The following are comments from members of the Linkedin community:

Note: When the commenters use the abbreviation LI, they mean Linkedin.com. The order of the comments is based on the sequence that people answered the question in the Linkedin Answers area. To see the original question in Linkedin go to:
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/using-linkedIn/ULI/392100-548650

From Daniel Jatovsky – http://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljatovsky
The average person will spend 7 years at one job. If you want you want your next job to be better than your present job, shouldn’t you spend time meeting people who might offer you opportunities in the future? If you do, then when the time comes to move on (whether voluntarily or not), you will have people to call, rather than starting from square one.
Anyone who thinks they have a “stable job” is kidding themselves. There’s no such thing.

But even if all you want to do on LI is increase your value as an employee, networking is a great way to do it. If you are in any sales-related field, obviously you need to prospect. But even if you aren’t, meeting new people in the same field as you offers chances to improve your skills, find new ideas, and learn about new developments in your field.
Asking why you should spend time with LinkedIn is kind of like asking why you should bother spending time with people if it’s not work-related.

From Graham McKay – http://www.linkedin.com/in/grahammckay
Business is about people and this is a great place to interact with other people… some of this may be about future job opportunities but there is much more than that (sharing experience with fellow professionals, networking with past colleagues etc).

From Laura Ward – http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicvision
If you only used LinkedIn during the times you *think* it is benefical to you, such as when you are job hunting, then you are not networking to your fullest potential. You never know what will change in both your personal and professional at any given time – keep connected.

From Scott Diamond – http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdiamond
Was listening to the radio this morning and the business correspondent was talking about how many people who have lost their jobs recently were philosophical about it by saying they really felt trapped in that job. I’m sure there are lots of people that have stayed in their current jobs because of fears of the economy. But a site like LinkedIn can open doors that they might not have even known about and one of them could lead to a dream job.
If that’s not enough, its always nice to reconnect with people from your past.

From Flyn Penoyer – http://www.linkedin.com/in/flynpenoyer
The socializer and casual user should be welcome on LI, but LI is a gold mine of opportunities and the person who has a job may have any number of reasons to be here — but the one obvious one would be so that they could get themselves in a position where they didn’t need the job and were completely independent.
As to what someone should do on LI one must start with some purpose.
If one comes to LI without the goal of improving one’s own situation there is not much to do beyond socializing. If one is looking for opportunities of just about any kind there are probably people here who can help to forward those objectives in any number of ways.
Networking is valuable for any intended growth, and makes little or no sense for those who are or wish to stay static.

From Mary Jo Demski, PHR – http://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdemski
I enjoy the social interaction (re-connections with old friends and establishment of new ones) as well as the opportunity to learn from my peers. Also, I don’t have a crystal ball: right now I am gainfully and happily employed, but what if (2 of the most dreaded words!) something changes down the road? At least I will have a solid network to utilize as a potential source of new employment!

From Marcelo Rahal Coutinho – http://www.linkedin.com/in/rahal
Basically because you/we never know what is going to happen “tomorrow”. LI is my default page when I open my browser. We MUST be tuned in the market movements like who is working where, etc. We never know when those people can help/ add value to us (in our carriers, recommendations, customers, etc.) And the most important thing is that we cannot use LI only when we looking for o job. In Portuguese we say “We only exist if we are remembered by people”.

From Gianluigi Cuccureddu – http://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluigicuccureddu
Networking should be part of daily life. When being stuck without a job and not having networked, someone is obviously too late.
You don’t create valuable relationships and a network overnight.

From: Mark Wayman – http://www.linkedin.com/in/markwaymanlv
Because life is about family, friends and relationships…not material possessions.
I place $ 100,000+ executives. Average “C” level job tenure? Two years. Over 80% of these executives find their new job via personal and professional networks.
With the current economic state, I am the most popular person in Las Vegas. Plenty of calls from people I have not heard from in two or three years asking for jobs. No thank you.
Dig the well before you need a drink. Build the bridge before you need to cross the river. The best time to plant an oak tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is today.

