What does your LinkedIn profile say about you? Probably the usual things like what school you went to, your work history, promotions, professional interests, and maybe a shared link to an industry think-piece every once in a while. For the sake of professionalism, most LinkedIn users are reluctant to include much personal information, but the monotony of job titles and spam recruiter messages can get pretty stale. Too stale, in fact, for Australian Businesswoman Anna McAfee, who sparked a global movement known as #LinkedInLocal.
Anna McAfee, though well-connected both on and off LinkedIn, was fed up with the drudgery of online interactions. In May 2017, she made a short but sweet status update to her LinkedIn simply asking others in the area to meet her for a cup of coffee and signed off her post with a #LinkedInLocal. Since that very first meeting, which included just 15 people, word began to spread – to over 100,000 people. LinkedIn influencers took notice and hosted events on their own and soon snowballed into a global phenomenon.
Among the thousand-odd hosts all over the world, 84% cite their goals with hosting as an effort to build a community of shared professional experiences, regardless of industry. Today, the Linkedin Local scene has included events in 500 cities and across 80 countries, inspiring new real-life connections and bridging gaps by putting people, not profiles, first. Though almost 60% of members participating in meetups are looking to network and 90% walk away with new connections, Linkedin Local events means more than just bolstering your clout. Among members, 89% say they would recommend LinkedIn Local meets to any of their connections, and 95% of hosts say they plan on continuing to organize more events in the future.
Grown from a grassroots movement with a big idea, the force behind Linkedin Local bright professionals together with a common goal of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect. What resulted were connections truly brought to life. Ready to get involved with your own LinkedIn Local event? The time is now. Take a look at this infographic for more details about LinkedIn Local.
Infographic Source: LinkedInLocalX