If you're a Small Business/Single Owner/One-man Show/Recruiter/Job Seeker/Brand - read this!

I'm a proponent for using simple technology as an enabler, I don't like using technology just as a fad - if it serves no purpose, I know for sure the fad will die, and so will your use. I've been watching technology for sometime, I'm a geek/freak, I love gadgets, web2.0.

BUT.

I believe it should be a tool. Nothing more.

So, in that sense - LinkedIn - is a tool. Use it, Abuse it. The choice is yours.

There are many reasons why you should be on LinkedIn. But one of them should not be to play the numbers game. I joined TopLinked, where they believed in numbers - that's bullsh*t. I still get invitation from 'networkers' - seriously they add no value. I believe in contacts, no... relationships. I don't believe in having 1,000,000 (million) contacts who are not contributing to the relationship (its two way).

I then removed myself from TopLinked, and focused on niche linkedin groups that interest me. That helped. More specific contacts, either within my geography, those interested in my geography. Those in my field.

I'm happy to meet up with people I don't know, those who have a business proposition, those who have great deals to share and wish to earn an introduction fee. If you think there's something we COULD do together as business friends - feel free to contact. You never know... we could sooner or later become REAL friends.

I'm happy to even meet up with potential candidates - I just wish their approach would be better. I have people contact me for a job opportunity, the guy/gal is probably starting out - I've been there in the Chicken / Egg situation - and know what it is like to be job hunting... so I generally try my best to help them. But some are least bothered about building a relationship, they are about getting something for themselves. No introduction, no common links, nothing in common - just a script that they've used on 100 others. Newbies - DONT do that!

Recruiters are on LinkedIn - if you're a recruiter and you arent on linkedin - you're making a BIG mistake - your potential cv/resume database is online. Go get it. Get intouch, get connected - if you see someone who meets ur requirements, get in touch with them or get connected thru someone who knows them. The referral base works. I'll be honest, even in this downturn - i've received more than my share of knocks from head hunters. That's good...

LinkedIn - things you can do, update your profile completely 100%. Include links to your website/blog/company, add ways for people to contact you, add what you plan to accept - job offers, deals, relationship building etc (at the end of your LI profile). Start searching your email (Gmail/Hotmail etc) and get in touch - some will reply, others not - that's life!

If you wish to get intouch with me, its simple - http://www.linkedin.com/in/josepaulmartin

Build relationships. Not contacts.