I'm an experienced LinkedIn user, but I would like to see a very basic introduction that I could point people to. It tends to be difficult for new users figure out what the most common uses of the site are, especially now that the features have expanded so much. It would help my own networking if my new connections ramped up quickly.

posted March 6, 2007

I agree with Danny. Sometimes when I invite people in they don't have time to think about the process they want to point and click and write me a testimonial. It would be great to have a section that describes each step for how to leave a recommendation as well as join.

posted March 6, 2007

I haven't spent much time navigating the site, so I don't know what's already out there. If it doesn't already exist, perhaps a tutorial on how to approach people who aren't within two or three degrees of association.

posted March 6, 2007

Perhaps some information on creative ways to find candidates through LinkedIn.

posted March 6, 2007

Yes, your clarification "Ok, perhaps the question should read: 'Tips about using LinkedIn' ... is that better?" is a better question. I'd also make those tips digestable. Something like 'tip of the day', short sweet and to the point, somewhere generally visible when you log in.

In that context I'd agree with other comments - if the tool is usable then you don't need a tutorial, and generally a tutorial indicates to me the fact that a tool is not fulfilling its function at the UI/HCI level.

In general I think linkedin has an excellent UI and I find it very intuitive. Most of your users are, i suspect, busy intelligent professionals with no time to spend learning how to maximise their use of Linkedin. However from time to time they may explore an idea sparked off by a tip.

posted March 7, 2007

I am unfamiliar with all the LinkedIn has to offer. I would like a basic outline and tutorial that explains the benefits and easy steps on how to use alone and with other systems I already use like Outlook, PDA, etc...Thanks

posted March 7, 2007

I like the idea of tips for both beginner and long-time LinkedIn users. I myself am pretty new to LinkedIn, but I'm already providing the following light guidance when inviting people to connect:

1) LinkedIn "loses" on-system e-mails after you respond to them, so if you want to save them, you have to copy the text off somehow.

2) By default LinkedIn notifies people in your network of changes to your profile (think online resume) so you'll want to a) suppress that behavior at least while you're setting up your profile initially and b) you'll want to resist the urge to find everyone you know until *after* you've set up your profile to maximize the impact of their first viewing of your profile.

posted March 7, 2007

Hi Mike,

Thank you for dedicating the time in the interest of helping the members to enjoy and use the service to better advantage. Especially new sign-ups.

Provided as clickable links below, please find related threads where many suggestions and ideas are already being discussed.

Perhaps a merge of these discussions or summary of some sort would help you.

As an experienced web/internet user, I find the features and function here to be fairly intuitive and usable.

One major suggestion from the other threads, is to make the FAQ section more detailed, and even more importantly, easy to spot. For neophytes the FAQ link is appearantly not obvious enough.

As I said, the location seems sensible and reasonable to me, and much as I would have placed it myself... but un/fortunately I'm not your only user.

Anyway, thanks again for the fine efforts at education and tutorial authoring, please do review the other threads for more ideas.

All the best to you and yours Mike,
- Tony

Links:

• http://www.linkedin.com/answers/using-linkedIn/ULI/26337-6141704
• http://www.linkedin.com/answers/using-linkedIn/ULI/26609-2308560

posted March 12, 2007

Hello Mike,
- You might explain what the default values are for some important parameters (the pre-settings) like for updating the profile or hidding or showing some specific items. In order to avoid unwanted mistakes.
- You might create an "how to write" a good profil, using flash technology for example :-).
- You might explain the different ways of adding contacts, with the five tabs : "Connections", "Invitations", "Other Contacts", "Colleagues", "Classmates" as this is at the heart of your system, this is indeed worth an explanation.

posted March 12, 2007

I agree with Wendy. The only time I've ever bothered to go through online tutorials is when I've tested them. The interface and messaging should clear enough that tutorials aren't needed.

posted March 6, 2007