I have made several changes on the blog sidebars lately and I will try to do a summary of them later, but I wanted to point out the Linked-In button at the top right.
LinkedIn is a business oriented social networking sight. Here's how it is described at the Wikipedia article:
This list of connections can then be used in a number of ways:
* A contact network is built up consisting of their direct connections, each of their connections connections (called 2nd degree connections) and also the connections of 2nd degree connections (called 3rd degree connections). This can be used, for example, to gain an introduction to some-one you wish to know through a mutual, trusted contact.
* It can then be used to find jobs, people and business opportunities recommended by anyone in your contact network.
* Employers can list jobs and search for potential candidates.
* Job seekers can review the profile of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contacts can introduce them.
So far I have only seen a couple of ministry leaders mention it on their blogs. Jerry Frear at Becoming Missional posts on it here and asks that all who identify themselves as missional network with him. And, Drew Goodmanson posts on it here, mentioning that he doesn't know if pastors are using it.
I'm like Jerry and Drew - I'd like to see how this could be used for ministry purposes. I could see it being used for people looking for positions, churches and ministries looking for staff and other things. It may also help folks looking to partner in new ventures and the sharing of expertise.
I have sent out some invitations to join and have connected with several folks. And, my buddy Adrian Warnock just joined today and we connected, so I'm sure he'll be working the system. If you are interested in joining please leave me a comment and I'll send you an invite and if you are already a member, please let me know if you would like to be connected.
In the meantime, here's a couple of posts from Guy Kawasaki on using Linked-In.
Top Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn
And, be sure to check out his LinkedIn Profile Extreme Makeover for help in doing your own profile.
Technorati Tags: LinkedIn, Blogs, Weblogs, Business, Networking, Social Networking
thanks for the shout
lets link up the kingdom - for the purpose of furthering the kingdom!
Posted by: Jerry | January 30, 2007 at 11:31 PM
Jerry pointed me to this as well. I think the more potential ways we can link with each other, generally the better. One of the thing I appreciate most about blogging is the opportunity to connect with others you'd likely never meet. My profile is at http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmulo if you're up to adding me to your connections.
Posted by: John Smulo | January 31, 2007 at 12:56 AM
MySpace for grownups, right? ;) I actually signed up for an account a few weeks ago, then promptly forgot about it until this morning, when I got an e-mail notification that a former co-worker had initiated a connection. Funny how I saw that at pretty much the same time that I read your post here. :)
View Travis Seitler's LinkedIn profile
Posted by: Travis Seitler | January 31, 2007 at 07:10 AM
David, I'd love to connect. I'm a fellow reformed blogger from the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. My profile is here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/smoonen, and my primary email address for connecting is smoonen@us.ibm.com. Thanks!
Posted by: Scott Moonen | January 31, 2007 at 08:16 AM
John, Travis and Scott - thanks for touching base. I have sent invitations to all of you and am glad to have linked up with you.
Anyone else?
Posted by: David Wayne | January 31, 2007 at 10:20 AM
HI David,
Well I signed up and found your profile too! I can't Inmail you since I'm going with a free account. I'm wondering how you got that cool Linkedin gif in your sidebar up there? I can't find anything like that, at least not yet!
Posted by: Louie Marsh | January 31, 2007 at 11:41 AM
David,
well I was thinking of you last week as I re-read The Four Loves (you, know, the "jolly-beggars" quote) and know I find you're LINKED-IN!!
would love to connect you can email me.
Posted by: James John Hollandsworth | January 31, 2007 at 12:00 PM
I'm game. Hook a brother (in Christ) up!
Big Chris
Posted by: Big Chris | January 31, 2007 at 12:21 PM
David, I'd like an invite please. My profile is at http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidabarr. I'm a regular reader of your blog in Laurel, MD. I enjoyed attending your missions conference with Dr. Pratt.
Posted by: David Barr | January 31, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Perhaps after he finishes his book on DISCERNMENT, Challies could create a LinkedIn Application devoted to Ministry instead of business...actually, this would be a noble project for a talented believer. They might call it "Together for the Gospel."
Posted by: Ed Elliott | February 02, 2007 at 10:39 AM
I recently joined LinkedIn to give it a look-see (my profile). I'd like to connect as well.
Go Gators!
Jeff H.
Posted by: Jeff Halley | February 09, 2007 at 03:40 PM
LinkedIn has to me been an incredible tool in corporate and business-networking, and Guy's information has definitely helped me make the most of it.
If you are interested, the networking expert Jan Vermeiren has written a new book called 'How to REALLY use LinkedIn, and there is a free light version at [how-to-really-use-linkedin.com]
This eBook gives a huge amount of tips and ideas for improving ever aspect of the service.
Posted by: MatthewVDM | May 08, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Thanks for useful info.
Ziya Berk
http://tr.linkedin.com/pub/ziya-berk/24/161/463?goback=%2Eaas
Posted by: Ziya | August 24, 2010 at 06:34 AM