Linking up
You can tell it’s a recession. There is a run on suits and more formal wear for both those looking for work and those trying to stay in work. This is no time to look frivolous or too casual. And LinkedIn is growing at a fantastic speed. I joined in a couple of years ago more out of curiosity than anything and many of the friends I invited came on board reluctantly.
Most of these colleagues had crude and simple profiles and contacts in single figures. In the last three months all this has changed and every day there comes a note of colleagues who have updated their profiles and added another half dozen links. Suddenly you find that you are chatting in groups with friends and colleagues that are impossible to get together otherwise.
Many of these senior business people have been reluctant converts to the Internet and email, and some use secretaries and PAs to cover them for them. Will they be using these “ghostwriters” for Linkedin, facebook and Twitter?
For job searching I have my doubts about Linkedin but for learning about issues in your work area and identifying key players this is a great tool. And of course you don’t need to dress formally to take part.
BMC: No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Required
One organization I cannot find on Linkedin is the Botswana Meat Commission the large meat packing organization that used to be the number 2 business after Diamonds in Botswana. Apparently their tannery is closed and unsalable because of an environmental report that says the plant needs to be relocated. I am keen to see a copy if possible, but cannot make contact.