LinkedIn or Locked Out

Not often am I left speechless, but it happened this week (for a really short period of time). I was discussing the newest technological advances as they relate to career searches and building your brand/profile on the internet. The professional, to whom I was talking, kept saying "LinkedInjust doesn't work for me". I found that puzzling - - it works for so many other people whether they are searching for a new position, finding a resource for a project, or engaging in dialogs with other professionals from around the world. It took some additional questioning and probing, but I finally discovered the root cause. His wife firmly believed that LinkedIn was not worth the time/effort to build a brand,or look for a new career position and that was going to be the end of it!!!! There are many dynamics presented in the last sentence of the above paragraph, but the end result is the same. If you do not stay current with technology, as it applies to your career, you will lose out. And staying current on LinkedIn starts by sitting at the keyboard, answering questions, posting discussions, writing recommendations and building your connections. There are several cool things about this whole process. They include: a)You do not have to do it all at once b) You can always go back and reedit information c) Your are working your network, building your brand, even when you're away from the keyboard d) For professionals, it is as close as most of us will get to auditioning on American Idol, Britain's Got Talent, or So You Think You Can Dance. e) If you don't participate - - you will be locked out of opportunities, friendship and unabridged knowledge that expands your mind. The key - - is LinkedIn