From: John M. O’Connor- http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmartinoconnor
Why should someone with a job spend time with Linkedin?
As a Career Coach and Consultant, I must say that nearly everyone should view their current position as if it is in transition. In fact, most jobs and careers truly are in transition whether you know it or not.
Additionally I must say that not everyone who has job should “spend time” with Linkedin. As much as I am a proponent of Linkedin some careers and career paths may not be conducive to this network. But let’s focus on most people in a career or job.
Let me make five quick points here on this subject:
1. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. You will benefit from building relationships with key contacts throughout your career.
2. PRACTICE GIVING. The give value first before you expect to get value seems to be heavily promoted and a part of the Linkedin culture. That principle should guide all of your networking communications.
3. BUILD USING BUILDING BLOCKS. Linkedin can literally provide contacts, then relationships then solutions to problems you are trying to solve at work or while you are working. Why not take advantage of consistent networking and relationship building?
4. INVEST NOW – FOCUS YOUR TIME. Just spending time with Linkedin Martin simply is not enough. If you are going to utilize the features then utilize the features you need to reach your specific career goals. If you gain permission and acceptance of this device when you have a job then you don’t have to panic use it if you are ever let go.
5. GET SPECIFIC. Answer the question – What has Linkedin done to help me with my career or what could it do? Find a coach, hire a professional and think about this question. Find out and apply all positive answers.

From Greg Hyer – http://www.linkedin.com/in/greghyer
This is a great question because not many people want to think about what to do when they have to start a new job search. LinkedIn can serve several purposes for someone who is looking for a job or is not but might have to by force. In the case of the person not expecting a merger to happen or cut backs to include his or her position LinkedIn is where you belong. That person can use LinkedIn to network with co-workers and keep in touch with them after they are no longer working together. Networking with co-workers is like a “gateway drug.” After that this LinkedIn user will start to expand their network beyond co-workers and join groups that meet their interests. Now this person has established their network and has it “on paper” so when it comes time to move on the transition is much easier.
On a personal note, I was told about LinkedIn by a co-worker who new I was transitioning to North Carolina. He insisted that I use this as a way to ask friends for help. He was right to suggest it and LinkedIn helped me find my current position through a connection.

From Emily Nichols – http://www.linkedin.com/in/enichols
Call me naively optimistic, but now that I’ve got a LinkedIn profile fully completed, I feel much more confident in my ability to locate a job. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some incredible people, like Martin Brossman, Greg Hyer, Christopher Durham, and Chuck Hester–all people I may have never met without joining LinkedIn and the groups they participate in.
I think, especially in this economical climate, you would be crazy NOT to have as many career resources at your fingertips. They say you should always keep an eye and ear open to potential jobs because even if you love your job, you may find one that will lead you in a new and even better direction. Life and work are about the moments that lead us to our next great adventure–LinkedIn can guide you.
Not only is LinkedIn useful in a job hunt or meeting new business contacts, but it’s also keeping me on top of new trends. Members post bulletins about interesting marketing ideas, trends in social media, and links to informative videos and articles on the web. In reality, my LinkedIn is an educational resource.
I’ve recommended all my friends get on LinkedIn and even made it part of a branding initiative for my consulting job. I’m currently looking for a job in Raleigh so I can relocate from Boston and I feel that I’m much more well-informed on what’s out there for jobs.

From Chuck Hester – http://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckhester
The old adage “dig your well before your thirsty” sums it up for me. Making sure you have a network to turn to if you need them is very important, and LinkedIn is the best tool available to build that network.
As a Pay it Forward advocate, the ability to help others is also important, and again LinkedIn is amazing for making that happen.
Thanks to people like Greg Hyer and of course Martin Brossman, I enjoy a solid, deep network of professionals that I know I can turn to if I needed help.
It’s a different world than it was in 2001 during the last dotcom bubble burst and 9/11. We are all in this together and it’s important to maintain relationships in good times – and bad.
My book talks a lot about this very subject. Links: http://www.thepayitforwardchronicles.blogspot.com

From Paige Dumoulin – http://www.linkedin.com/in/paigedumoulinmedica
You already know the answer to this question. For a lot of people it’s a matter of “you don’t know what you don’t know”. They don’t see the value in it because they were too busy working. I personally do based on having been unemployed and everyone told me to “NETWORK”. YIKES!! I had no clue.
Thankfully I found this site, started utilizing the “Answer” section and made several fantastic connections….I even gained employment thru a LinkedIn Group. But the friendships I’ve made go far beyond the job search. Now I just enjoy sharing ideas and learning from others!

From Nikhil Bhatnagar – http://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilbhatnagar
In my opinion it does not matter if you are with or with out job and are into networking like linkedin or any other. It is a platform where you can easily advertise yourself and your work. and according to me and my experience advertising does not means sales! it is generating interest and product awareness it could be you or your work.
For example : if throw a stone in water you can see the circular rings and how fast it moves and vanish the heavier the stone-> big circles and fast movements like epicentre” i was trying to explain the concept” ..

