Is a LinkedIn Profile a Necessity?

Social media is a beast we’ve been unable to defeat over the past ten years, and thus, we’ve chosen to join every network we can. Nearly everyone has at least one social media profile, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Many people have more than one, but the one that most easily falls by the wayside is LinkedIn. A lot of people ask the question, is a LinkedIn profile a necessity?

The Short Answer

Yes, it is. LinkedIn is a primary means of contact for many professional outlets,especially since LinkedIn has increased what its network can handle. They’ve added features that allow for headhunting, blog posting, and company updates. They have advanced their analytics system for business pages and their groups feature allows direct contact with the industries of interest to your chosen field. So, in terms of its necessity, it’s quite important for professionals of any age.

The Long Answer

There is a myriad of reasons why a LinkedIn profile is of the utmost importance for professional individuals, especially those looking to climb the corporate ladder.

Less Drama –While Facebook is excellent for connecting with old friends and creeping on people, it’s not exactly the mecca of professional networking. People want to share their children’s milestones, their relationship drama, and their political affiliation on Facebook. That type of issue doesn’t exist on LinkedIn. It is primarily established for professional capability.

Networking –LinkedIn provides an incredibly simple way to connect with the people you’ve met at networking events. It’s a virtual business card exchange in a day and age when paper has become obsolete. If you meet the CEO of your dream company at a corporate mixer, you can extend a connection request almost immediately, given the proficiency of most cell phones. It’s the first line of communication with someone with whom you’ve wished to connect.

Groups –On LinkedIn, you are able to choose the groups to which you belong. They may be specific to the field of your choice or they may include members to whom you are connected. No matter what the reasoning behind your choice of groups, they are a great way to share pertinent articles, industry-related thoughts, or even to just make further connections. Groups assist in the networking process in a way that isn’t as streamlined on Facebook.

InMail –Much like DMs or private messaging on Facebook, you can contact your connections directly. Many people use InMail to speak to their connections about upcoming events or to exchange professional information. Many people reach out via messages about potential job opportunities, so if you do establish a profile, check your mail on a regular basis.

Company Pages –If you have a business or are part of a business it is essential to create a profile for that business on LinkedIn. Businesses with an established LinkedIn presence are able to connect with their target audience, especially when posting that they’re hiring. It allows people who follow your business page to see your job postings and respond in kind. For those looking to expand their company’s reach, a business page is imperative.

A LinkedIn profile may not be as flashy and entertaining as your Facebook page. There may not be fantastic images like there are on Instagram. It may not feature the same trending news that Twitter does, and you’re definitely not going to find a lot of celebrity profiles on the channel. However, professionally speaking, LinkedIn is the way to go. You’ll be able to establish a virtual resume and connect with like-minded career professionals. Create your profile today, thank me later.