LinkedIn replacing current applications

There has been some abrupt changes at LinkedIn over the last three months, including a reformatting of your profile. The first big change came with the "Endorsement" feature.

Yet more changes are coming to your LinkedIn profile if you use the (now old and replaced) applications, such as WordPress and SlideShare.

If you and/or your company needs LinkedIn training, contact me (mark AT federaldirect DOT net).

Here is the  are two announcements from LinkedIn:

#1

http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1160

Applications - No Longer Supported

Why are Applications no longer supported?

Last Updated: 12/10/2012 

 

At LinkedIn, we want to provide a simple and efficient experience for members like you. So from time to time, we take a look at our set of features to evaluate how they're being used by our members. We have decided to replace the LinkedIn Applications feature with the ability to add rich media directly to your profile.

#2
http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/34326

LinkedIn Applications: Location of 3rd Party Content

How can I access the content from my 3rd party LinkedIn Applications?

Last Updated: 12/11/2012

 

LinkedIn Applications are being replaced with a new feature that lets you add media links to images, presentations, videos, and documents on your profile. You may click below to see how to access content for some of those applications:

My Travel by TripIt

You will be able to continue to post TripIt updates to your LinkedIn network and profile by linking your TripIt and LinkedIn accounts. Show me how.
 

Legal Updates by JD Supra

We are actively working with JD Supra to integrate the content from your JD Supra portfolio into your new LinkedIn profile. Expect to hear from JD Supra directly as we make this switch. In the meantime, if you’ve been posting your documents via the "Legal Updates" app, you can continue to update your network with your latest content by logging into your account on JD Supra.
 

Portfolio Display by Behance

Any of your Behance content you’ve uploaded using the Portfolio Display application will be automatically migrated to the Summary section of your profile once you opt into the newly redesigned LinkedIn Profile. If you were a user of this application, you should receive an invite to opt into the new profile design shortly.
 

SlideShare Presentations by SlideShare

Any SlideShare content you’ve uploaded using the SlideShare Presentations application will be automatically migrated to the Summary section of your profile once you opt into the newly redesigned LinkedIn profile. If you were a user of this application, you should receive an invitation to opt into the new profile design shortly.
 

Lawyer Ratings by LexisNexis

With this new platform, applications such as the Lawyers Rating Application by LexisNexis®Martindale-Hubbell® will no longer be supported. This application icon will no longer display on your LinkedIn profile. Be on the look-out for the next generation Ratings application from LexisNexis®Martindale-Hubbell® available in the near future.
 

WordPress by Automatic

If you self-host your WordPress site, you can enable auto posting to LinkedIn through the Jetpack plugin from Automatic.
If your site is on WordPress.com, simply enable the Publicize setting for LinkedIn from your WordPress.com Dashboard.
 

Box Files by Box

Displaying and sharing a file from Box in your new LinkedIn profile is easy. In order to display a specific file, all you need to do is paste the file’s direct link in the LinkedIn professional gallery. Simply preview the file as you normally would in Box, select File Options - Share - Get Link to File and then click on Direct Link to generate the URL. Paste it directly in the LinkedIn professional gallery.

Repeat the same steps for other files you’d like to add to your profile. As always, you can customize the sharing and access security settings on Box for the content you add to your LinkedIn profile.

Visit the Box support site for more information and a full list of supported file types.
 

We cannot automatically move content from the remaining applications to your profile. You can re-add that content to your profile using our new rich media feature.

LinkedIn profiles to change

A few minutes ago I received an email from LI. I am uncertain how this will impact me, all of us, etc. So stay tuned for commentary as i digest this....

Here is the email:

