LinkedIn Webinar Series: Navigating the Shifting Career Landscape (2009)

The NAA-sponsored LinkedIn webinars have become popular alumni career events throughout the year. The professional online networking series began in 2008 and functions as a “how to" guide for alumni and friends to expand online networking skills. The "LinkedIn Basics" and "LinkedIn Level 2: Beyond the Basics" webinar series hosted by David Fisher (WCAS98) took place throughout the first week in November. As a business coach, president of Rockstar Consulting, and author of Step by Step Networking, Fisher administered his career expertise to teach the foundational skills of business networking.

Close to 300 participants attended the webinar series consisting of a 60 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute Q & A. Catering to novice LinkedIn users, the "LinkedIn Basics" webinar demonstrated how to create an online profile and utilize the networking tools on LinkedIn to expand professional networks. Fisher illustrated the power of online social networking to expose hidden connections and to breakdown geographic barriers. Additionally, Fisher guided attendees through creating a useful profile, joining affinity groups, and forming lasting connections.

"LinkedIn Level 2: Beyond the Basics" targeted users more familiar with LinkedIn. Fisher instructed participants in using LinkedIn tools to create an effective action plan to enhance personal brands, find opportunities, and to leverage relationships. By analyzing the strategic uses of the question and answers section, people search, employment and company information, attendees learned how utilize LinkedIn to remain top-of-mind. Fisher also recommended including a 5-minute LinkedIn check-in to participants’ daily routines to read and respond to news feeds as well as reviewing the activity in three of users’ most popular groups. After the completion of the presentation, all attendees received a recording of the LinkedIn webinar.

Participants gave the webinar series rave reviews across levels, emphasizing the importance of career events to  alumni. With the increasing role of online social networking in career advancement, solid knowledge of online tools is essential. The NAA responds to this need by continuing to offer relevant career networking events for alumni and friends. Learn more about upcoming NAA career events.

Join the official NAA LinkedIn group.

Posted November 5, 2009.