I often find it amazing to see where networks and networking are taking themselves in the digital realm. We have seen our development through every type of social media platform — from MySpace to now Facebook, social marketing tools such as Twitter, dating apps, and even places to MeetUp with new groups. Now, one of the most prominent social network/networking (it can fulfill both) sites to open opportunities and present a professional self is LinkedIn. On Jen’s blog LinkedIn’s Vision to Capture Identity she went into the details of how this vision has evolved and where they plan to move into the future. As a relatively avid LinkedIn user, the value of connectivity and self-expression couldn’t stand out more.

Everyone is beginning to get a LinkedIn profile, and is wondering what to do with it. The profile is made, they copy and paste their resume into it, and let it sit. For months. Maybe even years. I can’t blame them either.

Everyone knows how to express themselves on their personal social media accounts and everyone knows what they want and don’t want from these accounts; however, LinkedIn is a realm that isn’t purposeful if used so lightly, or with lack of true identity. Student’s are often making LinkedIn profiles in class because it is “necessary” — don’t let the quotation marks make you think it isn’t — but then after it’s made, they make one post, get an A, and never look back again. This is where the problem comes in.

Being connected is simply no longer effective. Connectivity is essential to use LinkedIn to it’s full potential.

When I made my LinkedIn account, I did exactly what I said above — copied and pasted my resume, put a nice picture up, and sat there thinking “now I will meet all the professionals!” Ha. That was funny. Months later, it was still sitting there, bare, no connectivity, no expression, no purpose.

So does connectivity come into focus? How about expression? LinkedIn has ample opportunities to promote connectivity — through sharing motivational articles and promoting trends in your expertise, adding comments and endorsements for colleagues’ skills, joining groups of professional interest, to even celebrating the professional accomplishments of those in your network. Using these avenues, even if it is just for a short period of time each week, will open your opportunities up because others will see your values and your personality pull through. It is no longer just a resume pasted onto a profile. Besides, does your resume express all of who you are? Doubt it. It’s time to change that image with some true self-expression.

LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to put your personality out there unlike most resumes. It is the opportunity for employers and professionals to learn who you are through your passions, goals, endorsements, and so on. I recently did a complete makeover of my LinkedIn account to put that into effect and give my profile more purpose.

As a passionate leader and student, I am motivated by challenges and experiences that serve as an opportunity for myself and others to test the boundaries we set for ourselves. I am striving to enhance an organization through effective communication and collaboration by utilizing my world perspective and dynamic leadership.

I am an avid communicator and networker, with the desire to enhance the leadership and potential in each individual I interact with. The interdependent world serves as a center stone for my interest in understanding various cultural perspectives and discovering new methods of communicating. As a forward thinker, I endeavor to inspire others to think the unimaginable and create a life and career filled with zest.

My interests are in opportunities within communications and public relations, social media, management consulting, human resources, as well as international affairs.

This summary is who I am. I want others to see my passion for others, for leadership, for enhancing communication, and for living with zest. My skills are expressed in there, but are not overbearing or bland. What do you have to share? Tell who you are — and don’t be afraid to step out of the “guidelines”. The guidelines don’t express yourself, they put you in a box with the rest of the users without a personal brand. Let your brand stand out — you deserve to.

Be more than connected. LinkedIn is a tool that when used effectively, presents ample opportunities. Interact and present yourself and the identity you want other professionals to connect with. Express yourself, truly. As your connectivity grows (rather than simply being connected) the broader your network gets and farther you reach into new areas. If it seems daunting, use your resources for help. Look up articles, connect with professionals with outstanding profiles and networks, or ask on here. I am by no means and expert LinkedIn-er, but I am working towards it. It all started with knowing myself and expressing that.