This is not a webinar on the mechanics of how to use LinkedIn – this is focused entirely on the business strategy of using LinkedIn – how to create value for your business and career and how to be most productive with the time you spend on LinkedIn. Some of the specific topics include:

• The latest “dos and don’ts” for building an effective profile that gains maximum exposure in search engines
• Tips for direct one-to-one outreach—the right way to find and connect with others
• Ways to create value from the networks of others
• Effective use of the Q&A function: how to find the nuggets, what and when to answer, as well as potential legal liabilities
• How to use the answers section to be recognized as—or to find—an expert in your field
• Understanding and utilizing the power of LinkedIn groups
• How LinkedIn can be used as a tool for competitive research and product launches
• Stealth strategies for seeding conversations
• How to maximize productivity—profiles and routines (how often to check it, avoiding e-mail overload, etc.)
• Ways to merge blog feeds into your profile
• Understand how and why a paid LinkedIn membership can be of value to you

This is a 90-minute webinar with plenty of time for live Q&A. Registration is $149 and includes an activity guide to maximize your learning experience.

And then I read the message:

LinkedIn

Shane Murray has sent you a message.

Date: 5/28/2009

Subject: LinkedIn Group: Emergency Notification

A friend, Kris Schroeder, asked me to help create awareness about her group on LinkedIn. I think the topics are interesting from both an individual and enterprise level. Here is a group summary in case you are interested:

We are using this group to discuss emergency notification and emergency preparedness. What are you doing to prepare for an emergency? When an emergency happens, how will you let people know that either you have been hurt or that you are OK in the midst of everything?

Best Regards,

Shane

ROTFLOL!

I’m sure it’s a great group for those interested in the topic. Still, the unintended consequences are pretty funny.

Image: Michelle Dennis via stock.xchng

While this is kind of funny, there’s a lesson here too…it’s important to be memorable, in any way that’s not negative: Italian cowboy boots, a pink feather in your hair, a distinctive business card, an interesting story about how you got started in your business, etc.

Still, this was hilarious:

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the insulation of the internet allows us to be bitter, snarky, etc., with impunity. Perhaps in an anonymous environment like Slashdot that may be the case, but when all your interaction is tied to your very public identity, as on LinkedIn, guess what? It’s going to be looked at by potential employers.

And who wants to work with someone that is bitter, resentful, depressed, snarky, over-critical, arrogant, whatever?

I’m not saying you have to be all rosy and cheerful all the time, but just think carefully before you let those negative emotions out in public online, especially on a professional networking site like LinkedIn.

Good advice. Even if you’re feeling desperate, no one wants to network with desperate people.

Wow! Really???

Personally, I don’t hate LinkedIn (usually). Still thought this description was hilarious.