Katie Felten came to speak in my Public Relations Tactics II class about Linkedin. Katie focused on how we as public relations students can use Linkedin to launch our careers. Katie points out that Linkedin’s real power comes from introductions, joining groups, getting recommendations and so on. Katie also gave us some tips on how to maximize our Linkedin pages so they stand out above the rest. For example I learned that in the interest’s portion of my Linkedin I should have a little more personal of a message, mention fun spare time activities that could turn into conversation starters. Another important feature that Katie covered was groups and associations. Joining groups that tie into what you want to do as a professional is an important step because groups and associations allow members to send messages to one another. She told us to join the bigshoes network http://www.bigshoesnetwork.com/ as well as local groups so you can go to events. Groups will also post jobs because the people posting are avoiding the paid job area of Linkedin. Nonprofit group are also good to join because they will connect you with people who are passionate about the same causes that you are, that can be a great segue to a professional relationship. Katie Felten did certainly made me more aware of my Linkedin abilities if you what to hear more follow Katie at http://twitter.com/mkelive on twitter. Also check out some social media training opportunities at her website http://www.mkelive.com/ if you want to take your social media skills to the next level. Personally my favorite part of the presentation was Katie’s recommendations for the Title bar, were you put information about who you are and what you do. The Title bar is basically 160 characters to explain yourself and make people remember you. Also remember on Linkedin you never have to put personal information like your age or your marital status; rather introduce the world to your professional self.
