Equal Energy Ltd. (TSX: EQU) announced that Blaine Boerchers, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, has tendered his resignation. Mr. Boerchers has also commenced an action against the Company in relation to a dispute as to the level of his security-based compensation.
International Datacasting Corporation, (TSX: IDC) announced the promotion of Cory Garbolinsky to Vice President, Finance and Acting Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Garbolinsky was previously Director of Finance at IDC responsible for external financial reporting and internal controls. Previously he served as Manager of General Accounting for North America at Alcatel-Lucent (ENXTPA: ALU) and as Chief Financial Officer at CCS Group Ltd.
ICN Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ICN) announced the appointments of Denise Lok as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. The appointment follows the resignation of Tom Wilson as Chief Financial Officer and Gordon Fretwell as Corporate Secretary. Lok is currently Manager, Corporate Finance of Baron Global Financial Canada Ltd. Previously, she was a professional accountant with an international accounting firm.
ACE Canada, the Canadian-based operating division of the ACE Group, announced the appointment of Bruce Walker as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Walker's joins ACE from a directorship with a privately-held financial consultancy firm in the United States. Prior to this role, Mr. Walker held a variety of senior financial leadership positions within Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group.
TouchTunes Interactive Networks has announced the appointment of Patrick Barry as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company. Prior to joining TouchTunes, Barry was CFO of Oberon Media.com, a casual games solutions company, and DSR Holdings, a restaurant holdings company. Barry was one of the founding members at Bluefly.com (NASDAQ BFLY), where he spent 10 years growing the business to $95 million in revenues. Barry also served as CFO and COO of Audible Inc. and CFO of Warner Music Enterprises. His extensive background in finance included work at Book-of-the-Month Club, Time Warner and Arthur Andersen LLP.
Petromanas Energy Inc. (TSX-V: PMI) announced that Bill G. Cummins has been appointed as CFO effective September 1, 2010. Ari Muljana will resign as CFO effective August 31, 2010. Mr. Cummins international background has spanned 12 years, including nearly three years as CFO of a TSX listed oil and gas company with operations in Yemen, and seven years as a senior financial executive of an international joint venture which grew to over 75,000 bopd.
Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB: PPSI) announced the appointment of Andrew Minkow as its Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer effective immediately. Mr. Minkow was also appointed to our Board of Directors. Mr. Minkow was previously the President of MAST Consulting, a provider of executive management, strategic planning and financial reporting services to several corporate clients, including to Pioneer. From 2001 to 2009, Mr. Minkow was a founding employee and shareholder of Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., where he successfully executed over $2 billion in investment banking transactions and provided leadership in business development and operational management, aiding the firm in its rapid growth during his eight year tenure.
Partner Jet Corp. (TSX-V: PJT) announced that Mike Casey has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company, replacing Bruce Reilly.
Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. (TSX: PBG) announced that Peter Cheung was appointed as CFO, replacing Corey Ruttan. Mr. Cheung Cheung was most recently the treasurer at Compton Petroleum Corp (TSX: CMT).
TrinCan Capital Corp. (TSX-V: TRN.P) announced that Burkhard Franz has assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Franz was previous the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Ms. Savi Franz has been appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended August 6, 2010
ADF Group Inc. (TSX: DRX) announced the appointment of Jean-François Boursier as the Corporation' new Chief Financial Officer. Since 2005, Mr. Boursier was the Corporate Controller at Héroux-Devtek. Previously, he worked at Holcim Canada (St-Lawrence Cement) for more than 16 years, where he held different positions including the company's Corporate Controller from 2001 to 2005.
TSO3 Inc. (TSX: TOS) announced that Marc Boisjoli, its Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the company to pursue other interests.
Marifil Mines Ltd. (TSX-V: MFM) announced that the Company’s CFO, Michael Sweatman, has resigned for personal reasons and to pursue other commitments.
Melcor Developments Ltd. (TSX: MRD) announced that Michael Shabada plans to resign from the company effective October 31, 2010. Mr. Shabada has been with the company for almost 19 years.
