What’s the Point of LinkedIn, Anyway? | Christine vs. Work

𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘼𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮! ✨ / hbrascend ✨
It’s the least fun social platform, but the most important for your career. Here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you.
While LinkedIn is the central hub of online professional networking, it can also be an overwhelming and confusing place. But your digital persona is more important (and necessary) than ever, so you should probably get good at LinkedIn: How should you think about your profile and activity on LinkedIn, and why is it important to prioritize your time on this platform?
Innovation Editor Christine Liu talks to Madeline Mann, a human resources leader and host of “Self Made Millennial” on KZbin, who explains why LinkedIn matters, how to maintain and grow your network, and how best to use this platform for personal and professional growth.
Learn more about Madeline Mann: / selfmademillennial
*This video is not sponsored by LinkedIn.
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#linkedin #career #personalbranding

[@harvardbusinessreview]

What do you think of LinkedIn? How do *you* actually use it? -Christine

[@monika42386]

I like linkendin, but I don't post much. This is how I mainly use LinkedIn = I tend to like other posts and follow certain companies and people who post things Im interested in reading. I've been meaning to post more and be more active. I also really like Linkedin learn. Its such a great tool.

[@partydjjamie8380]

I have been asking myself this exact same question lately. What is the point of LinkedIn? What is it there for? I used to be very active on the platform when I was in college as our lecturers used always go on about the platform as being great for networking and building connections. I still post the odd time but never ever get any likes or comments on my posts, so the amount it takes for me to create posts isn't worth the effort anymore. For me, LinkedIn is good if you are a marketing company trying to showcase what you do and this will help generate business for your company or if you are a college or course provider trying to get people to sign up for courses. Other than this, I have no idea what it is for anymore. A lot of people say it is also a great place to find a job if you are looking but I don't see this on the platform. All I see is notifications of John and Niall got a new job or someone you don't know and probably will never ever meet just sent you a connection request.

[@haylnemmett4866]

@@partydjjamie8380 Exactly as you said!

[@Fitzrovialitter]

It's worthless; further it's a massive security hole, with its members' private details hacked and publicized on at least two separate occasions.

[@kvin9210]

@@Fitzrovialitter exactly

[@ThePrabutube]

Finally. Some one spoke out. It's become a Facebook of professionals who do nothing but mostly brag. Very less is happening when within the communities. And 90% of the request is from someone who wants a business to sell

[@meggen385]

Exactly, bragging is one thing. After noticing how some (or most!?) of my colleagues lied on Linkedin, and some ''talent acquisition' personnel said they only pay attention to profiles with 500+ connection!!! So its not about talents but one's social game. Geez.

[@yoursubconscious]

@@meggen385 wow! noted. thank you

[@marcus5898]

This Exactly. Along with oversharing of personal stuff that I wouldn't want to read if I was on Facebook.

[@biswa141]

Very true

[@aditiishere94]

So true

[@kenw4018]

Generally I find linkedin becoming as irrelevant as facebook, lots of contacts reaching out just to connect but never actually engage ever.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@theshadowman1398]

The only good thing of Facebook for me are hobby groups ( vintage electronics, etc. )

[@rudyspective1870]

Linkedin is basically Facebook for professionals. As I minimize my need to social media I realize having a profile to find a job and network is not only time consuming but also exhausting; trying to promote yourself to people you don't know so they can "hook you up" for a prospective career doesn't sit well with me. And many times many of them are just there to sell something to you. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I would rather meet face to face with an employer in an interview and get to know the company that way, besides doing research beforehand so I know what I'm getting myself into, and will help me decide if I want to work there. Hence, I deleted my LinkedIn account. Not a necessary tool for me.

[@davidcoen6553]

I just dumped my LinkedIn account. I finally decided to assert that all those self-aggrandising, pretentious, banal posts are not worth my time. Edit: I'm autistic, and I become overloaded by too much input. Plus I detest the NEVER-ENDING vertical scrolling. It's a terrible UX and it forever trades on one thing: "but you might miss that golden job opportunity". Even if that were true (and I don't believe it for a single second), my wellbeing comes first!

[@helenepingue705]

LinkedIn was originally meant for business professionals to connect to work and refer each other. It’s turned into nothing but inspirational quotes and resembles Facebook at this point. Not sure why it’s so important. Brag because you have 500 connections? How often do you engage with even a quarter of the 500 connections. LinkedIn is pretty much a joke.

[@redherring4119]

Its an extremely depressing platform and is responsible for more falsehoods than facebook, instagram and twitter combined. The moment I land my ideal job, i'm outta there.

