Drop Everything- Run to LinkedIn NOW

October 29, 2008 · Comments

linkedin apps LinkedIn just launched applications, and at I believe that for some of us, this has some really great potential to develop even more business opportunities. Not only can you display your capabilities in the broader sense, but with these applications, you can now display what you’re working on, your other passions, your travel schedule and more.

Others are going to write about the platform and what it means to have apps there and will this work as a business. I don’t give a rat’s ass. You, and I’m talking to you, run out and get into your account today. Link up your WordPress or TypePad blog. Put up a few of your last presentations using the new SlideShare application. prsentations Consider throwing TripIt on there, and showing people where they can run into you at upcoming events. This is just dog clever.

Run to LinkedIn and incorporate your stuff into your profile. Make sure it’s a great complement to what you’re already doing, and amp up the way you promote yourself using that service.

What do you think? What other kinds of apps should LinkedIn be seeking? What apps do you use that make sense as another addon to the platform? How will this impact how you’re doing business?

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  • I'm glad to see LinkedIn doing more than just sitting there. I feel like it has been nothing more than a sort of address book to go to when you need to get in touch with someone.

    I think by adding the applications, LinkedIn will reach new levels.

    I've only had the time to add my blog feed, but I plan on going back this evening and playing with the other apps.
  • Great tip Chris! I haven't been using LinkedIn as much due to the lack of some of these features, and better interactivity on sites like Twitter. Now I will run as you suggest.
  • This is the hit LinkedIn was born for.

    I like that it's not an overwhelming menu of apps. They seem to be offering just about the right mix (at least as a start). Unlike Facebook which overstuffs the garden wall, this approach dovetails much better with the purpose of LinkedIn.

    I'm sure we'll be taking them for a spin and get back to you.

    Thanks heads up.
  • Thanks. This is fantastic.
  • Definately what linkedin has needed for ages, a place to aggregate and promote your professional self.

    I tried using the typepad plugin earlier, but it just hung...
  • So happy to see Linked In stepping their game up. Applications open a ton of opportunity for more social connecting, leading to better business opportunities :-)
    Thanks for being on top of these things!
  • Finally, good lord, what took them so long? Hopefully it doesn't stop here. To my mind they were in danger of losing mindshare, this definitely helps.
  • Id love to see a video app and maybe in the future stock tickers and google calenders.
  • Yeah, my reaction was "why did this take them so long?" especially with their influx of cash. I'm also surprised there aren't other apps available. But it's here now, and most of the late adopters won't even notice that it's a late feature. So good for LinkedIn. But I don't think it merits rushing over to take advantage of these tools, either.
  • Chris,

    Thanks for making note of this. So nice not to see 1000 applications that are of no business use (yes, Im referring to Facebook).

    A tip for those having trouble with the Wordpress app: Use your feed URL.

    Mark
  • BlogLink picked my url right up - that was nice. :)
  • All is well and good until you try to remove something and then it breaks. Grr.
  • Thanks for the info Chris...I'm on it!
  • All right already. I'm headed over to my linkedin account now.

    Sheesh ;-)

    Cheers!

    George
  • Thanks for the head's up! Running right now...
  • Hmmmm. Does it make sense for LinkedIn to integrate with Brightkite for up-to-the-second location info, or is that overkill for business purposes?
  • ReadingList by Amazon

    LinkedIn is experiencing technical difficulties. Amazon will be back soon.


    Unfortunately, it looks like they didn't do a good job of simulating load before this launched. Its been breaking all day.

    Hope they fix it soon - I love the idea in concept.
  • Yes, these are great features.

    On the other end... I strongly believe that communities span multiple infrastructures (LinkedIn, Facebook, blogs, forums, twitter...) and I would prefer for LinkedIn (and Plurk, and Facebook) to make it easier for everybody - specially for us - to get the valuable content that is developed in its groups and Q&A.

    For example with the same type of RSS that twitter is providing ! Like this one:

    http://search.twitter.com/search?q=&ands=li...

    ;-)
  • I think that a "Latest tweet" feature would be great.
  • Ryan- they already have it. Just use ping.fm to update your linkedin profile status with your tweets. You can connect ping.fm to lots of other sites as well.
  • Joshua, Awesome thanks for the tip.
  • Under normal circumstances I would say that the urgency of the blog title is over the top - drop everything and do such-and-such. What's the new shiny this time :P

    Because it was Chris and the title mentioned LinkedIn I went ahead and checked it out. I have to hand it to Chris - this post was timely and the title justified.
  • This is so weird! Right before I read this entry I added the wordpress application so that I could syndicate my blog on my linkedin profile. Literally 2 minutes later I read this blog. I guess word travels fast. I think this will be a great thing for LinkedIn. I know that it's supposed to be professional, but typically it's just soooo boring!!! This should liven things up a bit.
  • cliff chambers
    The unfortunate part of LinkedIn ... on my company intranet there was a giant warning that disclosure of details as what you work on is grounds for termination. Requesting and submitting recommendations on LinkedIn is also grounds for termination.