Rare Method Interactive Corp. (TSX-V: RAM) announced that Joshua lus has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
RBC Dexia Investor Services announced that is has appointed John W. Thompson to the post of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Thompson comes to RBC Dexia from The CUMIS Group, a Canadian insurance company serving credit unions and their members, where he held the positions of CFO and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Prior to this, Mr. Thompson held senior roles with CIBC, where he led the financial management and transformation of a number of major business units in the US and Asia Pacific regions. He was also responsible for the performance measurement and business operations of CIBC's largest customer-facing business unit, Retail Markets.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
TSO3 Inc. (TSX: TOS) announced that Marc Boisjoli, its Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the company to pursue other interests.
Marifil Mines Ltd. (TSX-V: MFM) announced that the Company’s CFO, Michael Sweatman, has resigned for personal reasons and to pursue other commitments.
Melcor Developments Ltd. (TSX: MRD) announced that Michael Shabada plans to resign from the company effective October 31, 2010. Mr. Shabada has been with the company for almost 19 years.
Rare Method Interactive Corp. (TSX-V: RAM) announced that Joshua lus has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
RBC Dexia Investor Services announced that is has appointed John W. Thompson to the post of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Thompson comes to RBC Dexia from The CUMIS Group, a Canadian insurance company serving credit unions and their members, where he held the positions of CFO and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Prior to this, Mr. Thompson held senior roles with CIBC, where he led the financial management and transformation of a number of major business units in the US and Asia Pacific regions. He was also responsible for the performance measurement and business operations of CIBC's largest customer-facing business unit, Retail Markets.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Prediction: ERP Implementations
ERP implementations are coming back. It has been a while since ERP's have been major investments for companies. (If you don't remember the last time, Google "Y2K").
Reasons for this prediction:
- CFOs are sitting on record amounts of cash (See CFO.Com article).
- This cash needs to be put to productive use.
- CFOs are reluctant to use the cash for Hard assets (Real Estate, Plant Equipment).
- Most ERPs are at least 10 years old, and significant technology improvements have been made since, which can allow for significant value-add.
The 'IF' Factor:
If ERP Vendors and Integrators can speak the CFOs language and make the case for significant bottom line improvements, CFOs may be willing to make that investment.
For True Strategic CFOs:
If you consider a large system investment to be in your future, make the decision as soon as possible - costs (ie talent) will be more expensive once everyone else takes the decision.
Reasons for this prediction:
- CFOs are sitting on record amounts of cash (See CFO.Com article).
- This cash needs to be put to productive use.
- CFOs are reluctant to use the cash for Hard assets (Real Estate, Plant Equipment).
- Most ERPs are at least 10 years old, and significant technology improvements have been made since, which can allow for significant value-add.
The 'IF' Factor:
If ERP Vendors and Integrators can speak the CFOs language and make the case for significant bottom line improvements, CFOs may be willing to make that investment.
For True Strategic CFOs:
If you consider a large system investment to be in your future, make the decision as soon as possible - costs (ie talent) will be more expensive once everyone else takes the decision.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended July 30, 2010
Silvermet Inc. (TSX-V: SYI) announced that Jeffrey Dawley has resigned as CFO of the Company, and is being replaced by Ian Atacan. Mr. Atacan has previously held controllership roles in various public companies, including Epsilon Energy, Impax Energy Services and Consumers' Waterheater Income Fund.
Lingo Media Corporation (TSX-V: LM)(OTCBB: LMDCF) announced that Ryan Robertson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Khurram Qureshi, who is stepping down after being CFO for the last 10 years. Mr. Robertson joins Lingo Media from Luxell Technologies Inc., where he was CFO for the last three years.
Canadian Orebodies Inc. (TSX-V: CO) announced that Joseph Heng has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for the Company. Mr. Heng replaces Mr. Gledhill, previously in the same role. For the past 10 years, Mr. Heng has been involved primarily with junior mining public companies and holds directorship, corporate secretary and CFO positions in several of the companies he is associated with.
Look Communications Inc. (TSX-V: LOK and LOK.A) announced that Mr. Jason Redman has resigned as Chief Financial Officer, and has been replaced by Grant McCutcheon, new Board Member and Acting Chief Financial Officer.
