There are a lot of views regarding the use of Linkedin. Questions like, “Does it really help when looking for a job?”, “How do I connect with people without seeming like a weirdo?”, “How do I use it if I am not looking for a job?”.
I too haven’t fully figured it out yet, but the little I have discovered through it has made my experience a pretty dope one.
Here are some of my reasons for being a regular on LinkedIn:
I get to connect with people that aren’t in my usual circle.
So I like to observe people’s patterns and what they talk about on Linkedin. Then if it’s something I have a view on well, I make a comment. Then look at us.. Me and this person are having a chat.
I like knowing the kind of roles people have and allowing Linkedin to give me a picture of why they probably hold that role. Creepy? maybe? but yes. Then they seem like normal people. I mean of course they are. But you catch my drift.
So because of Linkedin, I can have conversation with people I probably might not regularly engage with because of different barriers. I get to see them comment on or like the things I have to say. I mean, if the ‘likes’ on insta or facebook mean anything, these ones kinda mean a something too. They are like that ‘NOD’ you would get in an interview.
On Linkedin you can engage in conversations with the people without worrying about saying something wrong. You get to rehearse, edit and edit your comment so you don’t feel bad for saying a ‘stupid thing’. First impressions right? but overtime you become yourself and actually get to share your work related ‘stories’ and get insight from fellow work peeps.
It gives me access to amazing articles
These are a few of my favourite pages:
- The Wall Street Journal
- Forbes
- Markets Insider
- Harvard Business Review
Reading these gives me insight especially since most of the articles talk about things I go through, or things I need to be equipped for.
You get to celebrate your WINS without feeling like you’re bragging
There aren’t enough platforms out there that celebrate an academic win, or a promotion.
I love seeing the automated button that- “say congrats”. I mean, imagine getting a chance to congratulate someone for being promoted to a C-suite role. They probably aren’t your friend but you kinda get to be in there with them! Celebrating and giving a toast via the comments. I enjoy that.
It’s one of the reasons I started blogging
I have always had a lot to say! but just didn’t know if anyone would actually listen to (read) what I had to say. But here you are. I have always wanted a platform to discuss a lot of stuff about the corporate world in my society. Linkedin made me feel like I am worthy to be listened to. When people I look up to and my peers started reading the little I wrote and what I had to say and give me a thumbs up, I knew it was time to Blog.
So..explore Linkedin and see what it can do for you and what you can do for others through it. You might be someones Linkedin Plug.
THE CORPORATE MILLENNIAL 