a strong LinkedIn profile will help you get in front of the right contacts (recruiters, hiring managers, professionals in the field, etc.) who can lead you to your next job opportunity. However, in order for that to happen, you need a LinkedIn profile that communicates and displays the right information.
Take a look at the LinkedIn profile checklist below to learn how to optimize and use your LinkedIn profile effectively.
1. Make Sure You Have An Appropriate Headline
The headline is what shows up for your LinkedIn profile when it comes up in search results. It's also what shows up when others look at you through their contacts' connections. By default, your LinkedIn headline reads your current job title and employer, but if you want to grab the attention of others it should say more than that. Think about keywords and highlighting your greatest skill sets.
2. Display Professionalism In Your Profile Photo
A LinkedIn profile that includes a headshot photo is more likely to be clicked on than a profile without a photo. In selecting your profile photo, go with a headshot that makes you look professional and approachable.
3. Personalize Your LinkedIn URL
Whether you choose to include your LinkedIn profile on your resume or in your email signature, personalize the URL. It'll come off as more professional and memorable. Example: www.linkedin.com/yourname or www.linkedin.com/yourname-professionalkeyword.
1. Offer Your Value Statement In The "About" (Summary) Section
The "About" section on your LinkedIn profile should summarize what you have to offer and how that translates to value for the potential employer. This is where you'll include your personal branding statement. It should also contain a list of your key skill sets. Never write in the third person on your LinkedIn profile unless you want to come off as pretentious.
2. Make Your Work Experience Keyword-Rich
In your "Experience" section on your LinkedIn profile, use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and quantify your work experience. Think about relevant keywords to include naturally in your writing. The more keyword-rich your profile is, the more likely it'll show up in search results. It's also important to make sure the information you include in your "Experience" section on your LinkedIn profile matches the information in the "Work History" section on your resume, so you don't confuse recruiters and hiring managers.
3. Get Endorsed For The Right Skills And Expertise
Review the "Skills and Expertise" section to prioritize what's important. When you do that, your contacts are more likely to endorse you for the right skills, which in turn shows recruiters and hiring managers you have what they are looking for. What you want to avoid is including skills and expertise that don't relate to the jobs you're applying for or your profession. That will simply dilute your overall message, including your personal brand.
1. Don't Let Your Education Give Away Your Age
Your education, which can include specialized training and certifications received, adds value to your qualifications. When listing the information, take caution with dates. It's not necessary to indicate when you received your degree from collegeâthat can give away your age in some cases. Also don't include anything that may be too dated. You want to show you hold current, relevant skills that are valuable to the profession, not irrelevant expertise.
2. Join Relevant Groups
LinkedIn offers a diverse selection of Groups that you can (and should) joinâprofessional associations, industry groups, alumni groups, etc. If they're relevant to your profession or skills needed for the job, share their badge on your profile. It helps hiring managers and recruiters see that you're connected and active in networks that are important. You can also benefit by taking things a step further with LinkedIn Groups, like participating in discussions and sharing interesting articles to get your name out there. Many hiring managers and recruiters will look at discussions in relevant groups to pull out potential candidates for job openings they have available.
3. Make Your Profile Public
LinkedIn profiles that are made public allow others to view your information whether you're connected with them or not. This option is best when you're a job seeker.
Every professionalânot just job seekersâshould learn how to optimize their LinkedIn profile. Follow the steps above to build a strong LinkedIn profile today for job search and career success!
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
As a former hiring manager in several consulting firms, I often wondered if candidates were cognizant of the impression they made on employers. Even small things, such as the frown displayed by an applicant upon arriving at an interview, or the worn-out jeans of an applicant in a roomful of suits, gave me pause as I worked to screen candidates.
Ironically, many of the problems I spotted could have easily been fixed by taking care of seemingly minor issues. In some cases, these corrections would have made the difference between hiring the job candidate and taking a pass on the applicant!
Here are 10 âlittle" things that make a big difference to hiring managers in the interview process:
Yes, recruiters and hiring managers will be checking out your LinkedIn presence and verifying that your Facebook and Instagram activity is not violating their corporate policies. But have you stopped to think about your tweets or the content you're creating on TikTok?
Even the most realistic employer will need to assess your liability as a potential new hire. Therefore, your online activity must be sufficiently toned down and presentable to a potential companyâlong before you enter the job market.
