Linkedin in plain english – ahhh now i get it. i think.

I haven’t been the biggest advocate of Linkedin in the past.

I’ve even posted a few articles suggesting that people should link out of linked in. Here are two of my favorites:

• 4 reasons why linkedin is out of touch with their new platform (Oct 07)
• Time to link out of linkedin (Sept 07)

Although some of the stated shortcomings have since been addressed – like a fancy mobile site and a decent value proposition with the answers & experts area, there are still some things that need to be addressed – like the overall user interface.

Having said that, I admit that I’m using Linkedin now and have found it somewhat useful from a professional networking and ecosystem engagement perspective.

Thanks to the good folks at commoncraft who just released the “linkedin in plain english” video to explain simply that the tool is more than a digital contact list for professionals. Check it out here:

Commoncraft used a small business owner to illustrate the power of linkedin.  I totally get that – but what about everybody else?

I would be interested in hearing from others on how they value linkedin as a business tool.

Next up – 5 or so things I would like to see implemented to make it a better experience.