DiagnoCure, Inc. (TSX: CUR) announced the hiring of Chantal Miklosi as the new Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Miklosi brings over 15 years experience in investment banking and finance.
UTS Energy Corporation (TSX: UTS) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the management team that will lead SilverBirch Energy Corporation ("SilverBirch"), including Wayne Bobye as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bobye has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UTS since 2005.
Adira Energy Ltd. (OTCBB: ADENF; FRANKFURT: AORLB8) announced that Gadi Levin has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company's four Israeli operating subsidiaries.
Mullen Group Ltd. (TSX: MTL) announced the appointment of Mr. P. Stephen Clark to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Clark succeeds Mr. David E. Olson who is retiring from Mullen after 26 years of dedicated service.
GeoGlobal Resources Inc. (NYSE Amex: GGR) announced that Mr. Sunil Karkera, who was until recently the Corporate Controller, has been promoted to serve as the new CFO.
Saint John Port Authority announced that James Quinn will be replacing Al Soppitt as President and CEO. Mr. Quinn previously was CFO for the Canadian International Development Agency and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Lingo Media Corporation (TSX-V: LM)(OTCBB: LMDCF) announced that Ryan Robertson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Khurram Qureshi, who is stepping down after being CFO for the last 10 years. Mr. Robertson joins Lingo Media from Luxell Technologies Inc., where he was CFO for the last three years.
Canadian Orebodies Inc. (TSX-V: CO) announced that Joseph Heng has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for the Company. Mr. Heng replaces Mr. Gledhill, previously in the same role. For the past 10 years, Mr. Heng has been involved primarily with junior mining public companies and holds directorship, corporate secretary and CFO positions in several of the companies he is associated with.
Look Communications Inc. (TSX-V: LOK and LOK.A) announced that Mr. Jason Redman has resigned as Chief Financial Officer, and has been replaced by Grant McCutcheon, new Board Member and Acting Chief Financial Officer.
DiagnoCure, Inc. (TSX: CUR) announced the hiring of Chantal Miklosi as the new Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Miklosi brings over 15 years experience in investment banking and finance.
UTS Energy Corporation (TSX: UTS) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the management team that will lead SilverBirch Energy Corporation ("SilverBirch"), including Wayne Bobye as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bobye has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UTS since 2005.
Adira Energy Ltd. (OTCBB: ADENF; FRANKFURT: AORLB8) announced that Gadi Levin has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company's four Israeli operating subsidiaries.
Mullen Group Ltd. (TSX: MTL) announced the appointment of Mr. P. Stephen Clark to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Clark succeeds Mr. David E. Olson who is retiring from Mullen after 26 years of dedicated service.
GeoGlobal Resources Inc. (NYSE Amex: GGR) announced that Mr. Sunil Karkera, who was until recently the Corporate Controller, has been promoted to serve as the new CFO.
Saint John Port Authority announced that James Quinn will be replacing Al Soppitt as President and CEO. Mr. Quinn previously was CFO for the Canadian International Development Agency and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Twitter Me This – Recruiting in 140 characters?
“Feel... Felt… Found…” Three words one of my business partners, Jonathan Buzelan (Twitter: @buzelan) stressed to me as he helped develop my sales skills. “You need to see their side, before you can bring them to yours,” he would say. “Let your client know you understand how they feel. If you ever felt that way, tell them; and finally, share with them what you learnt that got you to think differently.” The philosophy was simple, as he explained it, “changing someone’s mindset can be a near impossibility, but if you provide them with new information, then they may be willing to form a new opinion.” Why try to convince someone of your truth when it easier to get them to discover it on their own. And what in the world does this have to do with Twitter?
When I first started exploring social media groups I was not convinced that it had any use beyond the obvious: sharing photos of my children at the lake with friends and family. I was convinced that this was the limit of its power. The idea that social media sites could help develop business relationships or any “real” relationship for that matter did not seem possible. I knew Linkedin existed but I thought of it as nothing more than an online rolodex that at the time was still in its infancy.