Hi Mark, On December 11, 2012, you'll be getting the new LinkedIn profile, which has a simplified design, provides deeper insights, and surfaces new ways to connect and build relationships. You'll also be one of the first to preview a new way to showcase rich content on your profile -- like presentations, videos, documents, and more. Now there are more ways than ever to tell your professional story on LinkedIn, and we're excited for you to try them out. As we roll out these changes, we'll also be streamlining our app offerings, so the following LinkedIn apps will no longer be supported on the homepage or profile as of December 11: LinkedIn Events You can find out more about these changes on our Help Center. We hope you like your new LinkedIn profile! Thanks, The LinkedIn Team AND HERE IS THE HELP CENTER CLICK THROUGH to the HELP CENTER: LinkedIn Applications: Location of 3rd Party Content How can I access the content from my 3rd party LinkedIn Applications? LinkedIn Applications are being replaced with a new feature that lets you add media links to images, presentations, videos, and documents on your profile. You may click below to see how to access content for some of those applications: My Travel by TripIt You will be able to continue to post TripIt updates to your LinkedIn network and profile by linking your TripIt and LinkedIn accounts. Show me how. Legal Updates by JD Supra We are actively working with JD Supra to integrate the content from your JD Supra portfolio into your new LinkedIn profile. Expect to hear from JD Supra directly as we make this switch. In the meantime, if you’ve been posting your documents via the "Legal Updates" app, you can continue to update your network with your latest content by logging into your account on JD Supra. Portfolio Display by Behance Any of your Behance content you’ve uploaded using the Portfolio Display application will be automatically migrated to the Summary section of your profile once you opt into the newly redesigned LinkedIn Profile. If you were a user of this application, you should receive an invite to opt into the new profile design shortly. SlideShare Presentations by SlideShare Any SlideShare content you’ve uploaded using the SlideShare Presentations application will be automatically migrated to the Summary section of your profile once you opt into the newly redesigned LinkedIn profile. If you were a user of this application, you should receive an invitation to opt into the new profile design shortly. Lawyer Ratings by LexisNexis With this new platform, applications such as the Lawyers Rating Application by LexisNexis®Martindale-Hubbell® will no longer be supported. This application icon will no longer display on your LinkedIn profile. Be on the look-out for the next generation Ratings application from LexisNexis®Martindale-Hubbell® available in the near future. WordPress by Automatic   If you self-host your WordPress site, you can enable auto posting to LinkedIn through the Jetpack plugin from Automatic. If your site is on WordPress.com, simply enable the Publicize setting for LinkedIn from your WordPress.com Dashboard. We cannot automatically move content from the remaining applications to your profile. You can re-add that content to your profile using our new rich media feature.

LinkedIn drops "Events", adds video advertising

Changes and new features at LinkedIn keep coming and it is important to stay as current as possible. I try to keep myself current and post the significant changes here. Back in early October I posted info on the then new "Endorsement" feature -

http://blog.federaldirect.net/2012/10/the-facebooking-of-linkedin-endorsing.html

It is important to stay current so you can leverage each new feature when it fits your business plan and budget. Keep in mind some of the features, like "Endorsements" and the enhanced "Company Profile" are free. 

If you need to catch up and learn to maximize the current power of LinkedIn, consider attending my December 11 session on LinkedIn at Capitol College:

http://blog.federaldirect.net/2012/12/december-2012-government-market-master.html

Now, on to the two most recent changes.

LinkedIn's relatively popular "Events" calendar is gone. Here is the announcement posted about 10 days ago:

LinkedIn will be shutting off the LinkedIn Events application effective November 26, 2012.

At LinkedIn, we want to provide a simple and efficient experience for all members. So from time to time, we take a look at our set of features to evaluate how they're being used by our members. Part of this process sometimes means we decide to eliminate a feature, so we can better invest our development resources in building more great LinkedIn products for members like you.

There are still many ways to spread the word about upcoming events. You can always share links about events from your homepage, or in relevant groups.

The removal of this feature impacts events producers and others providing niche information on this otherwise robust platform.

I don't think the "Events" feature is gone forever, but if it does return, I think it will do so as a paid service.

In an unrelated move, LinkedIn recently announced that you can now run video ads. Here is the announcement from October 23, 2012:

Have more to say than can fit in a text ad? Most advertisers do, which is why we’re excited to announce the global roll-out of video ads on our self-serve platform, LinkedIn Ads. Whether you have a complex B2B service to promote or an inspiring brand message, video ads are a way to educate, persuade, and inspire LinkedIn’s 175M members.

I have seen some video as profile enhancements. Some has been quite good and some has been, well let's say, embarrassing. This feature will be fun to watch as companies experiment with it, so stay tuned.

