“This is not to offend those of you who sent me “Linkedin” requests and like to have that fancy “badge” or “linkedin pictograph” made larger and more ornate signifying you’re “linkedin-ness.” I just hands down refuse to do it because after joining it I realized what it was. Another form of that hated and loathed and ULTIMATELY zero-economic-production value activity – networking.”
Actually …. I always thought it was just fbook disguised as a business resource.
I joined years ago because I wanted to keep in touch with some telecom industry people.
These days I pay little heed. People I know seem to keep inviting me…or announcing their arrival … or recommending me for something (usually in hopes of being recommended in turn)sort of like “Likes” on fbook. Meh………..
The funny thing is that in spite of my agnosticism on the matter …. I keep getting job interview offers or rather requests from HR people to call etc.
Don’t want another job …. still trying to get rid of the one I have.
Networking is wife code speak for going drinking with my crew.
For getting science jobs, Linkedin is becoming a requirement. Net-zero it is not.
I’m currently “networking” with a Bare Naked Ladies stout – served in my Albino Rhino glass – network that and wait for the offended SN pussies to spam you.
CSR is a joke. I know it is because its my job. Its how I put food on my table. Totally unrewarding from a purely internal satisfaction perspective although it pays pretty well. I think it was Iowahawk who wrote, if it takes you more than 10 seconds to describe what you do then you are expendable. I. AM. EXPENDABLE.
Oh, what a fatuous and ignorant comment. Networking is simply extending your social synapses beyond their current limits. For a long time, it’s been true that most jobs are NOT posted in newspapers or on craigslist. Networking is a way to tap into that hidden market, which is increasingly important if you are working as a contractor, don’t know where your next job is coming from, and need to have as many feelers out there as possible.
Recent job stats from Toronto have shown a tremendous increase in the number of people who “own” a company but have zero employees – that is, they are independent contractors. And, as LAS points out, these jobs are disproportionately in the tech sector. I work as a data analyst, and when I’m working, I don’t have time to run around looking for other opportunities, so it’s great to have resources where other people who respect your input to discussions can let you know of opportunities they’re aware of that you would never heard about, if not for networking.
Cap’n, you’re perilously close to becoming a ‘young fogey’. Just because something’s new doesn’t mean it’s worthless. And just because it’s worthless to you doesn’t mean it’s worthless to others. I’m pushing 60, and I’m glad there are resources like LinkedIn available, because I don’t have the time or energy to bust down 60 doors looking for my next gig.
May I suggest you stick to economics, and eschew topics which are clearly beyond your ken?
For sales and business development, it’s practically a necessity to “connect” with clients – even competitors. Business cards used to be a gold standard (something I did not appreciate at my first job), but this is a more permanent rolodex where you can keep track of someone wherever their career takes them.
Being connected to the right people can make you more valuable to a potential employer, and may be a valuable asset for finding customers for your own future business(es).
Hey KevinB,
I’m all for you obeying the matrix, working hard, networking to get that gig, only to pay more in taxes, so that someday, maybe you get that pension, only to have it yanked out from underneathe you.
VERY glad to see a 60 year old working their ass off to save an unsavable system.
You enjoy wasting your life playing by other people’s rules in the “hopes” you get rewarded.
You’re a good little obedient puppy.
Cripes, am I the only AWAC flying above that can see the whole situation???
Cpt.
Not the only one Capt.
I’m always lurking, trying to find a plan, an angle that we can bank a future on, and come up with noise.
I’m glad I have Trades Skills. I quit University the day the “Red Pill” hit me, the day that I diverged from the herd running full out towards a cliff.
We take news of 3rd grade teachers pushing the transvestite agenda on 8yr old children as a normal day!
What The F@*k !! !
/ tripping balls / end /
d