Written by 10:50 pm Newsletters, Perspectives, Reflections, Technology & Digitalization

Your Network Is Your Net Worth: How LinkedIn Empowers Individuals and Businesses in Ethiopia

Feeling trapped in the cycle of limited opportunities, saturated career growth prospects, and inadequate compensation?  We mean compensation that barely copes with inflation and increasing cost of living!

You’re not alone. 

In the face of demand for 9-to- 5 jobs soaring and traditional methods falling short, it’s time for a change.  

Globally, employment to population ratio declines due to the different factors happening everywhere. Ethiopia is not the exception. Recent estimates indicate, only 58% of its university graduates are employable

With the prevailing limited access to networking and mentorship, it’s no wonder personal and professional growth feels stagnant. But fear not, there’s hope on the horizon. 

Join the conversation and let’s revolutionize the way we approach career development together. Read previous insights:

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By exploring and embracing innovative and alternative approaches, you can shape your career in a manner that fits and looks forward to the future. 

You probably heard the common saying ‘ your network is your net worth’ but you never seriously thought about it. Well, digital has amplified it enough until you never, ever, ignore it any more. 

Networking has become a lot easier, convenient and meaningful than ever before. It is even more meaningful when it is professional at the core.  It used to be professional and industry associations where you go and engage with a community of similar interest.

Now, you have LinkedIn. Global audience, all disciplines under one professional platform. .

  • Maybe you have never heard of LinkedIn. Maybe you heard about it but you underestimate its potential. Or maybe you navigate LinkedIn but you never see its true value.  Not anymore! 

In fact, almost all job search and recruitment, and B2B sales are conducted on LinkedIn, globally. 

Read between the lines. one more time! 

LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform where you pose pictures and chit chats. It is your ticket to career advancement and professional growth. Imagine a world where you can showcase your skills to a global audience, explore job opportunities with ease, and rub shoulders with industry titans all in one place. It is your place for professional conversation and building thought leadership in your professional domain. 

LinkedIn is a B2B market place too where your business generates sales leads and closes deals.  Professionals and organizations of all forms have been effectively using the platform since its launch in 2003 by founders Reid Hoffman and Eric Ly. It was fully acquired by Microsoft in 2016 and gets a face lift. 

Although a later comer as compared to other social media platforms, the number of LinkedIn users are increasing day after day in Ethiopia as well. Through the platform, many Ethiopians showcase their skills, share their thoughts, access global job opportunities and build personal brands. It is transforming the Ethiopian jobs market, offering individuals like you autonomy and opportunities beyond traditional employment. 

LinkedIn fosters passion-driven work, enabling pursuit of freelance and entrepreneurial ventures for financial stability and fulfillment. With LinkedIn’s presence, the future of Ethiopia’s job market promises careers aligned with personal values and aspirations. Importantly, it is a place where you nurture your career and build relevance while you are currently on a 9-to- 5 job, the least.  

Welcome to LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with more than 1 billion members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. 

Your network is your net worth: build it intentionally.  

Here are the benefits of joining and intentionally building your network on LinkedIn  

Personal Account Benefits

  • Networking: Connect with professionals, mentors, and potential employers.
  • Job Opportunities: Access job listings and receive recommendations.
  • Professional Development: Join groups and leverage LinkedIn Learning.
  • Brand Building: Establish credibility and showcase achievements.
  • Industry Insights: Stay updated on industry trends and news.

Business Account Benefits

  •  Brand Visibility: Showcase your brand, products, and services.
  • Talent Acquisition: Recruit top talent through job postings and referrals.
  • Thought Leadership: Share insightful content and company updates.
  • Networking: Build relationships with clients, partners, and influencers.
  • Marketing Opportunities: Utilize LinkedIn Ads and Sponsored Content effectively.

