I thoroughly enjoy LinkedIn. It functions as my CRM, I can keep track on who’s following me and I can connect to interesting people with whom I can make more meaningful connections at a later stage. I also use LinkedIn to show my profile to the world of business. But, lately something about LinkedIn has been nagging me.

Sometimes you need to post some bullshit on your social media. Otherwise you’ll lose credibility.

That’s actually my own quote. To quote myself might seem a bit boisterous, but it precisely illustrates that that has been nagging me. I am irritated by the self-involved messages that are shown in my LinkedIn newsfeed. Most of them are about how awesome someone’s day is or was, show that new connections have been laid or about some person joining fifteen discussion groups. It never questions the awesomeness of the day, person or organisation. No, it’s like every post should radiate awesomeness. There’s almost no time for fun or bullshit. Sounds very authentic and believable to me, because everyone’s a robot when it concerns their job, right? And all those connections? Most of those people, you’ll never, ever contact. Not even through a quick medium as LinkedIn. Because, let’s be honest: how many times do you actually react to one of your connections? Like something? Hand out some free advice? And don’t get me started on those discussion groups. What are you contributing to fifty discussion groups? Are you actually involved or just a member for show?

What are you contributing to fifty discussion groups?

Of course, I am part of my own observations. Though I try to be somewhat of a prosumer, I don’t contribute in all of the discussion groups I am in. I don’t react to that much updates. What I do is, sharing knowledge. I am not just saying that I had an awesome day. No, I would rather share a Prezi of which I am particularly proud. I like some updates, comment on a few and post links to other companies that have something of interest to show. At least a few times per week. And I sometimes post bullshit. Because it’s funny. Because that’s what I do when I am with a client as well. Because it’s normal.

It’s [about the Web] not about you or me

I guess the problem I am describing concerning LinkedIn (I recognise somewhat the same tendencies through Twitter) is the limited or narrow way in which a potentially awesome tool is being used. It’s not about how many connections, how many groups or how great (!), inspirational (!), energetic (!) you, your company or your day is. It’s not about you running 5 miles in an awesome (!) time, your magnificent cooking or your busy, busy, busy schedule. It’s not about you or me. It’s about us! And being authentic. It’s probably about making a plan. For what goal are you using LinkedIn? Only by working together we can help one another find our way, make connections and enhance our knowledge. Showing only your awesome side, being a broadcaster instead of a receiver or reactor won’t help.

tagged with: linkedin, social network sites

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