Over the last few weeks, LinkedIn has rolled out their new “look”. I have read lots of good and bad things about but I am still experimenting with it, so this is not about that.
There is a feature that is often ignored but is quite brilliant for keeping in touch when you really don’t have anything to particular to share or ask.
When you go to the Notifications tab and scroll through the boxes, you will see the notes that let you say happy birthday or congratulations on a new job. I used to dismiss this as kitschy and not really of value.
Today, I was the recipient of a zillion birthday wishes and I can tell you it is not kitchy. I smiled with each and every incoming ping.
True, I don’t know everyone who took the time to message me but most of their names did ring a bell. As a sidebar, I also got two lunch dates out of it!
If you really do know the person, take a moment to personalize it, even if just a little. It will make it that much more meaningful.
This may not lead you to your next dream job but it will remind people of how thoughtful you are and that’s becoming a high value trait in many organizations.
Best wishes for a great day whether it’s your birthday or not!