As the popularity of social media sites grew, I made it my business to learn more about them. I was already sharing much of my personal life on Facebook and details about my professional life on Linkedin. But what was completely unclear to me was the value and worth of the social media site or better yet “social media tool” called “Twitter”. What value could a billboard like tool which limits you to a 140 characters deliver?
At first glance, Twitter seems like the least significant of all the three Social media tools. But what I learned was that Twitter is a lot more powerful than people realize. As the Practice Leader for CFO2Grow’s CFO Search practice one of my goals is to be top of mind for CFOs, CEOs, Board Members, Investors and other business leaders in my online and offline community. Having been in the Financial Recruiting business for over 10 years and in the finance world for 20, I have developed many incredible contacts from which I have learned much. Being top of mind comes from sharing that knowledge base and experience and then delivering that relevant content to my network.
Twitter is much more than an electronic billboard; it is the way I reach out to the online world. In 140 characters, the snippet of content I send out becomes a form of free advertising about a blog (like this one), an article I read, a new job posting, a Facebook or LinkedIn update, or even just a retweet that I can easily share with my network . And the more interesting and relevant my tweets, the more people are likely to click through and read on. Providing relevant and informative content is part and parcel of being top of mind, and staying there.
A 2010 Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey stated that while 78% of companies and recruiters use LinkedIn for recruiting and 54% use Facebook, Twitter sits at a respectable 3rd place with 44%. While there is no question that LinkedIn will continue to be the lead choice for recruiters and their companies, as Twitter grows in popularity it has the potential to surpass Facebook in its relevance to the online recruiting community. The Jobvite study further stated that while Facebook use for recruiting grew 15%, Twitter’s popularity has gone up by 32%. Harnessing Twitter’s potential is the next big thing for the recruiting community.
So if you are still scratching your head at the thought of being Twitter user, then let me say this, “I understand how you feel, because that is how I felt, but let me tell you what I found out.”
Follow us on Twitter @cfo2grow. (To follow Samuel go to Twitter @cfo2dergel)
(“Twitter Me This - Recruiting in 140 characters?” is part of an ongoing discussion on Social Media and recruiting. Here are 2 more related Blogs you may be interested in reading: “What Your LinkedIn Profile Says About You”, and “Is Facebook a Career Killer?”)
When I first started exploring social media groups I was not convinced that it had any use beyond the obvious: sharing photos of my children at the lake with friends and family. I was convinced that this was the limit of its power. The idea that social media sites could help develop business relationships or any “real” relationship for that matter did not seem possible. I knew Linkedin existed but I thought of it as nothing more than an online rolodex that at the time was still in its infancy.
As the popularity of social media sites grew, I made it my business to learn more about them. I was already sharing much of my personal life on Facebook and details about my professional life on Linkedin. But what was completely unclear to me was the value and worth of the social media site or better yet “social media tool” called “Twitter”. What value could a billboard like tool which limits you to a 140 characters deliver?
At first glance, Twitter seems like the least significant of all the three Social media tools. But what I learned was that Twitter is a lot more powerful than people realize. As the Practice Leader for CFO2Grow’s CFO Search practice one of my goals is to be top of mind for CFOs, CEOs, Board Members, Investors and other business leaders in my online and offline community. Having been in the Financial Recruiting business for over 10 years and in the finance world for 20, I have developed many incredible contacts from which I have learned much. Being top of mind comes from sharing that knowledge base and experience and then delivering that relevant content to my network.
Twitter is much more than an electronic billboard; it is the way I reach out to the online world. In 140 characters, the snippet of content I send out becomes a form of free advertising about a blog (like this one), an article I read, a new job posting, a Facebook or LinkedIn update, or even just a retweet that I can easily share with my network . And the more interesting and relevant my tweets, the more people are likely to click through and read on. Providing relevant and informative content is part and parcel of being top of mind, and staying there.
A 2010 Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey stated that while 78% of companies and recruiters use LinkedIn for recruiting and 54% use Facebook, Twitter sits at a respectable 3rd place with 44%. While there is no question that LinkedIn will continue to be the lead choice for recruiters and their companies, as Twitter grows in popularity it has the potential to surpass Facebook in its relevance to the online recruiting community. The Jobvite study further stated that while Facebook use for recruiting grew 15%, Twitter’s popularity has gone up by 32%. Harnessing Twitter’s potential is the next big thing for the recruiting community.
