anybody use LinkedIn?

[rche]

What on earth is it good for.

I had an invite from an associate of mine, which I took thinking that she might be hooking me up with a place to bounce ideas around in and such. In retrospect, I think the LI software must have just pulled me out of her email list and sent me the invite. I am now getting invites from all sorts of folks who I have had email conversations with in the past. Some of whom I know would not recall the conversation, nor would want to have me on a social network. It is a little disturbing at times.

Anybody here use this thing and, if so, what for?

[sauce]

I only use it to claim my name and style in cyberspace forever.

It can be used to find jobs, though.

[RickD]

It is a good networking tool. I have my account open for issues pertaining to Homeland Security and military issues. When I was planning on teaching at the University level for Homeland Security it was a valuable tool for me.

As B said, it can be good for job hunting.

[TheDoLittle]

I used to use it for networking with graphic designers and artists for freelance jobs. Between my teaching job and a couple of freelancing contracts, I rarely use it now. If and when work starts to dry up I'll probably start using it again.

[megomania]

Same as above. My wife has received 3 or 4 legitimate emails recently from recruiters in her industry who saw her LI profile either by keyword search or through a connection she had that they knew. I have been able to connect with current vendors, former co-workers, etc who may be beneficial to have as connections later.

Also, most companies are checking potential employees now to see if they are on LinkedIn, FB, Twitter, etc. My boss recently took an internal promotion...he told me our Corporate VP of HR said "Hmm...we couldn't find you anywhere on the internet. We looked on LI, FB, etc." He got the job so it doesn't matter that he didn't have a profile but they do look.

-Chris

[rche]

all very interesting.
thanks for the replies.
I still find it disconcerting that LI tries to connect me to people who I've emailed in the past. Makes you wonder what other info can be pulled out of your online email folders without your consent.

[Apositive]

I've used it to "Link In" with business contacts and I get emails every week from Linked In about Jobs that I'm really not interested in.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

I still find it disconcerting that LI tries to connect me to people who I've emailed in the past. Makes you wonder what other info can be pulled out of your online email folders without your consent.

^Quite a bit, I'm sure. I sort of use LI, same reasons as all above stated.

[Duncan]

I still find it disconcerting that LI tries to connect me to people who I've emailed in the past.

I haven't had this experience, but I use my work e-mail.

I find LI useful for networking within my industry, and keeping in touch with former coworkers & classmates. I've been notified of a few job openings through it. I'd say it's worth using.