If you've kept up a website on your middle-of-the-night gaming habit or constantly tweet your distaste for political candidates, these items can offend hiring managersâand cause them to rethink bringing you in for an interview.
Struggling to hide employment gaps in your work history on your resume? Failing to mention that new job you just took (that isn't working out)? White lies or sins of omission on your resume and in your interviews will come back to haunt you in more than one way.
If interviewers don't catch lies during the resume screening process, there's still a chance that your background check will reveal all. Even after you're hired, your record of impeccable service won't make up for less-than-forthright stories on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Stories abound of high-profile executives, entertainment professionals, and sports coaches who attended college but didn't graduateâand who paid the price for fudging these resume details years down the road.
Are you open enough on LinkedIn that others can contact you? Or did you forget to make your email address (and possibly mobile number) visible to other users? Here are best practices for ensuring you're more easily reached on LinkedIn:
Sent in a resume, but failed to take any action beyond pressing the "Send" button? If you didn't spend some time following up or identifying company insiders for further networking, your job search will take longer.
Doing some homework on the employer's business needs and identifying key people for personal follow-up (through LinkedIn or an online search) shows them you're truly interested in a career opportunity, and that you've given thought to solving their business problems.
Be sure to use formal channels when applying for a posted job. Then, reach out to your newly found contacts to reiterate your interest in joining the company. Better still, connect and network with employees at the companies on your interview bucket list well before you start your job search. That way, you'll already have connections at those companies when it comes time for you to apply for a job.
Cranking out LinkedIn messages or cover letters at top speedâwith just a few adjustments here and there? Hiring managers can smell a "form letter" approach a mile away. Nothing says "I'm desperate and don't care about your needs" more than a disjointed cover letter or a LinkedIn message that simply asks for a job.
No matter how you're getting in touch with employers, take the time to write a brand-specific message of value to themâhelping them discover who you are, what you offer, and why you're interested in a position with their company. This means customizing each LinkedIn message and writing disruptive cover letters.
You may not be able to crank them out as fast, but you'll be sacrificing quantity for quality. And, in the job search, quality is always better than quantity.
When setting up any kind of business meeting, there's a certain amount of give and take required for coordination. No matter how in-demand your skills may be, you'll be expected to acquiesce to interview timing and location parameters set by employers. That can mean dealing with less-than-helpful receptionists or HR personnel, all of whom will be taking notes on your reactions.
Your phone etiquette and email communications will be watched closely; a courteous and respectful tone will go miles in reinforcing your personal brand and potential as a job candidate.
Feeling put out by the fact that your interviewer appears younger, more inexperienced, or otherwise beneath you in the professional hierarchy? Be careful how you convey this disapproval. You may believe you're hiding these feelings, but as one of those younger-looking interviewers, I often picked up on this tone very quickly!
Even if you decide mid-interview that you're not interested in the company, remember to display a high degree of professionalism. You never know how well-connected your interviewer might be.
Polarizing, hot-button subjects such as politics or religion should make their way out of your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview discussions, and side conversations.
No matter how neutral or popular you consider your stance to be on these topics, there's bound to be someone who disagrees with youâand who votes against hiring you.
Yes, you should be sending a thank-you note to employers after your interviews! Whether a short, handwritten card, LinkedIn message, email, or even hard-copy letter, a thank-you note gives employers the impression that you're a gracious and appreciative job candidate.
A post-interview note can also be used to address lingering questions, counter potential objections ("Regarding our discussion on your new Western region, I can assure you that I'm accustomed to handling accounts in person for maximum effectâand therefore open to travel"), or mention a fond memory you have of the experience (a conversation, for example) to highlight a connection you made with the individuals at the company.
Be sure to address your notes to each person you've encountered in the interview process (or at least mention their names in the note), especially if you've met with a panel or group.
Just because social media lets you send messages faster than ever doesn't mean you should pester employers. Following up once or twice after applying for a job should suffice to let them know you're still interested in the position. The same is true of the post-interview period.
Hiring managers have companies to run and customers to serve in addition to the process of choosing you. They may also have other candidates to consider. Staying on an employer's radar is important, but so is professional discretion. Aim for somewhere in between silent and stalker in your follow-up activities.
