Social Profile | To Join or Not to Join (Professionally)

Bobby Steurer

Hi all,

Wasn't really sure which category to file this post under, but we seem to get a lot of good interaction in the ol' Tap.

What are your thoughts on creating a professional social profile on platforms like LinkedIn, Threads, etc? I currently don't have anything at all, personally or professionally, and I'm wondering if that's putting me at a disadvantage. Am I missing out on anything meaningful? I know there's networking opportunities, but there's also a lot of other….ummm….crud….that comes with it.

What's your experience been like?

Austen Brown

@Bobby Steurer - I use LinkedIn for my professional profile and to manage my network; I never got into X (aka Twitter) so I felt no need to get on Thread when that became a thing. I have a link to my LinkedIn profile listed on my community profile so that those interested in connecting with me beyond the BB community can do so. LinkedIn is not something I am accessing all the time, rather once or twice a week - I mainly check messages, browse through shared posts, etc.

La Donna Borth

@Bobby Steurer

This is a really good question.

I do have a LinkedIn profile (for over 15 years). I feel like I joined because you “had to” have an online presence for job hunting, etc. That being said, the primary benefit for me has been finding/following some really awesome fundraising professionals. A couple of them provide really good insights to share with my team. Some accounts are followed for the fun of it, or because I like the way they communicate. I am critical of their algorithms - particularly the job alerts (no, they do not match my resume). Luckily, I haven't actually needed to use LinkedIn to find a job.

I was on Twitter in the past. Although, the only reason I opened an account there was to research on behalf of my organization, that never became a professional account. From what I've heard about Threads, I've chosen not to create a presence there (professionally, or otherwise).

I think you are doing the right thing, in weighing the pros and cons before choosing whether to create a professional online profile. I hope all the responses you receive help you choose what's right for you.

Kylea Johnson

@Bobby Steurer In my unprofessional opinion LinkedIn is one of the most toxic social media sites out there, but people will probably expect you to have one. It can be a good networking tool when used correctly! Austen is right, it's best in teeny tiny doses, and best used if you follow only trusted resources that you know personally. I personally like it to see my old classmates and coworkers successes and to keep in touch with people who have good resources at their disposal.

Lauren Henderson

@Bobby Steurer
I agree with what everyone else has said so far. However, a recruiter found me through LinkedIn for my current position, which was a career shift that I love! I never would have known about the opportunity if he hadn't reached out to me through LinkedIn.

Bobby Steurer

@Lauren Henderson @Kylea Johnson @La Donna Borth @Austen Brown Thank you for these helpful responses. I'm feeling a lot of actionable synergy in this space (that's me practicing my LinkedIn lingo). Seriously though, thanks.