I’ll have to admit to backing into this Favorite Linked Thing – as the reverse of this one is simply not very pretty…
Used properly, the LinkedIn Questions (and Answers) section can be helpful.
So let’s have a look at what makes a good question or answer…
Getting there
The Questions and Answers section of LinkedIn has been relegated to “More…” -> “Answers”. Yes, it’s true, at one time the Answers feature was a top draw and had it’s own spot in the menu, but alas that is no longer the case.
Just click into the Answers area and you’ll be able to ask a question, browse some questions recently asked, check into certain categories of questions, and see a few top “experts” that appear to have too much time on their hands;-)
Ask a question
It is rather easy to do – come up with a question, categorize it, and provide any needed details.
But please, oh please, proof your question, and read it out loud. (Just to hear it yourself)
“Compensations for IPO brokers”
Is not a question… I think less of you for putting it out there than if you had remained silent… [This is an exact copy of a question with the user not attributed for their own protection…]
Browse questions
Access page after page of seemingly random questions – why you might want to do this, I’m not sure, but people must or I’m certain LinkedIn would remove that ability…
Categories of questions
The more interesting interface is off to the right where you can find questions in certain categories LinkedIn has setup. While the category is self selected, and some people just seem to randomly pick a category, it is a more defined set of questions to look at.
If you like the stream of questions, you can sign up to see them through your RSS reader.
Top experts
If you think you can answer 3-400 questions in a week, go ahead and do so – you might get listed as a top expert for a day or two. That some people can be listed there for weeks at a time makes you wonder…
The thought out ones
And so, when people think out good questions or answers, they can get a little attention – either to establish their skills or perhaps even to find consumers that are looking for that sort of information.
Are you looking for either of those things?
Viewing the video
And as always in this series, here’s the video:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CajbCpS06_g]
Comments on the youtube copy of “Favorite Linked Things” appreciated.
To your continued success,
steve
—
Steven Tylock
http://www.linkedinpersonaltrainer.com