On Linkedin I received a promotional notice of a new book out called "How to REALLY use Linkedin", written by a networking coach named Jan Vermeiren. Jan had previously written a networking book called "Let's Connect." Now I'm a strong proponent of networking, and I consider myself fairly seasoned at it. Additionally, I know my way around online social networking platforms. That being said, I'm not currently in the market for purchasing a book on the uses of Linkedin. While it seemed the book could be quite useful, I was still more excited to see that Jan was offering a free, light version of the book in pdf format. I downloaded the light version and have taken some time to read through it.
From the book, the five fundamental principles of networking are as follows: (1) networking attitude, (2) the golden triangle of networking, (3) the real power of the network is in the second degree. (4) quality and diversity are both important, and (5) your "know, like and trust" factor.
In this blog, I'm going to focus on the third fundamental principle: the real power of the network is in the second degree. Who you know, or in other words, your network, is considered the first degree. On Linkedin, the first degree network is indicated by a number 1 next to the name of your contacts. The second degree are your contacts' connections. These people are denoted with a number 2 next to their names.
The book makes some good points regarding the second degree, and reinforces my ideal that everyone at a networking event is worth the time and the conversation. While someone may not be in an industry that you view as important, beneficial, or even relevant; you never know who they know. Their network always has the potential to be very beneficial to you.
Also, as I've said before, networking is a two-way street. If you are seeking benefits of any kind from networking, it's essential to offer benefits to others. You have to have some value to offer. Not only does every person in your first degree lead to your second degree network, but you also provide others with a second degree network. By taking the time to speak with an individual who at first doesn't appear to suit your goals, you may learn that they are looking for someone in your network. This point is important and should always be in the back of your mind. Referrals can be a great source of customers, clients, mentors, etc.
The second degree network is beneficial because you have easier access to those individuals by having the first degree network act as a bridge between you and them. The first degree can offer an introduction or referral to the second degree. With a personal introduction or referral, someone else has in essence taken the time to evaluate the value of the contact. Linkedin makes this easy because it allows you to see not only your connections, but also those people in the second and the third degrees beyond your network. For example, if you're searching for someone with a certain expertise on Linkedin, the results may show an individual who falls into your second degree network. Linkedin makes this easy to see.
In short, if you want a brief overview of the benefits to using Linkedin as a networking tool, check out How to REALLY Use Linkedin, or at least the light version. For other questions, as always, feel free to contact me.
From the book, the five fundamental principles of networking are as follows: (1) networking attitude, (2) the golden triangle of networking, (3) the real power of the network is in the second degree. (4) quality and diversity are both important, and (5) your "know, like and trust" factor.
In this blog, I'm going to focus on the third fundamental principle: the real power of the network is in the second degree. Who you know, or in other words, your network, is considered the first degree. On Linkedin, the first degree network is indicated by a number 1 next to the name of your contacts. The second degree are your contacts' connections. These people are denoted with a number 2 next to their names.
The book makes some good points regarding the second degree, and reinforces my ideal that everyone at a networking event is worth the time and the conversation. While someone may not be in an industry that you view as important, beneficial, or even relevant; you never know who they know. Their network always has the potential to be very beneficial to you.
Also, as I've said before, networking is a two-way street. If you are seeking benefits of any kind from networking, it's essential to offer benefits to others. You have to have some value to offer. Not only does every person in your first degree lead to your second degree network, but you also provide others with a second degree network. By taking the time to speak with an individual who at first doesn't appear to suit your goals, you may learn that they are looking for someone in your network. This point is important and should always be in the back of your mind. Referrals can be a great source of customers, clients, mentors, etc.
The second degree network is beneficial because you have easier access to those individuals by having the first degree network act as a bridge between you and them. The first degree can offer an introduction or referral to the second degree. With a personal introduction or referral, someone else has in essence taken the time to evaluate the value of the contact. Linkedin makes this easy because it allows you to see not only your connections, but also those people in the second and the third degrees beyond your network. For example, if you're searching for someone with a certain expertise on Linkedin, the results may show an individual who falls into your second degree network. Linkedin makes this easy to see.
In short, if you want a brief overview of the benefits to using Linkedin as a networking tool, check out How to REALLY Use Linkedin, or at least the light version. For other questions, as always, feel free to contact me.
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