One popular social media networking site which is gaining popularity is the LinkedIn, which has approximately 19 million users worldwide. LinkedIn benefits not only students and professionals but sales people and business owners as well. For students, joining LinkedIn helps them to connect with professionals who can help them with their job applications. Students can gather information about their targeted employers or companies through LinkedIn. Another benefit of LinkedIn for students is that they can get email alerts for jobs that they are qualified in. They can also get recommendations from other people which increase their chances of landing a job. Since most companies nowadays use social networking sites as a source of job applicants, LindkedIn provides the necessary exposure for college students. It is easier to get overseas jobs through LinkedIn because one gets connected with global companies through the site.
For sales people and business owners, LinkedIn offers a lot of benefits too. First, it gives them a chance to advertise their products and services for free. Because LinkedIn is visited by a company’s customers and possible prospects, the brand becomes visible and known. Recommendations from other people through LinkedIn go a long way especially for small business owners. Word of mouth publicity is possible through LinkedIn. LinkedIn gives its members an opportunity to learn and share vital information about industry trends. If an individual is part of the network, he can join a group which shares his field of interest. He can join forums or discussions where he can either assist or be assisted if there are any questions pertaining to his field of expertise.
Because LinkedIn is a social networking site of professionals, it offers more benefits than the ordinary social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It is to one’s advantage therefore to be part of this professional playground.
References
Dumas, M. (2013). The benefits of LinkedIn.com. Retrieved from picpa.org: http://www.picpa.org/Content/38701.aspx
Jan, & Bert. (n.d.). 15 Benefits of LinkedIn for sales people and business owners. Retrieved from how-to-really-use-linkedin.com: http://www.how-to-really-use-linkedin.com/linkedin-info/15-benefits-of-linkedin-for-sales-people-and-business-owners/
RedStarResume. (2013). The advantages and benefits of creating a LinkedIn profile. Retrieved from redstarresume.com: http://www.redstarresume.com/the-advantages-and-benefits-of-creating-a-linkedin-profile/
Tomerson, J. (2013). 7 Ways college students can benefit from LinkedIn. Retrieved from theundercoverrecruiter.com: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/7-ways-college-students-can-benefit-linkedin/
