LinkedIn: Your High Tech Rolodex

Remember the days of the Rolodex? That old-school desktop tool with rotating index cards filled with prized contact information: business cards, phone numbers, addresses, and notes (and maybe even a few secrets?) If you listen closely, you can still hear the sounds of the cards as they flip around and around!

But let's face it: today, no one has a physical Rolodex on their desk… except perhaps those stubborn Baby Boomers resisting assimilation into the digital world. We Gen-Xers know resistance is futile. We watched Star Trek. We know the Borg.

Growing Your Digital Rolodex

Think of your LinkedIn network as your 21st-century Rolodex: digitized, searchable, and packed with potential. With over a billion users, it’s a powerful tool for discovering jobs, sharing ideas, and connecting with people who can open doors.

If you want to boost your visibility, aim for the “magic 501.” That’s the point where LinkedIn starts treating you like a power user. You’ll show up in more searches, your posts will get more traction, and the algorithm starts working for you. Why? Because the platform sees you as someone who adds value across the network.

Not sure how to build that many connections? Start by joining industry groups, chiming in on relevant discussions, and sharing your perspective. You don’t need to link with everyone in the galaxy, but a few strategic connections with leaders in your field can take you from redshirt to captain in no time.

Driving People to Your Profile

Back in the day, we built our Rolodex by collecting business cards at happy hours, conferences, or—brace yourself—cold-calling managers out of the blue. Thankfully, those days are behind us.

Now, your LinkedIn profile does the heavy lifting. A strong profile helps you attract the right connections and opportunities. It should be clear, current, and tell a compelling story about who you are and what you bring to the table.

Key Tips

💡 Use strategic keywords
LinkedIn’s search is powered by AI, and keywords matter. Focus on words tied to the roles you want, not just what you’ve done in the past.

💡 Showcase your strengths
Your profile gives you more room than a resume to highlight skills, accomplishments, and personal passions. Sharing what drives you can help the right people and companies find you.

💡 Keep it consistent
Make sure your job history aligns with your resume and reflects your current goals. That internship from 15 years ago? Probably not relevant—unless it was with Starfleet.

💡 Use a professional photo
Skip the selfies and awkward crops. A high-quality headshot helps you make a strong first impression and shows you're approachable and career-ready.

*WARNING… do not use an AI image. Authenticity matters.

Pro Tip: Check out www.PhotoFeeler.com for great tips on taking quality pictures with your phone.

Live in the future. LinkedIn is your gateway to a digital universe of professional connections.

Much like the Borg brought countless systems into one collective, LinkedIn brings your network together in a single, powerful platform. Resistance is futile. Embrace the evolution, adapt your approach, and you’ll find your place in the ever-expanding digital Rolodex.

Apologies to Captain Picard.