The influence of LinkedIn

We’re hiring at the moment at Influencer50. Having exhausted my small network of sales people I've worked with that I would hire, I thought I’d give LinkedIn a go. I’ve never really invested much time and effort in it (though I know others that swear by it).

I knocked up a quick job description and sent it, via LinkedIn, to 20 people that I thought might have some useful contacts. I could have sent it by ordinary email, but since LinkedIn’s purpose is networking, I thought recipients would (a) read it and (b) mind less than an email out of the blue.

I had eight responses. Not bad return on 20 emails. What’s more, each came with a personal recommendation from someone I trust. I was really impressed by the quality and interest of the people that came forward – presumably they’d checked us out on the web before making contact.

It’s how the web is supposed to work. It’s also how influence works, much better than blogs. The best blogs are those written collaboratively between friends or colleagues. Influence is localised around communities, or issues, or some other common ground. Like a personal network.

We hope to make a hire in the next few weeks. But I’m converted. If you’ve met me at some point in the past, watch out. Prepare to be linked.