[@newagain9964]

LinkedIn is surveillance capitalism and part of the social monitoring/credit apparatus being constructed.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@SelfMadeMillennial]

Your profile looks great Christine! Thanks for having me on the show!

[@cappuccinopapi3038]

You sound like a SEO random keyword generator

[@kvin9210]

@gaming site exactly

[@calebpartenheimer7636]

I have 80 connections on LinkedIn. Most of them have sent me a connection request. I have had like zero things happen from any of them. I do not understand what the point of it is if no one does anything. It's like when 2 people like each other but there both to scared to make the first move. Like, ok? Is anything going to happen here or what!?

[@chnorwood3365]

I agree about the 'puffing one's self up' part that is annoying. I use it to message people I only have a business relationship with and to keep with up colleagues professionally, who I wouldn't be keeping up socially. Plus. for my connections, it is a good way to hear about upcoming events, conferences, etc.

[@llvzz5240]

its for B2B companies, or SAAS companies to find their clients.

[@johnafinegan]

I like the simple and straightforward manner in which you provide information, and would like to do something similar. My work has been long-form video in the past because it did not require video editing. This is not my area of expertise, but I recognize how important it is today. As an executive coach and group facilitator, this could potentially demonstrate leadership. The HBR branding attracted me to your work because I am a graduate of OPM 28 (1997-1999).

[@ozgur-kenan]

That's useful, but I also believe that LinkedIn is not everything, there other platforms that are also valuable and through line. In addition, what I like most about LinkedIn is the following.... LinkedIn has a whole component on the platform where companies can post job openings. And you can apply to them-without having to leave LinkedIn, and this makes the process of applying to a job opportunity much easier than the old times.

[@Duci1989]

LinkedIn, where both recruiters and random companies contact you to sell you shit.

[@kvin9210]

Pretty much lol

[@richardblaine1130]

LinkedIn is a clown show. Shut me down for the photo I used. These companies are all the same.

[@dwhitexrp]

One of the best videos I have watched in a long time! I appreciated your openness and they way your video presented the information, not like a class or tutorial but as you and I having a conversation about what the heck is LinkedIn! Thanks you! Subscribed and looking forward to more great content.

[@monika42386]

Christine I love your videos and how transparent you are. I almost feel as though I’m on this work journey with you as I watch your videos. Some videos I would love to see 1.) How to prepare for an interview 2.) How to network online 3.) How to navigate a career change 4.) How to manage up 5.) Creative ways to lead a team

[@satyakan]

I second this list!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Monika, thanks so much for your feedback. I'm thrilled to invite anyone and everyone on these work journeys! These are all great suggestions. In the meantime, you might enjoy this article how to network and prepare for an interview in 2020 hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-nail-a-job-interview-remotely -Christine

[@philipdejager7519]

The funny thing is I got a LinkedIn ad before this video started😄

[@theshadowman1398]

I never understood the point of linkedin and never had an issue with finding a job without it.

[@GrumpyCockatiel]

It's the place where companies go to virtue signal about how wonderful they are in their fantasy bubble while treating their employees like dirt IRL.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@margaretfitzgerald5242]

This is some of the best and most succinct advice I’ve seen on LinkedIn pro tips! (And I do LinkedIn training! 🙄😂) Thank you so much for sharing the scoop!

[@Alex-op3dl]

Christine, I would really love to see an episode about team cultivation in multicultural companies

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Alexander, great suggestion! Thanks for sharing. For now, you may find this article helpful: hbr.org/2016/06/how-to-build-trust-on-your-cross-cultural-team -Christine

[@NottyGurlStyle]

I had LinkedIn and was paying for it and I’m still at my job I can’t get out of…lol if I try to make a connection and reach out to them I don’t hear anything back. Plus it’s hard to even reply to anything that would look too much like I’m job seeking because my company is on there and they are nosey…

[@bartko09]

So real world question; With CNET reporting that 93% of recruiters are viewing candidate profiles on LinkedIn and the plan according to your advice is to only put your "best story" onto LinkedIn (not the WHOLE story) than how would you explain to a hiring manager the discrepancy between your LinkedIn Profile and your Resume? Assuming that they haven't written you off before even reaching out to you... ?

[@phillipgoat00]

I haven't heard of a single person that wasn't hired for not having linkedin lol. cnet? hahah give me a break, if it was the wall street journal, I would believe it.

[@MkcLaura]

Amazing video. LinkedIn might be the least "fun" platform, but it is the best for lead gen and networking. I must say it is fast growing too as a lot of people are seeing how great it is for business. Loving LinkedIn and love educating people on how to leverage that platform

[@kvin9210]

Great for businesses but shit for candidates. It used to be good but now with all the humble brag bullshit, it's now a toxic website.