Look for inspiration to start, see yourself what these influential figures have to say

  • Addis Alemayehou, Chairman at Kazana Group, >64K followers as of writing. 
  • Zinet Kemal, Cloud Security Engineer, >15 followers as of writing. 
  • Nahom Abera, Marketing & Communication Specialist, >32K followers as of writing. 
  • Hilina Legesse,  Head of Corporate Services,  >35K followers as of writing.
  • MERI PODCAST,  Podcast focused on entrepreneurs’ stories, >15k followers page as of writing. 

If they are on LinkedIn , guess what, you should too. 

And globally, you could look up to 

 Step-By-Step Guide to LinkedIn Success

  1. Create a Compelling Profile: Use a professional email and add a high-quality photo, catchy headline, and summary showcasing your skills, purpose and goals.
  2. Build Your Network: Connect with colleagues, personalize requests, engage with connections regularly and follow your thought leaders. 
  3. Optimize for Search: Include relevant keywords in your profile to boost visibility to recruiters.
  4. Engage with Content: Share valuable contents, comment thoughtfully, and aim for consistency to stay visible.
  5. Seek and Offer Recommendations:Request and give genuine recommendations to add credibility to your profile.
  6. Utilize LinkedIn Features: Explore LinkedIn Learning, job search, and events for skill development and networking.
  7. Stay Professional and Authentic: Maintain professionalism, authenticity, and avoid controversial topics.
  8. Track Progress and Adjust: Monitor metrics and adapt your strategy based on what works best.
  9. Network with Intent: Be strategic in networking efforts, personalize outreach, and add value.
  10. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Stay updated on LinkedIn’s features and seek feedback for ongoing improvement. 

By following these steps, you can establish a strong LinkedIn presence and enhance your networking and career opportunities.

LinkedIn Features

  • Profile Creation: Showcase work experience, education, skills.
  • Networking: Connect with colleagues, peers, employers.
  • Content Sharing: Share articles, posts, updates.
  • Job Search: Explore listings, apply, receive recommendations.
  • Learning: Access online courses, tutorials, certifications.
  • Groups: Join discussions, connect with like-minded professionals.
  • Messaging: Communicate privately with connections.
  • Recommendations: Showcase skills and credibility.

Types of Accounts

  • Basic (Free) Account: Provides essential features such as profile creation, networking, job search, and content sharing.
  • Premium Accounts: Offer additional features and benefits, such as advanced search filters, access to LinkedIn Learning courses, enhanced profile visibility, and InMail credits for messaging users outside your network.
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Specifically designed for sales professionals, Sales Navigator provides advanced lead search and lead management tools, as well as insights and recommendations to improve sales prospecting efforts.

Access Options

  • Web Platform: Access LinkedIn via browser on desktop.
  • Mobile App: iOS and Android apps for on-the-go access,
  • Desktop App: Streamlined experience for Windows users.

LinkedIn provides a comprehensive platform for professionals like you to build your personal brand, network, and advance your career effectively.

Elevate Your Career with LinkedIn

  • Discover Limitless Opportunities: Explore diverse career paths and professional development initiatives. 
  • Engage with a Vibrant Community: Connect with ambitious professionals, share insights, and inspire each other. 
  • Enhance Your Skill Set: Invest in continuous learning through online courses and workshops.
  • Stay Informed with ShowingUp: Subscribe to our Newsletter for industry trends and follow us on social media for updates.
  • Drive Change through Action: Take proactive steps towards your professional growth today.

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P.S.

  • Use the difficulty to shine. Harness LinkedIn networking tools to build your skills and help solve real life problems, 
  • Building LinkedIn connections is one thing. Building an engaging LinkedIn network is what it takes to be a thought leader. 

Connect with industry leaders and access exclusive insights. 

Follow Showing up on LinkedIn and stay Informed on the latest trends, success stories, and opportunities in career growth and personal development.

Subscribe to our Showing Up Newsletter for a regular dose of inspiration and valuable insights delivered directly to your inbox.

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