5/13/2009
How to Use LinkedIn
Book Review
LinkedWorking, by Frank Agin and Lewis Howes
Generating Success on the World’s Largest Professional Networking Website.
Have you ever wondered how to use LinkedIn? People ask me that all the time and I could never come up with much of an answer.
That is, until SOBCon09, the fabulous Blogger Business School brainchild of Liz Strauss and Terry Starbucker.
I’m eating lunch – some excellent mac and cheese – and I ask this fellow sitting across to me how the heck to use LinkedIn. That was a spectacularly good move, because the fellow happened to be Lewis Howes, the LinkedIn guru and with Frank Agin, co-author of LinkedWorking. Thanks to Lewis, I’ve seen the light. He’s an incredibly nice guy and even helped me set up my own group – Improve Your Google Ranking – right there at SOBCon. How generous is that?
How to Use LinkedIn in 100 Pages
Lewis Howes
- Why you should use LinkedIn in the first place
- The philosophy of effective networking and how it plays out on LinkedIn
- The absolute necessity of having a goal for your LinkedIn activities
- Common user mistakes and why it’s imperative to avoid them
- The rules of LinkedIn engagement that are sure to lead to success
Not only do Howes and Agin successfully practice what they preach, their book is filled with instructive testimonials/case studies from other savyy LinkedIn users. The book is also punctuated with LinkedIn user tips that are real gems. For instance, the authors recommend joining groups that really interest you even if they aren’t directly relevant to your business. Why? Because while you’re doing something you enjoy, you are simultaneously personalizing yourself potential customers and opening up new avenues of networking. What could be more obvious or more sensible?
The Power of LinkedIn Made Simple
For most people, I think the biggest value of the book is getting a clearer understanding of the networking theory behind LinkedIn (and other types of business networking). For Howes and Agin, the key is understanding how to interact with your Capstones and your Weak Ties. Capstones are your network “go-to” connections – the people with super influence and are always there for us. Weak Ties are the many loose connections we have that seemingly do nothing other than make us feel guilty about not knowing them better.
Like many, I found LinkedIn weird and useless because I’m connected to masses of people who barely know me. What’s the use of that? Well, there is a use, but I just never saw it. It does make sense to have hundreds or thousands of LinkedIn connections. If you follow Howes and Agin’s advice, you’ll learn why, and how to make good things happen, whether your goal is to find new clients, promote your brand, or establish your thought leadership.
And I really like the fact the authors get this across in 100 pages. I don’t know about you, but my reading time is shrinking, so I need to use that time wisely and full for impact. Here’s a book you can digest in one or two sittings. If you want to learn how to use LinkedIn, LinkedWorking is an excellent choice for getting the most learning bang for your buck.
Disclosure – Lewis Howes gave me his book at SOBCon and asked me to review it if I had time. He gave me no suggestions about what to say. I’m raving about the book because I like it and it’s helping me.
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8 Responses to How to Use LinkedIn
Thanks for the review, Brad.
Only last week a client was asking me how to make the most of LinkedIn, so I’ve just ordered the book and I look forward to learning from it.
Clare Lynchs last blog post..“Advise” and “revert”: two words to avoid in your emails
Thanks Brad. I’ve wondered about the use of Linked In as well. The list of “to read” business books is so long…it’s great to have other people’s eyes out there looking for those well worth the time.
Kay
Kay Plantess last blog post..Strategic Leadership in Fearful Times
You know Brad, LinkedIn just happens to be one of my all time favorite social network! (seriously) Just sayin’…
Ricardo Buenos last blog post..Is there a Right or Wrong way to grow your Twitter following?
Clare, I’m certain you and your client will find the book helpful. Kay – ditto. Luckily, this book is a quick read.
Ricardo, Good to hear a savvy social media user like you sees value in LI. It’s working much better for me now.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..How to Succeed on LinkedIn in 100 Easy Pages
Hi Brad
I just got an email saying that the Book Depository can’t fulfil my order for the book as they sold their last copy just before I ordered it. They can’t find any other copies, it seems. You’ve done too good a job!
Clare
Clare Lynchs last blog post..Want to be a leader? Ditch that framework and roadmap
Hi Clare, Sorry about that. I just let Lewis know – hopefully (I know you love that word), stock will be replenished quickly.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Keywords in Anchor Text Produce SEO Power
Thanks Brad,
I’ve been looking for something to get me more leads and your comments have been great.
Thanks
Brett
” We were wondering, as registering ourselves on Linked In is going to work for us or not, and then suddenly while browsing I came to see your post and am straight forward heading for registration and get started on Linked In. ”
Nice Post, Brad. !
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