There are numerous ways employers can be put off by your job search practices or approach. Ensure you're taking steps to satisfy their need for information and put your best professional foot forward.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
If you're a recent college graduate and you're unemployed, you might have an idea of what we're about to talk about.
You've spent four years of your life hitting the books, getting good grades, participating in relevant extra-curricular activities, and maybe even juggling a part-time job in between. You've worked really hard for your degree and you've been told time and time again that a degree is essential to finding employment in today's competitive job market.
So, why are you not getting hired?
First of all, you're not alone. Though the unemployment rate has slowly declined for bachelor's degree owners, it's still lagging. For that reason, the competition is fiercer than ever. This means you really have to re-evaluate your job search strategy.
Here are some reasons why you might not be getting hired as a recent college graduate:
While it's good to have a strong resume with all of your professional skill sets, your resume can become generic when all you do is send the same resume to every open position you find.
Take the time to rewrite your resume on multiple occasions and use specific keywords that are in the job description.
According to an article on the Job Center of Wisconsin website, gathering information specific to the job you are applying for and matching it with your experience on your resume is what makes a good resume. You have to "think like an employer," the article states, and "do not give unrelated or negative information."
You have every reason to apply for every job in sight. However, it doesn't do you any favors when you apply for every single job you see and send the same resume to each one.
Apply for the jobs you want and are qualified for. After all, it's what you studied for.
Try to make a list of potential places you'd like to work for (your interview bucket list) and target those companies any way you can. Use social media sites like LinkedIn to find people you can network with, and keep an eye out for any open positions. You have a better chance of getting hired at a job where your skills are relevant than at a job you're 100% unqualified for.
According to an article on the Undercover Recruiter, a survey of 300 professionals by Reppler found that "hirers are using social networks to screen job applicants." This means you should clean up your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok profiles to present a more positive, but more importantly, professional image of yourself.
It might be in your best interest not to post that picture of you doing a keg stand as your default, or post about how you hate looking for jobs because you'd rather be partying with your friends.
We understand how difficult it is for recent college grads and young professionals to find a job right now. By following these tips, you'll shorten your job search and get hired quicker than your peers.
Need more help with your job search?
Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Social media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and many more technological advancements are rapidly changing the world as we know it, and how we interact with it.
While change is good, too much change can feel overwhelming, especially if technology isn't your strong suit.
Not being the most technologically aware person can put a major damper on your job search or cause you to fall behind in your career, especially if your company is always innovating and changing software. But if you're still rocking a flip phone, haven't gotten the hang of social media, or struggling to incorporate technology into your everyday workflow, all is not lost.
Here are a few simple ways you can become tech savvy in your career:
If you find yourself constantly in fear of or rejecting new platforms and software, it might be worth it to change your perspective. Some people aren't that tech savvy simply because they aren't open to change or doing things a different way. While it's okay to get into a routine, being stubborn in this area can cause you to isolate yourself from the rest of the world, and could set you apart from other candidates (or co-workers) in a bad way.
That's why it's important that you try to see the positive side of technology. While there are downsides to technology, without it, you might not know what the weather would be like in a week, be able to reconnect with a friend, or do your job efficiently. There are two sides to every coin, but it's all in how you perceive it.
Another reason you might find yourself in the technologically disadvantaged group is because you're not testing the waters or exploring what's out there. Getting online or adding a bit of technology to your life is simple; it just depends on how you'd like technology to benefit your life or career.
Let's say you'd like to be able to control or monitor various aspects of your home. You might look into purchasing a Google Home or an Amazon Echo. If you want to become a social media guru, you might start by creating your own social profiles or taking a small online course on social media or digital marketing.
Just because you're not that tech savvy now doesn't mean you can't become tech savvy. So, get into the habit of exploring and discovering all the possibilities available to you in the world.
Some people have an innate ability to pick up any skill or use the latest device without much difficulty, but for others, this could prove a challenge. While you're working on changing your perspective and exploring new technologies, it's important to remember to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem. Whether it's through an online forum or at work, you should always be asking questions and seeking to gain a better understanding of how things work, especially those that impact your life and career directly.
The more willing you are to learn about new technology, the more you'll benefit in both your personal and professional life. It's important to remember that new technology is always going to be incorporated into the workplace and failure to keep up could have a negative impact on your career.
