Status Update: Keeping your network in-the-know

One of XING’s smaller features but certainly one that generates considerable interest and attention is the status update feature. I find at least that I always get a stream of visitors to my profile and often direct responses whenever I post a new status update. It is a great way to share information, perhaps to let your clients know you have spare capacity to take on work, or that you’re on vacation and not available, for instance. Or perhaps you want to share a tip or link that you think will interest your contacts. The possibilities really are endless here.

Some general points about status updates

I’m sure many of you will already know where to post and edit your status updates. Just go to your own profile and it is located in the top right-hand corner.

You can select for each individual status update whether you want to make your message visible to your personal contacts only or to any XING member visiting your profile. You can write up to 150 characters per update (10 more than Twitter!). If you want to post any links we recommend shortening them, for instance using Tinyurl.

How often should I update my status?

This is a purely personal choice. Bear in mind though someone without many contacts will see your updates relatively frequently in their “What’s new in your network” box, and may find your posts to be a little pushy and over-the-top if you update your status too regularly. So it is worth trying to find the right balance here.

Under “Settings”, you can also deactivate the option to have your status updates appear in your contacts’ “What’s new in your network” box.

I would advise people to take a think beforehand about what they want to achieve through their updates and how regularly they intend to post. Why not start posting an inspirational Monday Booster with some interesting food for thought, or a thought for the day on a fixed basis? Of course you don’t have to have a routine – you can post sporadically too whenever something crops up you wish to share with your network. This could be an interesting event, where you happen to be at a certain time (I’m at the XYZ stand at the XYZ trade fair if anyone is nearby to meet and chat!) or a recommendation you’re eager to let others know about.

The scope where knows no bounds, so let your imagination run wild! Give this wonderful little feature a try and you’ll soon realize how much “publicity” you can generate for yourself.

Wishing you a productive Friday and an enjoyable weekend,

Silke Schippmann