LinkedIn has added a couple features to their platform, among them a ‘read receipt’ in the message center that lets the user know the person they’ve sent a message to, has read it.
The ‘read receipt’ could be either a game changer, or an annoyance. Although it is helpful — especially if a person is looking to followup with a client — knowing that he/she has opened the text is always a good thing, but if they have not replied to it, it leaves one to wonder why they didn’t deem it necessary to respond, causing for all sorts of “drama.”
There is a way to turn off the ‘read receipt’ feature in LinkedIn, should it become a bother. LinkedIn can help you deactivate the ‘read receipt’ from the Communications tab of your Settings & Privacy page. Full, easy to follow instructions can be found here.
After updating its Terms of Service, LinkedIn rolled out another feature, one which could help you move your networking capabilities from the digital sphere to real life quicker than ever, ‘discover members nearby.’
‘Discover members nearby’ allows LinkedIn (in conjunction with your mobile phone) to pop up the names and profiles of your first-level connections who are nearby based on your current location.
“We’re constantly exploring new ways to help you maximize the benefits of LinkedIn. One of the features we’re excited to be working on is the ability to find other LinkedIn members nearby using your mobile device,” LinkedIn noted in announcing the new technology. “This feature will provide you with opportunities to network with other LinkedIn members at conferences, events, and more in your proximity.”
For your privacy and safety, this will be an opt-in feature that you must choose to enable on the LinkedIn mobile app, and you can also control how long your location is shared with other members; i.e.: you could turn the feature on during a conference or trade show to help you meet up with LinkedIn contacts also in attendance.
For additional information on ‘discover members nearby, click here.
