Putting the "net" in networking

Remember that time I wrote all about the importance of living in the moment? About how everything will just get itself done, and I'll sleep when I'm dead? I guess it's not that hard to remember, considering I've only written four other posts. But...yeah. Scratch that. Five classes + sorority rush + a little bit of "senior" fun = one. hot. mess.

Rush finally ended tonight, so I can finally cross that off my list. This is somewhat bittersweet; tonight was my last rush at Michigan, and let's just say that I cry even when I watch My Girl for the fiftieth time. So there's that. But in general, as much as I'm all about mah sistas, I am happy to now have more time to myself to accomplish some of my more personal goals.

One thing I can also check off is creating a LinkedIn account. Since I've previously held web marketing internships, and I'm just a fan of schmoozing in general, I can attest to the benefits of social media networking. To network effectively, you should really utilize every resource that's available. And with technology as advanced as it is today, there are a ton of resources out there. Being able to make connections while sitting at home in my pajamas? Count me in.

In truth, I actually created a LinkedIn account a long time ago. But it was only recently that I got around to actually creating a detailed profile for myself. Since more and more people are choosing to promote themselves on LinkedIn these days, compiling this profile is something I wanted to put a lot of thought and time into. What to keep? What to cut? Which awkwardly-cropped picture best represents myself as a smiley professional?

The great thing about LinkedIn is that they provide samples for all of the profile sections. Definitely read those, if you're more of an amateur when it comes to networking. I chose to select my "professional 'headline'" from a list of options. Am I actually an "Online Media Professional"? Well, not entirely. But I hope to be, and my experiences and skills listed on my profile absolutely show that I've got what it takes. In my opinion, at least. The point is, definitely do NOT lie on this profile - many higher-ups at big companies use LinkedIn and can read all about you - but you can and should emphasize your marketable qualities to the best of your ability.

After completing my LinkedIn profile, the real fun begins. Making connections and adding them to my network. I was surprised to see just how many people I know that are on this networking site, and it was really interesting to read about positions they held before we worked together, and what they're up to these days (professionally, of course).

I'm definitely glad that I started this LinkedIn process when I did. While adding my boss from my two-summers-past internship is positive outreach, connecting with her on LinkedIn only to ask her about job openings the very next day is borderline creepy. While setting up a LinkedIn profile takes a little bit of time and editing, I know that, once I do begin to correspond with my connections, it will be totally worth it to be able to reference any of their professional experiences. If I were you, I'd quit reading this and at least sign up for an account. If you're looking for ideas on what to include on your profile, you can check out my LinkedIn page here.