    Quite unfair.
  • Like Cliff, some of my former colleagues (no company names or finger pointing, but you *could* figure it out from my profile) are prohibited from submitting recommendations on LinkedIn. Pretty discouraging, but there is a growing group of company alumni, who are no longer under such rules.
  • @Clif @Shannon

    This is a good point to highlight for users before they plunge right in without knowing what they're doing; but I think over time businesses will figure out that the old walled-in garden approach to human resources won't fly over too well as we become more 'connected' and transparent.

    It's unfortunate that some businesses invest more effort into espionage than in providing such meaningful experiences for their employees that they don't need to worry about the competition.

    So: if you work for a suspicious organization, just be careful how you use these tools. Or: find a way to quit your cog job and do something liberating.
  • Hi Chris,

    I saw the news on the LinkedIn blog this morning and I absolutely agree with you. These new applications offer a great opportunity for each of us to expand our brand visibility. I'm looking forward to carving out a little time to incorporate some of these features into my profile.

    Best,
    Daria
  • Riffing off Mark Riffey's comment above, I am concerned that these 9 applications might become many more, turning LinkedIn into a professional's version of Facebook.

    How does the Wordpress application help, anyway? I suppose people no longer will link to their blog from the "Websites" section?

    And how come nobody is talking about the privacy aspect? Have you seen the Terms of Use and the data being shared with developers?
  • thanks chris. the presentation app is really useful. i agree that i will find this feature alone a home run for me on linked in.
  • I tell you what: if these 9 are the sign of things to come, I'm in. Every one of those apps tells you about a business person's perspective, gives you more opportunity to show off your personality and potential, and could have an impact on who considers hiring us for what.

    Bring it on, in other words.
  • Ed
    Chris,
    You should be using the blog app, yes?
    I think some healthy sharing tools like this
    enhance L/i in just the right way.

    They don't want giddy games, ala FB.
    But the current sharing was arduous compare to FB.

    I wager we'll see FB add a few mature apps.
  • This makes SO much sense. I already linked to my blog, feeding in the 5 or so most recent posts and the Box app, where I'm able to upload my current resume (among other files).

    LinkedIN nailed it with these apps.
  • Probably be a good idea to find out if the applications work before recommending that everyone install. They don't all work and right now the announcement is a dud in my eyes. When they work through the implementation issues...see how it works.

    I suspect that LinkedIn is getting tired of all the links out of their site to other 'stickier' websites.

    What LinkedIn really needs to focus on is helping me manage my contacts better. That would be a little more useful than a bunch of half-baked applications that don't work.
  • Ok, Chrisey-poo.

    I went to my LinkedIn account. You were right. Some very cool aps there. Easy as pie to add to my profile.

    This is me in debt (once again) to you.

    Cheers

    George
  • Chris,

    I agree with you about the potential of these new tools, but I am curious about what you think about the damage they can do to your personal brand when they do not work as advertised.

    As an example, I just checked out your profile on LinkedIn. The blog link app worked just fine and directed me here. However, the slide presentation app would not open your presentation at all! In fact, the entire app disappeared and reappeared on your LI profile page in as I attempted to invoke it.

    We all know that apps can be somewhat fragile on roll out, and most temporary frustration is directed at the host site. My question is this, however - at what point do poor user experiences transfer to the brand/reputation of an individual relying on these applications as an integral part of their personal marketing efforts and/or business?

    Thoughts?
  • Great post, I love the new apps. They definitely make LinkedIn much more fun to play around with and hang out on.
    I just wrote a quick blog on it if you want to see, www.agencyatlarge.wordpress.com
  • I'm still learning how to utilize linkedin, but adding apps is a pretty cool step. I feel like there's more I can do with my profile now.
  • I just synched my hosted WordPress.org blog successfully, but I did have to choose just one blog/podcast. I'd like to be able to add more, as I can on FaceBook, but I hope that additional functionality doesn't come with flair.
  • stevenimmons
    Sometimes vanilla is the right flavour :-) I'm not sure I want LinkedIn with chocolate sauce and sprinkles. It could all get a bit 'me 2' very quickly. I find the current charm is simplicity and clean design.
  • Great post ! Thanks - we have a Linkedin account but will beef it up with your recommendation. Really appreciate it.

    Just subscribed to your blog as well - seems very informative. If you get a chance, please check out our site as well at www.thesomersteam.com .
  • They are well designed, not glitchy - and they don't force me to invite my friends to install ... won't be spending time ignoring application invites on LinkedIN
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