Keeping Connections

by Paige Webb

Do you remember the days when the time it took to re-program telephone numbers in a new cell phone just about broke you down? How about updating your hard-bound address book with ever-changing work and cell phone numbers for friends and family? How much time did we take to ensure that we had the right information to stay connected?

In the Spring of 2005, the company I was working for at the time suffered a reduction in force, and my colleagues that were less fortunate stopped to wave their good-byes and to say, “Let’s stay in touch. You can find me on Linkedin.” I gave a big smile right back, and said, “Okay, and good luck to you!” Little did they know that I had not joined that professional networking bandwagon. What was Linkedin?

I couldn’t wait another minute to figure out the ways I could stay connected with the brilliant minds that made my work days more enjoyable and inspiring. I logged on to www.linkedin.com, and I created the most basic profile to get past the point ‘about me’ and get to finding my connections. I proceeded to connect with one after the other. I viewed their profiles to find that they had each crafted a polished message about themselves, their resumes, and what their current projects were. A bell went off in my head. Linkedin was where you promoted yourself in professional networks online. I completed my profile immediately.

What piqued my interest the most about what my colleagues had written were the insights shared that were relevant to business and the technology world evolving around us. These were personal insights, not the insights of a company, corporation, or marketing guru. I had some thoughts to share on a subject, and submitted a response to a discussion through a Linkedin Group. My personal experience and insight were given appreciation by the audience I intended on sharing it with. This felt awesome!

Linkedin has grown quite a bit since 2005, and The Effective Edge is growing with it. The demand for professional networking struck a chord with us because we’re professionals who teach and coach other professionals. The lessons taught in the Getting the Edge course do not stop in the classroom. Our lives and jobs change, and The Effective Edge now intends to keep connections with the Getting the Edge (GTE) Alumni via a group on Linkedin. Save yourself the time to dig up our contact information. Log on to Linkedin, find the group for Getting the Edge Alumni, connect with our network and be inspired!