Expanding My Professional Network

Feliz, Miercoles!

Not afraid of yet another social media rebuild, I created my third LinkedIn Profile in September of 2024. My original account, created decades ago, had been caught in my personal two-factor tech authentication disaster in September of 2023. 

Rather than spending the time and energy on trying to obtain access on both my original account and the secondary account, I simply decided to create a new one. I also figured, if people want to know more about my volunteering and other achievements, they can view the other profiles. So many observations I've made over the past few months! Here goes...

First, an important benefit of creating my third account, is that by this time around, I had met so many interesting (non-accounting world!) people and reconnected with the Bay Area Exodus group. By then, I had also experienced a profound level of clarity in my relationships, which allowed me space to utilize this platform for what it is: a professional tool. (Side note: I could go comedic on that statement, but I'll pass.. for now.) 

On an unfortunate, yet unsurprising note, after being informed about faulty LinkedIN business practices, specifically the sick misuse of artificial intelligence by Big Pharma, I have to state: wow, I don't know how much longer I will utilize this platform. I also noticed that many whiny adults are using this platform, similar to Facebook, shouting in ALL CAPs and recycling the same garbage content. On the upside, I noticed a lot of beautiful ads and extracted powerful insight from my new connections. I spend maybe 5-10 minutes a day, twice a week on it. Anything more than that is a damn near waste of time. It's easy to extract and save well-written content and move on. Unless I have an important reason, there are much better things to do than to repeatedly check-in.

In my professional opinion, may I suggest using this platform as a professional app, inserting humor and real talk, but limit the ALL CAPS whining and posting recycled garbage? Yes, that pun was intended. Those who get it, get it.

For many years, I confused false friendships with professionals. That's not to say I'm not friends with some of my LinkedIn network, but rather to emphasize its primary use is for hiring & expanding one’s professional network. Rebuilding my LinkedIn network has also served as a lovely gratitude practice.

Lastly, to be 100% clear, if I am still active on this app by the time you are reading this blog, please respectfully know, I'm looking to hire, not for dating purposes nor to get hired at your company. 

Mahalo,

Heidi