Many people aren’t aware of the value of sharing and schmoozing on LinkedIn. Some people don’t realize the value of using these features of LinkedIn. Others might want to use them, but they don’t know how to do so.

In case you haven’t heard of the word “schmooze,” it comes from the Yiddish word schmuesn which means “to chat.” Synonyms for schmooze are talk, converse, mingle, mix, hobnob, or network.

 

Why Some People Don’t Share on LinkedIn

  • They don’t know it’s even an option to share something on LinkedIn.
  • They don’t see the point of sharing.
  • They don’t know what to say.
  • They think sharing commits them to doing it regularly or more often than they feel able to commit to.

 

Value of Sharing on LinkedIn

  • Builds professional credibility.
  • Demonstrates your expertise in your field.
  • Keeps you top-of-mind with your LinkedIn connections.
  • Improves your internet search ranking.

 

Most of us can easily come up with a tip or two related to our field that we can share in a LinkedIn update. Or perhaps you are planning to attend an interesting event. That’s another good topic to post about. Also, unlike other platforms, you only need to share once a week or so on LinkedIn.

 

Why Some People Don’t Schmooze on LinkedIn

  • They aren’t sure what to say.
  • They are concerned about being perceived as pushy.
  • It isn’t clear to them how to decide who to schmooze with.
  • They don’t know where or how to initiate a schmooze.

 

Value of Schmoozing on LinkedIn

  • Reinforce your LinkedIn relationships and in-person relationships.
  • Build on your communication with connections when you see them in person.
  • Keeps you top of mind with LinkedIn connections.

 

Trust me, if you reach out to your LinkedIn connections in a friendly, genuine manner, they will appreciate hearing from you.

How About You?

What has been your experience with sharing and schmoozing on LinkedIn? Are you more comfortable with one than the other? What tips would you give to people who want to step up their sharing and schmoozing on LinkedIn?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those ages 45 and older, to become more effective and productive using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.