So, stay a step ahead, embrace the challenge, and become a tech-savvy worker.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
In a world where life's challenges seem to test us at every turn, I embarked on a transformative journey over five years agoâa journey that has led me to embrace the power of an abundance mindset. As a thirty-something striving to find my way in a fast-paced and demanding world, I've learned firsthand that progress is a product of practice, patience (not exactly my forte), and rewiring my thought patterns. Yet, amid this personal evolution, I stumbled upon a game-changer, a hidden gem that propelled my growth to astonishing heights: community.
I've experienced firsthand how building a strong network of like-minded individuals who support and challenge you can elevate both your career and personal trajectory. It's not just about having the right people in your network, but also knowing how to network effectively. Let's dive into the key elements that can help you foster a community for your career and personal success.
I've learned the importance of surrounding myself with diverse individuals who share my passions and vision. Seeking out mentors, colleagues, and friends who can offer valuable insights and constructive feedback has been invaluable to my professional growth. Beyond traditional settings, I've engaged with people from various industries and backgrounds to gain fresh perspectives.
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for networking. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even TikTok have connected me with industry leaders, potential employers, and peers who share my interests. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing my expertise, and participating in relevant groups have allowed me to expand my reach and connect with like-minded professionals.
When utilizing social media, I can relate to those who are âover it.â However, branding yourself is imperative in this day and age, even in job search/career management. Here is a quick strategy I use to keep myself in check on my social media usage.
Think of this strategy like when you go to the grocery store. If you go in with a list, you give yourself guidelines to adhere to: get in, get what you need, get out! If you donât go with a list, things are forgotten, too many snacks are purchased and you blew your budget, and you may have to go back (eek!).
Making a simple strategy for leveraging social media will keep you focused on managing your time, protecting your mental and physical health, and keeping your productivity intact. Follow the "get in, get what you need, get out" strategyâit will keep your social media usage under control.
1.) Get in.
Lead with your content, expertise, or value-add that you want to share with your network. This provides information to your network about you, your expertise, your experiences, etc.
2.) Get what you need (networking is about supporting/nurturing others).
Create a cadence every day or week on how many reach-outs you will make. Whether it's commenting, liking, or messaging other brands/connections, you are supporting another personâs efforts (also valuable to the trust, connection, and rapport of that individual/brand).
3.) Get out!
Log off or immediately swipe away the app on your phone so you arenât tempted to scroll. Just donât do it!
Despite the digital era, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for building authentic connections. I've made it a point to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and industry events to meet professionals in my field. Approaching these events with an open mind and a genuine interest in learning from others has helped me establish meaningful connections. Following up afterward to solidify those connections is essential.
Networking is a two-way street, and I've learned the importance of being willing to assist others in their professional pursuits. By offering insights and support, I've been able to build genuine relationships based on reciprocity and mutual trust. Giving back and nurturing my connections in my community has grown my confidence and has also strengthened my network.
I have been inspired by so many different people across many industries. Why? Their authenticity and vulnerability. What you think it took to get where they are is only the tip of the iceberg on their true journey. Remember that for EVERY individual you encounter. Embracing my own journey, including the challenges I've faced and the lessons I've learned, has allowed me to foster genuine connections with others. Sharing my story has not only inspired others but also deepened the sense of community we share.
Approaching networking with a growth mindset has been crucial for my development. Being open to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities and viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures has helped me adapt and grow in my career. Can we just get rid of the word "failure"? (Asking for a friend!)
I've taken steps to ensure that my online presence reflects my professional brand. Crafting a well-designed LinkedIn profile and curating content, practicing being on video (I prefer behind the camera but oh well), and maintaining consistent social media activity have enhanced my credibility and given me even more opportunities to connect with others.
I've come to understand that effective networking involves active listening. STOP! Read that again! Taking the time to understand the perspectives and experiences of others and learning from their successes and challenges has enriched my own knowledge and understanding.
In conclusion, building a community for your career is about more than just collecting contacts; it's about creating meaningful connections that support your growth and elevate your trajectory. Surrounding myself with the right people, being authentic and vulnerable, and contributing value to my community has been the key to growth. I now understand that success is not a solitary journey but a collective effort toward mutual growth and prosperity.
Ready to take your career to new heights? Start by building a community that fuels your success. Connect with like-minded individuals, embrace authenticity, and make a difference.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or aspiring leader, learning how to manage business relationships is an important skill that can drive success in your career. By elevating your networking and communication skills, building meaningful connections, and nurturing partnerships, you can foster long-lasting relationships in the dynamic business world.