So if you are still scratching your head at the thought of being Twitter user, then let me say this, “I understand how you feel, because that is how I felt, but let me tell you what I found out.”
Follow us on Twitter @cfo2grow. (To follow Samuel go to Twitter @cfo2dergel)
(“Twitter Me This - Recruiting in 140 characters?” is part of an ongoing discussion on Social Media and recruiting. Here are 2 more related Blogs you may be interested in reading: “What Your LinkedIn Profile Says About You”, and “Is Facebook a Career Killer?”)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended July 23, 2010
Andean Resources (TSX: AND, ASX: AND) announced the appointment of Mr. Eric Edwards as its new Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at International Minerals Corporation. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Edwards has been Chief Financial Officer for a number of publicly traded gold companies including Queenstake Resources, Viceroy Resource Corporation and Ivanhoe Mines.
Adeptron Technologies Corporation (TSX: ATQ) announced the appointment of Mr. Jon Szczur as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Szczur has been Vice President of Finance at Adeptron since April 2010. From 2006 through 2009, Mr. Szczur served as Chief Financial Officer of the Wish Group of Companies.
MedMira Inc. (TSX-V: MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF) announced the appointment of Daniel Frid as Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he was a member of the Senior Management Team for Keane Canada Inc., serving as the Director of Finance and Information Technology.
Homeland Energy Group Ltd. (TSX: HEG) announced the Company has appointed Ajay Gupta as Chief Financial Officer effective July 13, 2010. Jeff Lowe, who has been Acting Chief Financial Officer of Homeland during the search process, will continue to provide the Company and Mr. Gupta with his expertise and support until September 30, 2010. Most recently Mr. Gupta was CFO of African Aura Resources Ltd. and Scandinavian Minerals Limited which recently merged with First Quantum Minerals Ltd. He has also worked with Deloitte & Touche LLP, DuPont Canada, Samara Group and S R Khurana & Co.
Roadking Travel Centres Inc. announced the resignation of Mr. Alan Tookey as interim CFO. In the interim, the Company appointed Mr. Greg Spicer to serve as interim CFO, in addition to existing duties as President and CEO, until a successor is appointed.
Inter-Rock Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: IRO) announced the appointment of Ms. Diane Nasadiuk to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Nasadiuk is an accountant and has been involved with Inter-Rock for the past eight years.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Adeptron Technologies Corporation (TSX: ATQ) announced the appointment of Mr. Jon Szczur as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Szczur has been Vice President of Finance at Adeptron since April 2010. From 2006 through 2009, Mr. Szczur served as Chief Financial Officer of the Wish Group of Companies.
MedMira Inc. (TSX-V: MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF) announced the appointment of Daniel Frid as Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he was a member of the Senior Management Team for Keane Canada Inc., serving as the Director of Finance and Information Technology.
Homeland Energy Group Ltd. (TSX: HEG) announced the Company has appointed Ajay Gupta as Chief Financial Officer effective July 13, 2010. Jeff Lowe, who has been Acting Chief Financial Officer of Homeland during the search process, will continue to provide the Company and Mr. Gupta with his expertise and support until September 30, 2010. Most recently Mr. Gupta was CFO of African Aura Resources Ltd. and Scandinavian Minerals Limited which recently merged with First Quantum Minerals Ltd. He has also worked with Deloitte & Touche LLP, DuPont Canada, Samara Group and S R Khurana & Co.
Roadking Travel Centres Inc. announced the resignation of Mr. Alan Tookey as interim CFO. In the interim, the Company appointed Mr. Greg Spicer to serve as interim CFO, in addition to existing duties as President and CEO, until a successor is appointed.
Inter-Rock Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: IRO) announced the appointment of Ms. Diane Nasadiuk to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Nasadiuk is an accountant and has been involved with Inter-Rock for the past eight years.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Friday, July 23, 2010
What your LinkedIn profile says about you.
