Linkedin just became more relevant and interesting for a lot of people!
The new integration between twitter and LinkedIn is simple, yet powerful! Simple in the sense that this isn't some 'new major change' that you have to learn or understand. Powerful in the sense that you will now feel a sense of connection, and be able to see updates from your LinkedIn connections via their twitter posts.
For many, going to LinkedIn is strange. I often have people ask me "what am I supposed to do there?" For those who have been using LinkedIn for a long time, it may not, but for those who are used to facebook or twitter, it seems...boring!
Enter Twitter...Now you not only have the ability to send your tweets to LinkedIn, but also send status updates from LinkedIn to twitter.
Don't panic! It's all quite simple really.
Go to your profile page in LinkedIn, and you will see an option to add your twitter account. After the prompt to allow access, you will be asked whether to post all tweets to LinkedIN (PLEASE DON"T!) or only those that you choose (via adding the hashtag #in to your tweet).
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The great news here is that you have the ability to bring more of 'you' into LinkedIn, AND the ability to more easily interact with your connections there. For some, sending LinkedIn info out to twitter is no big deal, since they don't post much there anyway. For many the idea of bringing their tweets, which seem inherently more personal into LinkedIn, may create a little heartburn. Since LinkedIn is viewed as a much more zipped up "professional" atmosphere, this creates yet another bridge that people are nervous about crossing.
As in Facebook, where this "gap" often occurs, is fear about crossing the line between 'personal and professional'. The truth is, there is no line any more. Nobody wants there to be! We have had enough of suits in big buildings that we trusted without knowing, only to be betrayed. We want to know who we are doing business with! (We always wanted to know, but couldn't in most cases)
This is an opportunity to be you! An opportunity to be more than your job, education, experience, etc and show your personality. This is a big shift for some. It is critical however in this 'new world' that we have entered. 'Being authentic' is more that a buzz word! Being you, and allowing the world to get to know you is the ONLY way to 'compete"! That is the only way to stand out, and to help others choose you over the countless others out there. (Remember: If you always fit in, you will never stand out!) Your personal brand is who you are, and now your connections in LinkedIn can see it!
Tips to Leverage this:
Choose which tweets go to LinkedIn:
This isn't about hiding you, it's about being you, but also being relevant! If you would chat about it at a corporate event, send it! If it's a reflection of you are (which in and of itself has value) send it.
When in doubt, ask "does this provide value?"
Visit LinkedIn, read the updates and comment! Engage! You will never deepen those relationships if you lurk in the background and never interact.
Recognize this as an opportunity to give more value to those that you are meant to serve. Not just another way to 'get your message out!" This is an opportunity to learn more about others, about what matters to them and discover ways that you can serve them. It is an opportunity to drop a few more breadcrumbs to lead those you are meant to serve, to you. It is an opportunity to share your story, to give people something to identify with, to show people how passionate you are, who you are. And for that person who has been searching for someone just like you, that has tremendous value.
Do you currently use LinkedIn? Will this make you more likely to?
Are you currently using twitter? Will this make you more likely to?
I'd love to know!

For more information on how to use these tools THE RIGHT WAY, or help developing your personal brand& online presence, visit me at
http://www.heathero.com
http://www.facebook.com/realheathero
http://www.twitter.com/heathero
(I can help you make it easy, effective, relevant and FUN!:)