And if you want to excel on LinkedIn, attend the December 11 session!

http://blog.federaldirect.net/2012/12/december-2012-government-market-master.html
 

December 2012 Government Market Master seminars

The GOVERNMENT MARKET MASTER™ (GMM) CERTIFICATE PROGRAM provides comprehensive best practices, processes and methodologies for gaining invaluable insight on how to develop and sustain meaningful business relationships with the Federal Government. Delivered by top government, business and thought leaders, the Capitol College-GMM program is specifically designed by Business-to-Government (B2G) experts to benefit executives, managers and professionals who seek to successfully target, engage, win and sustain business with the Federal Government.

Call Mark Amtower or email at 301 924 0058 mark@federaldirect.net for registration information or group rates.

 

"Mark (Amtower) is the greatest. I have sent many of my marketing folks to his events. They all return inspired and smarter. He knows the industry and the market like no one else."

— Craig Abod, CEO, Carahsoft, Inc

Tues, Dec 11, 8AM-noon:  (GMM 208): LinkedIn for Government Contractors  

Federal government employees and managers are joining LinkedIn by the thousands and many of the government contractors are already here. LinkedIn is growing rapidly, yet most companies in the government market are not leveraging the power that it brings to the table. Learn how this tool can help your company stand out among your competitors and grow.

 What you will learn:

-          Why you need a LinkedIn strategy and how to create one

-          How to create a LinkedIn profile that attracts the people you want to meet and raises your Google rank

-          Developing a profile that attracts the right audience

-          Making the "right connections" (contractors and government decision makers)

-          Managing and communicating with your connections

-          Establishing you/your company as a subject matter expert or “thought leader”

-          Learn the tactics to stay “top of mind” in your niche and be recognized as a thought leader

-          How to select and leverage the best groups to grow your business

-          Which “apps” fit your strategy

-          And much more!

From the basics of developing a great profile to targeting contracting partners; finding, joining

and leveraging the right groups: making you and your company stand out from the competition; learn the top tactics from LinkedIn Black Belt Mark Amtower. Investment: $495 (use code GMM when registering for a 20% discount). You must be registered to attend. Group rates available.

 

Wed, Dec 12: 8am-noon: PR for Small Government Contractors

Being written about in trade publications gives a company more credibility in their market. Some small businesses get press coverage but most do not. Join the ranks of those who know how to get PR and get noticed!

What you will learn:

              -          What is newsworthy? for you; for the market for you- something worth posting on the "news" page of your web site for the market- something that other people could find useful

-          What are the elements of a news release for both platforms (internal and external use)

-          Now that you have a release, who do you send it to?

-          Is it worthwhile trying to "get to know' an editor or reporter?

-          How do you determine which publications are germane?

-          How do you know when you are ready for outside PR help?

-          How do you determine which PR firm to use?

 

From the ground up, you will learn how to get on the radar of key media outlets, how to approach reporters and editors and more from industry PR veteran Bill Holleran, with guest speakers Nick Wakeman (editor, Washington Technology), Mark Amtower and Joyce Bosc (Boscobel). Investment: $495 (use code GMM when registering for a 20% discount). You must be registered to attend. Group rates available.

 

Wed, Dec 12 1pm-5pm: The Competitive Advantage: Market Research for Small Contractors

There are many sources for business intelligence in the government market and many of those are free. Those with the best information are in better positions to win business.

 What you will learn:

 

–        What’s Out There?

–        Overview of Federal market databases: paid and free

–        Key Terms – You need to know and understand

–        Government sources: SAM, FBO, FPDS, Defense-Link and more

–        Commercial sources: GovWin, Deltek (FIS/Input), Bgov, Fedmine and others

–        What creates an “opportunity”?

–        Agency web sites

–        Understanding and using the data

 

Industry veteran Anton (Toby) Reut will show you how to find the information you need to develop a competitive advantage. Investment: $495 (use code GMM when registering for a 20% discount). You must be registered to attend. Group rates available.

 

Call Mark Amtower or email at 301 924 0058 mark@federaldirect.net for registration information.

 

 Coming in January 2013

 

(GMM 201) B2G “Go-to-Market” Strategy, Planning and Execution

 

(GMM 215) Business Development: Strategy, Planning and Execution  

 

(GMM 230) Simplified Acquisitions

 

(GMM 100) Government Marketing Best Practices

 

(GMM 208): LinkedIn for Government Contractors  

 

 

More GMM 2013 sessions tba