[@sushantkaul3633]

Hi, can you please make a video on "tackling office politics" and "how CEOs think"?

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi S K, thanks for the ideas! In the meantime, here's a recent article on office politics in our WFH world: hbr.org/2020/10/navigating-office-politics-when-there-is-no-office -Christine

[@vasiliybogdanov6599]

Thanks a lot, Christine. The phrase "I WORK GREAT IN TEAMS" makes my day! 😆😆😆

[@Cam.Klingon]

In college we were told to go on LinkedIn, to setup profiles, network with our peers in our and other majors, but I never understood the point of the platform until I watched this video. I do still have some concerns though. LinkedIn is still a job seeking platform? Correct? So how is it different from every other job seeking service out there? I get the people might want to reach out to you for a collab, but how does that work for a non-tech industry worker? I generally work as an estimator or service advisor at autobody shops and mechanic garages; and when I had my profile updated on LinkedIn, I found that I wouldn’t get anything from having the profile on there. Are blue collar jobs too low tech to be on LinkedIn? Thoughts?

[@prasadramasamy904]

linkedin is where 90% of the people are there giving motivatoin and 10% actually making sense.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@sethmaule]

How can linked in get away with discrimination? Why have a photo required? Why be able to know what the person looks like and not what they can provide?!

[@kvin9210]

Yep

[@Karijustini]

I dont have a linkedIN im considering on making an account after watching you!

[@Mr.MiddleClassPH]

My company forced me to make one but that's it. 😒

[@thisisjaed]

What's the point of HBR?

[@acmazur]

Hi Christine - Because you are so engaging to watch and you offer good tips, I am open to whatever work related suggestions you have. Thank you.

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Amy, so happy I can help! -Christine

[@manispreet]

Great insights. Future topic request: job performance reviews in Covid era

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Manpreet, thanks so much for the suggestion! Would you like more information from a position of receiving a performance review as an employee, or giving one as a manager? -Christine

[@manispreet]

@@harvardbusinessreview Thanks Christine for replying to my request. I am in a position of receiving a job performance review rather than giving one. But if you could cover both POVs that will be helpful to employees like me. It may also give some points what to consider while giving a performance review to their colleagues.

[@jameswc5302]

I knew little to nothing about Linkdin, I am glad youtube suggested me your video lol cz it was very useful. So thank you

[@123oolylaoo321]

This was very helpful! I was overwhelmed with making a profile and this helped out a lot! Thank you!

[@virtuosowins]

More than often it can not even help you get a job. I found it to be a waste of time. They don't want you to know that. So, they use ways to win you back and keep you engaged there - mostly for nothing..

[@nathan2497]

Is Linkedin worth getting if your looking for lower skilled work and don't really use social media much, I was told to consider it but I'm not sure it would be worth it.

[@simorasimora6460]

I have tried for years, even paying for it. No results. I just have my old job spying where I are at the moment.. lol... I work in cleaning / elderly care

[@112428]

Not really. It's mostly focused at professional level work. i.e. managers, engineers, sales people, etc.

[@vasiwasi4899]

what are you saying that linkedin is fake because its related to work and jobs and we aren't our true selves at work? because that sounds nuts, and i didn't even say anything. i want to be visible to the public, thats what i tell myself before i go outside

[@wunderland1]

It’s mostly useless but good to hear from recruiters

[@mel_arquiza]

Thank you for the information Christine ❤❤❤

[@vasudevanudayar]

Ur right christine ..I had 1 profile..I use to get lots of spam link...I deleted my profile...I escalated to linkedin CEO too..

[@tmk7775]

Tell your full story, and don't look straight at the camera. Got it, thanks.

[@WageSlave_13]

Everyone wants someone else to "help" them. But what are you offering them in return.

[@diegopesantes3876]

Great video! I used to be more active on LinkedIn until I landed a job. Yet, in my opinion, LinkedIn is not about getting yourself employed but connecting with people who could help you improve. Now I'm working on how to get back on LinkedIn with a new perspective: to become visible to people who can help me be the professional I always wanted to be. I hope things work out! BTW, there is a topic I'm always passionate about and would love to see it in a future video: Shall we talk about politics at work? Or shall we leave those discussions at home? What's the best way to conduct yourself while in the office? Thank you for your tips, Diego P.

[@kristinakhan4481]

Please, continue to produce more Videos like that! Thank you for introducing relevant topics and making educational videos fun! It would be interesting to hear our opinion about the centralization of social media, for example LinkedIn or Instagram and the consequences of this kind of monopoly.

