Title: How to succeed in business using LinkedIn
Authors: Eric Butow and Kathleen Taylor
Published by: Amacom
Reviewed by: Adrian James, client services director, Curious Digital
Many of today’s social networking sites have been designed to be intuitive. A visitor to Facebook, Bebo or Twitter can easily pick up how to register and get started; the business networking ‘Linked In’ is no different. When I undertook this review of ‘How to succeed in Business using Linked In’ I was really excited to learn how to maximise my use of it.
I have been using Linked In for a number of years and find it the most useful business tool of my generation. The book begins by introducing the site and what it does, so far, so expected. From there on the book details how to get onto the site, start a profile, answer questions, etc. The basic functions of Linked In are illustrated with screen shots and instruction on what to look for and what Linked in requires of the user. Nothing earth shattering there.
In fact, throughout this book there is nothing earth shattering at all. From creating a profile to adding connections, this book tells you what is on the tin, nothing more. I had hoped to be dazzled with key tips on how to get 3rd degree contacts to want to connect with me or build a profile that appeals to recruiters and business prospects alike. Not so. This book takes the Linked in site and states the obvious; it adds no insight or trend information to highlight how to leverage its’ power.
Perhaps I am being harsh; this book is described as a ‘Unique and Practical guide’, partly this is correct. It is practical; it lays out how to key things and what it does very practically. It is not unique, Linked In is intuitive, and it does not need a unique or practical paperback guide.
