LinkedIn or Left Out?

I am fairly adept at social networking. I have friends on Facebook, and followers on Twitter. I have boards on Pinterest, and am even on Google+. I have a blog. I even have all those apps on my iPhone and iPad.

The social network I do not understand is LinkedIn.

I think I get the basic concept. LinkedIn is essentially an electronic bulletin board that gives people opportunities to make professional connections. I have heard a lot of inspiring success stories and encouragement.

I put together my Profile, in the first flush of enthusiasm, and waited for the connections to arrive. I connected with some people I already knew, who already had profiles, but not much else happened. I was told that having a profile was not enough, that I needed to join Groups.

I found some groups in which I was interested, and started receiving email. There was quite a bit of email. I figured out how to regulate my notifications, and received less email. There was still no wave of connections. I was told that I needed to participate in Discussions.

I found a discussion in one of my groups, and made a comment. I was not sarcastic or provocative, it was a good, helpful comment. My comment sparked a virtual riot with emails flying. I learned more about notification settings.

I decided, after some recovery time, that my experience must have been a fluke. I tried a new discussion in a new group. The mere act of giving my Twitter and Facebook page information sparked wave after wave of emails, but no real connections.

It is ironic to me that I am so disconnected from the social network that offers to connect me.

So, take a look at my profile. Is there something else I need to change?

Can you help me?

[Image by nan palmero]