Web 2.0 and Social MediaBusiness in a Connected World

© McHaney and Sachs 2016 Facebook and LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become the social media venue of choice for businesses and individuals seeking to network with a career focus.

Founded in December 2002 and publicly launched in May 2003.

By mid-2016, LinkedIn had more than 430 million registered users.

LinkedIn was purchased by Microsoft in 2016.

Overview

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become the primary location where all business contacts, skillinventories, training records, and experience histories are maintained.LinkedIn is useful for maintaining communication and contact with businessassociates. For instance, if a member changes jobs, locations, or receives apromotion, she easily can send the updated information to her businessassociates.

Business Social Network

LinkedIn Main Functionality

LinkedIn Profile Components

Example LinkedIn Profile Details

Once a profile has been created, a LinkedIn user can publish it and begincreating connections. Connections are current and can include formercolleagues, teachers and classmates, business associates, and otherprofessional contacts. The idea is to create direct connections by addingpeople relevant to the user’s professional circle. These connections canprovide introductions to additional professionals who can help to build anetwork in particular specialty areas.

Creating Connections

LinkedIn is well known for its capability as a job search tool. It has become the new standard for posting resumes, recommendation letters, and providing career histories. Potential employers can see prospective hires’ networks of contacts which can add to the applicant’s credibility and relevance.

Jobs on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Functions

JobsLinkedIn will generate a list of relevant jobs based on a user’s resume and job history by trying to match up key words in job listings.

DiscussionsLinkedIn offers discussion groups to provide additional methods for finding (or listing) jobs. And to showcase your expertise.

CommunicationGroup members may post direct emails or Web links to pages specific to particular jobs.

Obtain, store and distribute online recommendations that can be used to attest to professional abilities or character.

Obtain introductions to key individuals in relevant industries.

Obtain introductions to potential employers.

Search job listings placed on LinkedIn. Create an online resume that continues to

grow with experiences and career changes.

How Individuals Use LinkedIn

Allows businesses to post additional details of interest to current or potential employees, stakeholders, and the general public. A company page can provide news feed type features where changes, updates, and other information can be posted.

Similar to Facebook Pages

LinkedIn Company Pages

Facebook and LinkedIn

Chapter 7 Summary

Big Social MediaBig social media has become a significant component of many organizations’ public faces. Customers, employees, and stakeholders expect to find high quality, useful information on Facebook, LinkedIn, and similar sites.

New VenuesThese venues have increased in importance and have even replaced traditional Web pages for many small businesses. The ease of construction and familiar interface and ability to contact important customers contribute to this movement.

CommunicationSocial media facilitates social networking and the creation of communication links between organizations and individuals important to their existence.

Common InterestsEmerging communities of individuals share common interests and experiences related to their organizations.

Contact: Roger McHaney, Kansas State University, mchaney@ksu.edu