From Jeff Knight – http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffknightnc
Connecting with new sales prospects, locating help on difficult problems, maintaining a “pulse” on your industry, and of course, establishing a support network well before you need it.
Another subtle value provided by Linkedin is the convenience and accessibility of the network information. As an executive of our company, I have spent the last 5 years turning around problem profit centers. Managing the projects, recruiting, marketing, and the systems development takes its toll on time, personal and otherwise. Many of my peers, working in similar situations, have made the same observation. We are all running hard to innovate and deploy, immersing ourselves in our businesses. Attending national seminars, trade shows, and other traditional networking events can become impossible for long periods.
Linkedin has provided a means of relief from the silo that the competitive business climate can create. It provides quick and easy access to a wealth of knowledge, packaged in very informative “personal profiles” and groups. I have had the benefit of making some great connections, obtaining real help, and most importantly being able to offer help to others. Access to Linkedin, from the hotel or wherever, can greatly expand your reach and widen your personal area of influence.
I was introduced to Linkedin by John O’Conner with Career Pro of Raleigh, NC. John has become a great resource to me and our corporation. I would also highly recommend “Networlding” by Melissa Giovagnoli and Jocelyn Carter-Miller. It provides great instruction on defining goals and developing plans, while leveraging social media, to yield personal success.

From Amanda Normine – http://www.linkedin.com/in/amandanormine
You may have a good job now, but having connections in the right places could bring you a better one down the line!!!
Many recruiters, like myself, only target people who are currently in the workforce… so you never know when that opportunity would knock on your door, should your door be visible!

From Joy Montgomery – http://www.linkedin.com/in/joymontgomery
Do you know an easier way to keep your network alive and well?

From Laurie Meisel – http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriemeisel
I believe there is much to be learned just by looking at other people’s profiles!
Let’s say person “A” has been in their current position for 8 years and now person “B” comes along a recent grad who had the opportunity to prepare for the same field. While person “A” has the time on the job will s/he have the same range of skills?
Let’s say a lot of new tech has been introduced into the field if person “A’s company is not yet there, person “B” could be coming out of school with all of the latest skills ready to swoop in. Person “A” is no longer on the same playing field to make a career move (if they haven’t kept up on their own.) AND that person might not even know it, unless they LOOK and see what skills someone of the same position elsewhere is carrying. It can be quite eye opening!
So, why would YOU say that someone with a job should spend time with Linkedin? Or what did you learn from this post? If you find it useful share it with a friend!

From Jocelyn Oakman – http://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynoakman
LinkedIn is like my “Poker Hand”. I don’t want to bet on my career with only 1 Ace (My current Position). LinkedIn is like the card dealer, and the connections I make are the deck of cards. Any one of, or combination of, my connections could win me my next big career success. That success could be in the form of increased business from referrals and advertising through my connections in my current career path, or it could mean landing a brand new career.
It has been proven over and over again that “Who You Know” can have a greater impact on your career than simply “What You Know”. LinkedIn helps maintain your visibility to your connections as you grow in “What You Know”, while at the same time updating you on how they are growing in their career success. This viral forum for an interchange of knowledge about business and opportunities is what makes LinkedIn such a powerful resource for all business professionals.

From Todd Thigpen – http://www.linkedin.com/in/toddthigpen
I believe networking to create constructive relationships is beneficial, whether employed or unemployed. For those unemployed without any strong network or experience being unemployment, one common attribute of networking I’ve observed is a sense of urgency or anxiousness that effects the conversation. The need for employment seems to bias the conversation. For those happily employed, this need doesn’t exist. I believe effective networking is about giving rather than receiving. Someone employed is in a better position to give. Hence, they can build constructive relationships that may benefit them in the future. LinkedIn provides a great forum for effective networking. Employed people should utilize LinkedIn.

From Martin Brossman – http://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbrossman
If you have a job and you are not taking some time to invest in good people outside your job you are just not taking care of your family or yourself. Why should people help you if you have made no effort to invest in them. Linkedin is one of the best free business resources to spend a little time each week to do this without having to spend a lot of money. I keep meeting people laid off who never thought it would happen to them an see the scared look in their eyes because they did noting to network until they were laid off. They are trying to network now and the need still exist but the effort required is many times greater. If you work with a good job placement person or career counselor you will still get better help if you bring a network with you. What have you done today to network with good people?

Why would YOU say that someone with a job should spend time with Linkedin? Or what did you learn from this post? If you find it useful share it with a friend! Short URL to this post http://tinyurl.com/linkedin4job
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