[@jeremystanley9395]

The only point of linkedin is to have a handy digital copy of your resume.

[@small_ed]

It seems to be more of an entertainment diversion for many. I'd like to know where some company executives and other higher level employees find the time to literally post daily on this thing or advertise to the online world what they "like", "love", or "celebrate". Don't they have real, actual work to do?

[@cappuccinopapi3038]

We need a replacement for LinkedIn

[@kvin9210]

LinkedIn lite without the bullshit posts and just straight networking and direct access to hiring managers (yes without that fucking bullshit LinkedIn premium nonsense). Put the fucking hiring managers name and contact info front and centre in the job application!

[@joycezale5433]

If you're a creative, there's The Dots

[@cussesandspits]

Christine, thanks for another interesting episode. Could you please add your list of things you did to the show notes. :)

[@kaderoscope]

Excellent! And so fun. Just discovered your videos and love it already. Keep it up

[@plantforwardnutrition]

Great video Christine. I love HBR. I have a question: what are some strategies for carving out quiet time to be creative at work without coming in early and bringing work home?

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Christianna, thanks for stopping by! And great question. Now working from home (a studio apartment, where my kitchen is my office is my living room is my bedroom!), I struggle to keep life from slipping into work and vice versa. I am a big fan of timeboxing, where I block off time on my work calendar for myself (so no one schedules a meeting during those hours), formally name the event ("Creative thinking and making on XYZ"), and remove as many distractions as possible (put silenced phone in a drawer, set "do not disturb" settings on my laptop applications), and dedicate that time to only that. It's not always perfect but it's a good starting point. I wish sometimes I could get a change of scenery, but that moment will come one day. -Christine

[@plantforwardnutrition]

@@harvardbusinessreview Thanks for the response Christine! I'm going to try timeboxing. I like the idea of physically blocking something off in your calendar. I still work in the office because of the nature of my industry (corporate dining dietitian).

[@omelette913]

So, what is the point of linkedin?

[@kvin9210]

There's no point to it. It's just Facebook and a job website in one. And don't forget the annoying corporate cringe throughout that website.

[@queenofalldamned3365]

Never had very conclusive and relevant outcomes on this platform. It is just another place and opportunity for the people to show up and just promote themselves….

[@majastojcevski6349]

I enjoyed your video and your energy. Thank you for this explanation 😊🌷

[@miruobamogusu4798]

This was very useful information

[@chrisdob1980]

is there any alternative for Linkedin?

[@lindazhang8004]

JUST FOLLOWED U ( was gonna click connect button as well) haha. good content and always useful! keep up the good work!

[@2292fa]

SUSTAINABILITY! How should companies approach sustainability leadership? What are tangible and impressive results to work toward?

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi F Ar, great questions! Will think on this. Thanks for the suggestion. -Christine

[@thum2]

Thanks for this amazing video...I love linkedin because of their dorkiness.

[@yazidbahloul8576]

LINKEDIN IS UNIQUE IN ITS GENRE IN OFFERING YOU A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO GET LOST AT DIFFERENT LEVELS BASIC AND PREMIUM HHHHH.

[@thepumpchumppp]

I just deleted my LinkedIn last week. Never used it to find my last 3 jobs. I dont think i need it

[@orphamutowo82]

I am building my career in corporate leadership.l need exposure as my current job is depriving me opportunities.

[@stevep9041]

LinkedIn has got so woke recently. Diversity, inclusiveness. Logos that become rainbows one month, then are blacked out for another, its pathetic.

[@mysaria7641]

only pathetic one here is you mister “i’m mad at inclusivity” Steve

[@metaverseplayer]

@@mysaria7641 Right? 😂 Like so what you’re triggered by colors? Literally people are dying out here. Find something actually important to complain about.

[@ginsu_pd]

You're worried about logos? Lol smh

[@nitakapadia4064]

Hello, I am trying to create a buyer persona. What is the best wy to do it?

[@lol-eq2xk]

Am i the only one who feel depressed seeing people crazy achievement and skill compared to my mediocre self?

[@jakegillis8255]

What is HBR producing these sort of cringe-y contents?? All these feel like it's coming out of VICE reject bin

[@kvin9210]

Exactly. This garbage content is worthless just like LinkedIn. They need to bring back the quality content.

[@mjwmontgomery]

It encourages you to use the platform instead of actually networking

[@AG-lz5jw]

Hi Christine, thanks for the video. Is there possible to have topic on office politics and how to avoid it? Thanks.