We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips on how to manage business relationships.
Here are their responses...
Managing business relationships is key to any organization but especially for independent service providers/consultants such as myself. While working with business partners on a project, provide your relationships with the opportunity to give ongoing feedback on your services so that any pivots can be made early on to better support your partners' goals. Keep partners informed of project progress.
However, the key is not "just" to think of business partners/relationships when you need them. It is important to keep business ties current through ongoing albeit brief follow-up communication, after project completion, where you can offer your relationships something of value for free. Remind them of your value here and through social mediaâeven better if, in highlighting your own gravitas on social media, you can promote the work of your business partners/clients at the same time.
And, if you can't support your business relationships/partners on a project, be open to providing names of other service providers who can. Your clients will see that you have their interests in mind and your colleagues to whom you provide business leads might one day return the favor.
John Schembari is a current K-12 teacher/school leader academic improvement coach and former school building and district administrator. He loves to draw, travel, swing dance, and read nonfiction.
Managing business relationships is a critical skill for any expert in the business world. Effective relationship management is essential for building strong partnerships, fostering trust, and achieving long-term success. Here are some key strategies for managing business relationships:
Remember, managing business relationships is an ongoing process that requires dedication, patience, and a genuine interest in building lasting connections. By investing in these strategies, you can cultivate mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to your overall business success.
Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."
In the dynamic business world, relationships are pivotal in driving success. Whether itâs with customers, suppliers, partners, or employees, effective communication stands out as the single most significant factor that can make or break these connections. When managing business relationships, focusing on effective communication can yield a significant impact. Here are several communication strategies to consider:
In conclusion, effective communication is the foundation of successful business relationships. It is the catalyst that drives growth and fosters enduring connections. By prioritizing effective communication as a core value, businesses can navigate the complexities of the business landscape and thrive in a world where strong relationships are the key to lasting success.
Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.
How do you manage business relationships? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.
In a previous article, we gave you a detailed explanation of how LinkedIn has changed since it was built and why it is no longer a social network. Some people get to use it successfully as a social network, but overall it is now a social marketplace. Do you still need to be on it?
Yes.
But you also need to know what's going to replace LinkedIn as the social network for your career.
You now know that LinkedIn is the modern-day yellow pages. And as it gets bigger, it's only going to become more obvious that it's a social marketplace. That's why we need a social media 2.0.
We know we still need social networking, and now understand it's just not happening on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook anymore. And, while we know the basics of how to network online, we also need some guidelinesâand a frameworkâto do it better.
That's where micronets come into play.
To improve networking, we need a way to bring a tribe of people together more consistently and effectively. People need to meet or communicate on a regular basis to get to know each other. That's the only way we can build a strong network and truly connect with one another.
This is why associations are such a big dealâthey form a tribe. The problem with brick-and-mortar associations, though, is that you must attend in person to get the value. The associations you join need to be in your local area, or if they aren't, you're going to spend lots of money to go to a national conference, which is not realistic for most professionals.
We live in a digital world, so we want that virtual experience. We want that virtual association, that virtual community. That's exactly what a micronet is.
J.T. knew the business she wanted to build for Work It DAILY over 10 years ago. She knew she wanted to build a micronet so she could drop the geographic and economic boundaries for people all over the world so everyone could get great, affordable, on-demand career coaching.
She also knew all people needed was to be part of a team where they were participating with others who wanted to help each other grow their careers and really become strong in their professions.
So for the last 10 years, we have been patiently waiting for the day when this amazing technology would finally hit. This year, that technology became available.
We've built Work It DAILY on a micronet platform. Our members are in there every day, chatting with one another, networking by industry, job type, or geographic location. We have an 87% engagement rate. They're attending events with one another. They're working with career coaches, one on one, getting their LinkedIn profiles and resumes reviewed.
Everything you've ever wanted from a social network is now possible due to the rise of micronets. It makes the time you spend on social media valuable. The power of a micronet is that it's a productive kind of social media.
Work It DAILY has built the micronet that picks up where LinkedIn left off. Don't get us wrongâwe love LinkedIn. We have an entire set of video tutorials that teach people how to optimize their LinkedIn profiles and get the most mileage out of them.
