Why and How to LinkedIn

There is no strict rule or policy, but here is my recommendation for LinkedIn newbies: 

• I realized how useful LinkedIn is when I joined SV professional network.
• Look up the name of the key engineers and researchers in your workplace. Most of them are connected through LinkedIn.
• I realized this is how SV professionals are getting connected. LinkedIn is a gateway to SV professional network.
• LinkedIn is a powerful tool for managing your professional network, but not social network like Facebook or twitter.
• Make connection with a person who you really know (not who you just met), you liked working with in the past, you want to work with in the future.
• Do not abuse LinkedIn. If you have too many connections (e.g. 500+), then I would think you are a recruiter, not a professional.
• All the people in your connection will be notified when you update profile, connect with a new person, join a group, etc.
• Share useful info with your connection.
• Do not dump/post spams/useless info on your network. It will bother all the people in your connection.
• When you add a new connection, all the people in your connection will be exposed to the new person.
• He/She will be able to look around who you are connected with.
• You have to respect and protect the privacy of the people in your connection.
• Keep away from recruiters and HR people if possible (there could be some exception).
• A few recruiters with an attitude may help your career development.
• You may be able to create a "virtual start-up" through LinkedIn if you have really cool idea.

I hope you enjoy the power of professional network through LinkedIn with KSEA-SiV!

- Moon Chang