[@harvardbusinessreview]

HI A G, thanks for stopping by. I"m not sure if it's ever possible to avoid office politics altogether, but there are definitely ways to navigate it. I will consider this popular topic! In the meantime, here's a recent article on office politics in our WFH world: hbr.org/2020/10/navigating-office-politics-when-there-is-no-office -Christine

[@danielhendricks9280]

Thanks for the info.. My wife and I started a new Book Keeping Business . My wife has LinkedIn and I'm wanting to learn more about the platform to help with marketing and this video had helped so thanks again for you help

[@adiinbar99]

Thank you for this great content!

[@Cutlerypotato]

The point is to collect data that can be sold

[@makiohba9137]

It is a useless tool for job seekers. It does NOT make it easier, personal branding makes you less desirable to employees, I will not put my unfortunate face out there for all to see. I also don't have "awards and success stories" like everyone seems to have. Way to bash my confidence social media! DELETE.

[@kvin9210]

Finally someone with the cold and brutal truth!!! Everyone praising LinkedIn just has their heads in the sand.

[@nirajpatel1030]

Nice tips! I will try to put this tips in practice, spacially post every week and write recommandation to people.

[@Michael_Clark_II]

Christina is absolutely awesome! Professional, eye 👁 candy 🍭 the audience definitely connects; and the camera 🎥 loves this woman! Looking forward towards more epic videos

[@matthewsommerville88]

Let’s be honest it’s garbage. I have to run 4 miles just to feel calm enough to view it. It’s a depression bomb that also makes me furious from some odd combination of jealousy and nausea. Lots of former bosses and managers sniffing each other’s rear

[@cdk1473]

I still feel I need help with my LinkedIn. But think video was helpful. 🙂

[@daymagarciagomez2152]

Christine, I know this is a lot to ask, but can you posts videos every day? Please!

[@harvardbusinessreview]

Hi Dayma, that would be awesome! Let's see how things work out in the coming months... -Christine

[@liuliuliu1]

Hi Dayma! I loved your comment so much I featured you in my bonus Q&A episode ❤️ It just dropped on HBR's channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqa7qGV9gtOEfLs

[@long_fellow]

Is it true that in the US, people stare at you if you're not on social media? 😏 😏

[@christianpaul5224]

Well how about us freshies.

[@medhachakraborty7474]

Tbh its not as great as people like to portray it. I contacted two profs and tbh I got no response. Its just one of the instances I am sharing. All of this is nonsense.

[@KrishanuMukherjeeimkrishanu]

Thank you 😊

[@stephenelliott4056]

look, i find editorial contributors and pre-qualify clients and business leads with this tool. maybe if you left the quad on campus and joined the grown ups in the business world, you’d understand it? i dunno, i’m really not very clever (honestly!)

[@aditiishere94]

I closed it for this same reason

[@barrystimeangamesirecord635]

Hey how is it going? This was great

[@923shelby]

LinkedIn epitomizes everything toxic about capitalism. Nothing but buzzwords and ego stroking.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@SoroushTorkian]

Tbh, I'm on linkedin because of the Lynda videos.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

Applying for jobs is a total waste of time. That includes networking, too.

[@drisshansfreetime453]

Someone reached me via LinkedIn just to sell condos. 😬 And my profile is shtty AF 😅

[@chantillylace1369]

📚 📚📚

[@nicolasaw]

Yes. A terrible platform and easily possible to fake

[@arvindhram5964]

LinkedIn is a marketing gimmick. Thats all.

[@kvin9210]

Truth 💯

[@MishelMAK]

Oleg Braginsky is the guy

[@Ohyeahhahaha]

After getting my feet into a bank, I deleted it. That's all I can say about LinkedIn, honestly.

[@dings215]

when did job hopping become desirable? if you had 15+ jobs the one thing you are not good at is working. the only thing you do is get up and leave your post for yet another hit of interview.

[@kvin9210]

You don't want to stay in one place forever. Loyalty is just a bullshit concept of the past. If someone has achieved whatever they needed to, why hold them back?

[@djenkins555]

Just cancelled my LinkedIn acct

[@igorborecki7723]

Well most people add zero value to the world. Neither do I

[@mottoexquisito4416]

no.. i waited for you in 2020 to finally learn what to do with it. ohhh thank you master !!! muhahahahaha ... really, step down a little yes.. you're just a youtuber, nothing more. take it easy sweetheart we've been there done that a million times before you even thought about it.

[@I_am_cooked_For_Life]

Its merely a platform for extroverts to waste time pretending to be busy while at work. Us introverts can easily read this through and are way too busy getting things done than spending time and resources on this junk.....