Network on LinkedIn

If you live or work in Rensselaer, NY, I'd like to invite you to join a new group on LinkedIn. The group is called "City of Rensselaer, NY", and you can find it by searching LinkedIn Groups for 12144. Our goal is to network, grow online visibility for the community, make referrals for services and fun stuff to do, and help new residents learn more about the area. (Please let me know your Rensselaer affiliation when you join the group.)

If you're not on LinkedIn yet, it's a little bit like Facebook, but tailored for working professionals. It's a free service (there are paid levels, but most people don't need those features). Here are a few suggestions if you're just joining:

• * Don't link to anyone you don't know personally - it's a trust network, not a numbers game
• * Review all your Account Settings to manage privacy levels and e-mail notifications
• * Update your profile regularly, and work to create a great professional image
• * Fill in past jobs and schools so that old friends, colleagues and clients can find you
• * Spend the time to invite all your connections - even those you see daily
• * Join groups to network (search for alumni groups, professional organizations, hobbies, etc.)

Former colleagues have asked what happens if you no longer have access to your old e-mail address. You can still access your LinkedIn account using the old e-mail address as your log-in, (even if it's no longer a functional address). Once you've logged in, you can change your e-mail under Accounts & Settings.