But there's no way you can network on LinkedIn like you can on a micronet. With Work It DAILY's micronet, you can use the platform to network with like-minded professionals, growing and taking control of your career. If that doesn't sound like a positive experience, we don't know what is.
J.T. predicts there will be thousands of micronets launched over the next two years. There will be a micronet for everything. Anything that you want to do better in your life, anything you want to "work it daily" on in your life, there's going to be a micronet for that.
So, what's the key difference between micronets and social marketplaces like LinkedIn?
Micronets are pay-to-play.
With a micronet, you pay a small fee, just like an app. But that means no pesky ads. No businesses trying to sell you their products or services. No trolls. If you're paying to be a part of a platform like a micronet, people want to be there, and it shows.
We set up a FREE 7-day trial for our micronet so you can get into the community and understand it. And guess what? If you have any questions about the platform or micronets in general, you can message J.T. directly when you sign up.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up today, try it out, and see what a micronet can do for your career!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
An increasing number of people have been reaching out to our career coaches and asking, "Is LinkedIn dying?"
This question isn't just coming from job seekers. Recruiters, professionals, and executives alike are frustrated with the platform, wondering if it's really as useful as it claims to be.
Networking is becoming more difficult. When professionals do manage to connect with someone and start a conversation, they'll likely never hear from their connection again after that initial conversation. Recruiters reach out to job seekers all the time, and no one responds.
LinkedIn used to work so well. What happened? What's the point of being on it at all?
You may think this is a sign that LinkedIn is dying. It's not.
LinkedIn is not dying. It's just changing.
In fact, LinkedIn would tell you it's not. Just looking at it based on user accounts, they now have over 930 million people on the platform. And that number is still growing. The so-called "death" we think we're witnessing with LinkedIn is actually just change. The way people have used it has changed dramatically. You cannot do what you used to be able to do on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has changed, and that's okay.
When LinkedIn first started out, it was a social network. The early adopters loved the platform and used it to its fullest potential. People would connect. They would start conversations. Being on LinkedIn was this amazing experience where people were actually developing relationships with people they never would have developed relationships with otherwise. It truly was a social network.
But that's when it was small.
Now, with mass adoption, the power of the social network has lost its luster. The majority of people on LinkedIn are not using the platform to its fullest potential. So, what does that do to the platform as a whole?
The truth is, LinkedIn is no longer a social network. With 930 million people, it's not a social network. It's a social marketplace.
Anytime something is free, like LinkedIn, you're the product. You're part of what they're selling. That's why LinkedIn is a social marketplace.
Think about it. How does LinkedIn make its money?
Recruiters pay a lot of money to access candidates. Salespeople and businesses pay a lot of money to put their information out in your feed to generate leads. All LinkedIn is today is a very sophisticated yellow pages. As a job seeker, you go there to find businesses, to find companies you want to work for. And when you're a job seeker, you're a business-of-one trying to sell your skills and your services to an employer. LinkedIn is just a place to find businesses, of all shapes and sizes, no matter if you're an actual company or a job candidate.
In the same vein, Facebook is the modern-day white pages. It's free, and what do you use Facebook for? To find people you may know.
LinkedIn is the modern-day yellow pages. Businesses used to pay a premium to advertise in the yellow pages to have a bigger presence. Fast forward to today, and that's all LinkedIn is.
So, you're the productâbut there's nothing wrong with that. We're lucky that we have LinkedIn. It's the sophisticated yellow pages that we need, which means every single one of us needs to be on it. We need to have our profiles optimized and we need to understand how it's used.
The networking thing, that's done. There's a reason very few people are connecting and building relationships on there, and it's because people have no skin in the game. The return on the investment is no longer there. Ultimately, it's just a place to put up the webpage for your business-of-one: your profile.
The good news is that you can now create events on LinkedIn. It's free, and it's going to encourage people to start talking to one another and that'll improve the social marketplace situation a little bit, but it's not 100% going to solve the problem.
So if LinkedIn isn't a social network anymore, what is? The platform that follows LinkedIn will completely change the networking game. It'll change the networking game like LinkedIn did so many years ago.
What we need is a new social network where we can connect with people again. LinkedIn doesn't accomplish this anymore because, again, it's not a social network. It's a social marketplace. The new social network for professionals will change the way we network in any career, in any industry, in any skill set, passion, or interest. And it's already here.
