February 5, 2016 Sue Ellson

Questions and Answers Summary

 

Questions and Answers Summary

120 Ways To Achieve Your Purpose With LinkedIn

Answers are in italics.

2. 03/03/2016 LinkedIn Training – specifics and qualifications of LinkedIn Trainers

Hi Sue, I am currently in the USA (though own a home in Camberwell, Melbourne, Australia) and I have noted that LinkedIn is THE #1 important tool for networking, job seeking and HR vetting. I, of course, am one of the thousands who simply HATE the site and all that it encompasses, but realise that it is one thing I cannot change in this world, at least for now (ha!).

I was having a quick look at your video presentation from the Brisbane Expo which was most useful as a start point for me. (Great, I have a lot of others – check out various articles and presentations via http://sueellson.com) I also noted that 7 million Australians are members and 70% of Australian hiring managers use LinkedIn as an essential tool to either vet or seek job applicants. (Yes, and up to 90% of jobs are not advertised, up to 85% of business is done by referral and LinkedIn is highly optimized by name)

Would you be in a position to enlighten me re the following:

• do you feel that Australians who are LinkedIn members as a general rule understand how LinkedIn can support them in their networking, and their careers? (Absolutely not.) And if so, do you feel that these Australian LinkedIn members have the knowledge/skills to capitalize on being a LinkedIn member? (Definitely not. Most think they know but don’t.)

• if I wanted to learn more about how to make LinkedIn work really hard for me, how would I find the very best person/organization to work with me and what questions would you suggest I ask the potential trainer so I can be confident I am not wasting time or money? (They have to understand exactly what your purpose is and teach you how to achieve it, not give you scripts (that don’t work) – at the end of the day, they need to empower you as you are the one most interested in your success. I would ask how long they have been a member (I joined 21/12/2003), how long they have been consulting on LinkedIn (I have been since 2008), check out their book or online content (my book is at http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Achieve-Your-Purpose-LinkedIn-ebook/dp/B01BTR8QBC) and check out their profile and see if it would achieve their purpose, what guidelines and supporting materials they offer for at-home use. Have they worked with expats and repats (yep)?)

• what would I expect from a LinkedIn trainer who I chose to work with me? (Depends on your purpose. And how you like to work. Are you prepared to ‘do your homework?’ Are you committed to it?)

• Does LinkedIn ‘authorise’ or ‘accredit’ trainers for its site? (They do have some Certified Marketing Partners but I believe these people are for their sales solutions https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/marketing-partners)

I will back in Australia soon and would be grateful for some guidance in the first instance re the real use of LinkedIn in Australia. I am not looking for a job per se, but rather would be looking at LinkedIn as a networking tool, business driver and a ‘credentials’ backup. (Everyone’s purpose should be unique! I also recommend Google+)

I look forward to your early advice and thank you in advance for taking the time to share your wisdom.

With kind regards, Laurie (Great questions, cheers, Sue)

1. 28/02/2016 What is LinkedIn?

This question has been answered more comprehensively in an article I have written at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-linkedin-why-should-you-create-good-profile-sue-ellson

 

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