Written By:  Robyn Shulman

This blog is for all of the teachers who are not currently using Linked In. There are currently over 100 million professionals using Linked In as of 2010. However, there is a quite noticeable lack of educators using Linked In. With that said, employed or not employed, it is imperative to have an active Linked In profile. Here are a few reasons: 

•Become noticed by a potential employer (even if currently employed)

•Be found when recruiters are typing in ‘keywords’ looking for talent

•Stay current, up to date, and active in chosen career field

•Reach out to professionals all over the world

•Make invaluable connections

•Mentor others or find a mentor

•Have ongoing academic and/or business conversations

•Start or grow a business

•Maintain personal growth

•Discover new strengths

•Learn about other career possibilities

•Join various groups of interest

•Start groups of interest

•Give back and help others

Many educators are looking outside of the classroom searching for alternatives to teaching. Teachers have an ongoing list of applicable and transferable skills, however, there are factors that are keeping teachers from realizing their full potential. One key tool teachers are missing is the lack of networking. All educators should start with a profile, making connections, and joining and participating in groups.

For the past 6 months, personally, I have spent a great amount of time on Linked In. The connections I have made around the world are amazing (but we’ll get into that next time). I have put together a short guide to help those who don’t know where to start. This is a great alternative to a Linked In consultation, and will walk anyone through the basics, step by step…. Linked In is a very powerful tool, but there are various factors one must take into account in order to use it successfully.

In this first volume, the Linked In basics will be stressed, which include: the reasons one must have a profile, how to set it up, and the best way to optimize it. For most sections, an example will be provided to follow. By following these basic suggestions, Linked In can help one land a job, create and market a business, make valuable connections, and grow personally.

Volume Two of the Linked In series includes the following: what to do (and not) to do on Linked In, how to be successful with groups, creating groups, and more.