LinkedIn is not dying after all. It's just no longer a social network given its size. And yes, you can still reach out and connect with people but don't expect the world. Don't expect everyone to respond to you. Don't expect everyone to talk to you because that's not what it's built to do anymore.
Let's just be grateful that we have it because what it's creating for us in the future will really be something to smile about.
Want to know what comes after LinkedIn? Find out here!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Did Meta, the biggest player in the space, seize the opportunity to create the next massive social media platform?
Itâs not every day that a new social network comes out...especially one built by Meta which is sort of the king of all social networks. One of the big differences of this platform design includes a decentralized social media platform which means that, eventually, it is going to work with other social networks.
It may be the fastest-growing social media app that we have ever seen. While hitting 100 million users in just a few days, Meta has unapologetically taken advantage of perceived weaknesses at Twitter. Threads has dominated the space recently. The Twitter-like platform provides a community for sharing in a kind, nice, polite-ish conversational-driven platform. The basic idea is to create a place where users can write sentences, share ideas, post photos, and have conversations on various popular topics with text and some forms of visual images.
Metaâs Threads is not trying to cancel Twitter or dispose of Twitter, yet the 1.0 version of this looks a heck of a lot like Twitter. The platform is reportedly built on Activity Pub, according to Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, where he has been working for Instagram for years and is in charge of the Threads project. Meta for the first time in its history is doing something that they have never done before: letting the control go. (Eventually, you can even take your entire following off the platform to another if you don't like Threads!)
Unlike Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, Threads is going to be decentralized. Hard to overstate what a huge change that is for Meta. Meta hasn't been popular in the last two or three years. They have struggled with government scrutiny, customer service issues, and privacy issues. Congrats Meta, going all in!
I, like most, found Twitter in the 2000s and followed the news threads for daily quick headlines and updates. I like to see what is happening in pop culture, what's trending, and, of course, from time to time, the quick Kanye update. Twitter helped me understand what topics I wanted to write about during that day and what hot topics to share on live streams and panels I was speaking on. So when Twitter started to collapse in the last 6 months, I felt a bit of a void and was hoping that someone would come forward with a replacement and that day has arrived.
I'm sure I am not the only one flipping back and forth comparing Twitter and Threads, but I have noticed how easy it is to have all of your followers onboard to Threads from Instagram. The platform is super clean and easy to navigate, and how did they make the uploading so fast? It's awesome. Plus, music fanbases can now be migrated from Instagram with little effort AND the fanbases can also be moved off the Threads platform if requested, allowing for hard-earned followers to stay togetherâgreat news for Ratt Pack fans and others alike.
The breakdown between Twitter and Threads looks like this:
Threads
Common Shared Features
It's exciting to join a platform where you are not starting from scratch with your threadheads as you can onboard your fans directly from IG. It's also fun to be part of a platform from the jump where, during the first few days of launch (after the soft testing by select influencers, companies, and celebrities), your posts end up in the main feed of Threads so virtually anyone can see the post...even massive influencers!
The first users were companies like Netflix telling a few jokes, Hollywood Reporter telling a few stories, and Mark Cuban, who was talking about what a nice community it is.
The platform seems to be focusing on the vibe, the cleanness of the platform, and keeping politics and news at a minimum with fun at a premium. Every new app is a risk and it's not easy, so let's check in with the top executive who has been creating Threads, namely Adam Mosseri.
According to a podcast discussion on Hard Fork, a tech podcast hosted by journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, Adam talks about the challenges, goals, and hopes for Threads. There has been a tremendous amount of work in thought, tech, and production to create the platform where the demand from Instagram has developed a beautiful creator community. Threads appears to be aiming for thoughtful creator-type conversations around public topics. "More focused on the communities that use and love Instagram...you have to take some swings and we settled on this and we will see how it goes. The main tab is the feed, the next tab is search, the third tab is like Instagram, it's the composer...then your activity, and then your profile. The post and comment model is great but it really does not support public discord nearly as well as the tweet and reply model...elevating the reply to essentially the same level as the initial post allows for much more sort of robust discourse."
If you have not moved over to Threads, you should. It's a vibey place for creative, shared-thought conversations. I think you'll be surprised at how clean and easy the platform loads, supports posts, and is a flow of positive thought. Tell me your favorite Thread feature!