While our previous blog discussed how Facebook can be a Career Killer, LinkedIn is a most definitely a Career Maker. Or rather, it has the potential to be. Forbes.com recently quoted a Jobvite study from June 2010 stating that 73.3% of companies now look to social networking sites such as LinkedIn for recruiting rather than traditional job boards. In fact, eMarketer reports that 80% of companies who recruit via social media networking use LinkedIn for their recruiting.
LinkedIn has become the social media home for executives and professionals. In fact, Forbes reports that LinkedIn is most successful in assisting recruiters and companies to identify potential exective and management-level prospects rather than entry-level professionals who still would do better to turn to traditional job posting boards.
Your LinkedIn profile is your resume, your public profile to the world. Whether you like it or not, companies and recruiters could be looking at your profile, even as you read this article. What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?
No profile – Not Good. This says you are not interested in networking or career building. It also says that you are not ‘with it’. No one wants to hire or do business with a luddite.
Few connections (under 20) – this begs the question, are you really a person worth knowing?
20-100 connections – many users fit into this category. This says you are a person worth knowing, but you’re not a connector.
100-500 connections – You are a connector. This is where most executives and professionals should be at. An executive or professional like you should have enough visibility to know 100 people like yourself.
500+ connections - You’re a star networker. If you’re not in a sales or recruiting role already, perhaps you should consider it. You are a go to guy (or gal).
Having a Closed Network – This says you are afraid of your contacts knowing who you know. It means you are protective of your contacts. The only valid reason I see for having a closed network is if you are a lawyer – maybe. Otherwise, how open you are to others defines how open they will be to you.
Having an Open Network – says you are interested in making a difference to the people in your network, by allowing all of them to see each other. To gain from networking, you need to give before you get.
So take a minute and look at your LinkedIn profile with a critical eye. Who are you connected to? Are all your connections old high school pals? Fraternity buddies? Friends? Or are all your connections career related? Are your career connections only related to your previous jobs? Or do you have many important connections at many different companies? Seek out connections that will give your profile a more well-rounded feel.
How are you presenting yourself to the world? Will a recruiter be able to see your strengths at first glance? Are your posts and comments intelligent and worthwhile? Do you contribute in a positive way to the online community?
Allow opportunities to find you. Use your LinkedIn profile to market yourself to the world.
LinkedIn has become the social media home for executives and professionals. In fact, Forbes reports that LinkedIn is most successful in assisting recruiters and companies to identify potential exective and management-level prospects rather than entry-level professionals who still would do better to turn to traditional job posting boards.
Your LinkedIn profile is your resume, your public profile to the world. Whether you like it or not, companies and recruiters could be looking at your profile, even as you read this article. What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?
No profile – Not Good. This says you are not interested in networking or career building. It also says that you are not ‘with it’. No one wants to hire or do business with a luddite.
Few connections (under 20) – this begs the question, are you really a person worth knowing?
20-100 connections – many users fit into this category. This says you are a person worth knowing, but you’re not a connector.
100-500 connections – You are a connector. This is where most executives and professionals should be at. An executive or professional like you should have enough visibility to know 100 people like yourself.
500+ connections - You’re a star networker. If you’re not in a sales or recruiting role already, perhaps you should consider it. You are a go to guy (or gal).
Having a Closed Network – This says you are afraid of your contacts knowing who you know. It means you are protective of your contacts. The only valid reason I see for having a closed network is if you are a lawyer – maybe. Otherwise, how open you are to others defines how open they will be to you.
Having an Open Network – says you are interested in making a difference to the people in your network, by allowing all of them to see each other. To gain from networking, you need to give before you get.
So take a minute and look at your LinkedIn profile with a critical eye. Who are you connected to? Are all your connections old high school pals? Fraternity buddies? Friends? Or are all your connections career related? Are your career connections only related to your previous jobs? Or do you have many important connections at many different companies? Seek out connections that will give your profile a more well-rounded feel.
How are you presenting yourself to the world? Will a recruiter be able to see your strengths at first glance? Are your posts and comments intelligent and worthwhile? Do you contribute in a positive way to the online community?
Allow opportunities to find you. Use your LinkedIn profile to market yourself to the world.
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