Sunday, September 16, 2012

LinkedIn For Homeschoolers

LinkedIn For Homeschoolers



I know what you're thinking...another social media account. You've got your Facebook account, your Twitter account and you have become a pin-aholic on Pinterest. So why do you need to join LinkedIn? Isn't that for business people who have and want jobs?

The answer is yes and no.

LinkedIn is about networking with professionals from around the world. If you change your thinking and believe that homeschooling is a profession, you will begin to realize that you need a network just as much as a business owner does.

You might be asking yourself, "Isn't this just like Facebook?" While it might look that way on the surface let me show you why it is different.

A Facebook friend is like someone giving you their number on a napkin and 
LinkedIn contact is like someone handing you their business card. 

Your Facebook friends are those people you are connected to on a personal level and therefore share personal information with. Facebook is about posting pictures from your vacation or your thoughts about a movie you just watched. LinkedIn is about building and maintaining professional relationships.

Now remember, you have a job. While you are not looking to move up in your career (because there is no way to get promoted), you can still build a network of other homeschool families, authors, mentors, businesses and individuals who support homeschooling.

Break the homeschool bubble!

Homeschooling can be lonely and the scope of people you know can remain limited to your surrounding area. Networking isn't just about landing a job or increasing your sales. Expanding your network as a homeschooler can provide you with opportunities you might not get if you simply stick within your bubble. You can find out latest trends, new products, local events or even events for when you travel, connect with experts in fields of study, and connect with other homeschool families that you might otherwise not find. 

Oh, The Places You Can Go

LinkedIn is a great reminder that you are on a career path. There is no better way to learn about opportunities for consulting and freelance writing available to homeschool parents. We all have something to offer and something to learn. If you don't put yourself out there, you can't be found.

Remember, you have a job, a very important job of teaching your children and you should treat it with the respect it deserves.

Come join me on LinkedIn.



1 comment:

  1. I agree. It's a great place to make connections for freelance work, sponsorship relationships, and networking. I have just sent you a request to connect.

    ReplyDelete