Having got a day’s respite from the crazy project, I have spent a few hours playing with LinkedIn. I must say I’m not impressed. The interface is really clunky, and for something that purports to help people find clients it is oddly geared towards people in full-time employment. It seems far more like Facebook for people at work (i.e. keep up with old work colleagues as opposed to old college mates) rather than an actual business networking tool.
Anyway, I have made a start. I doubt that I’ll actually get any energy economics work with all that science fiction stuff in my profile, but I suspect that writing and web work is much more likely to come my way anyway. If you happen to be on LinkedIn, please feel free to add me to your network.
The interface is a bit odd, but it’s a very structured system.
The free service is primarily geared at people who are looking to reconnect with old colleagues and job-seekers. I’ve got a few friends for whom LinkedIn was their avenue to finding a new job. I’m not sure how well it works for independent contractors. I’m on it primarily to keep my CV current, should I decide I need to start looking for a new position. I’ve even had one solicitation even though I don’t list as looking for employment.
There are several levels of paid service that add features for employers and people/companies looking to contract for services and expertise.
I’ll add you. I see we’re already only 3 degrees away from each other. 😉
Added :>
ok — i get Eve and Janna and Scott and even Pat & JT — all con or gaming connections — but Tom? How’d you meet him? (I worked with him at Humongous ;>)
Twilight: I think there is a disconnect here. What are you looking at?