LinkedIn is a very powerful SUV.
I get in it for a road trip.
I turn it on, take it to the car wash.
Then I realize I have no idea where I want to go.
The maps in the back seat pile up and spill over, leaving me in limbo.
Where do I go now?
Relying on technology to make career decisions is probably the biggest mistake any job seeker could make.
In the 1970s, British economist E.F. Schumacher wrote the downfall of our economic system will, in part, be rooted in our misconstrued belief technology will solve our problems. 1970s!
This year, we still hold this harmful belief and I see it harming job seekers who begin to use social media with no strategy, no map or direction. Relying solely on some automated function built into the technology by some network engineer at midnight 5 years ago.
LinkedIn is Just a Tool, YOU Are the Artist
When you log in to LinkedIn, the first thing you see is a list of folks who you “might” know. Whoopie!
Problem is the people you might know may have little to do with the industry you are trying to get into now. LinkedIn doesn’t tell you the people you need to know now who can connect you into the industry of your dreams.
Have you asked yourself exactly how you are going to meet those people?
They’re there! With 80,000,000 possible connections on LinkedIn, the people you need to know are there. Your job is to find them and make your best impression.
LinkedIn as a Yellow Pages, or as a Laser Beam
There are basically two schools of thought on this issue. The first camp, calling themselves LinkedIn Open Networkers, LIONs, believe there is more power with a larger, diversified network. They vow to never say, “I don’t know him” when they’re invited to connect.
In contrast, there are the “LinkedIn Libertarians” who follow LinkedIn’s original premise of networking with folks you’ve at least had a conversation with, or with whom you have something in common. These folks accept invitations only from people if there is some kind of real connection. Perhaps they met at a trade show, or were referred by someone, or worked together for 20 years.
The first part of your LinkedIn strategy will be deciding which camp you fall into, and at what stage in growing your network.
Don’t let a website make the decision for you. YOU are in control.
Decide on a destination for your LinkedIn efforts and map your way back to the present moment. What is your next step?
Joshua Waldman helps frustrated job seekers leverage social media to find work FAST! He is the founder of CareerEnlightenment.com and the author of the new book, "Job Searching with Social Media for Dummies." Sign-up for his newsletter today and get access to his exclusive training videos for FREE.Read more » articles by this approved expert | Click here » if you’re a career expertPhoto credit: Shutterstock
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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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