LinkedIn has been making changes in the name of helping users “be great at what they do.” Among some of the changes are the redesigned LinkedIn Company Pages. Also new notification alerts and a real-time newsfeed. These updates were made with users in mind.
Now LinkedIn is offering a select group of thought leaders and super figures – who offer business news, insight and advice – for users to follow.
The selection is impressive. Among the 150 super influencers are top guns like Richard Branson, Founder at Virgin Group; Jim Kim, President at The World Bank; and Pete Cashmore, CEO at Mashable Inc. You can even follow 2012 presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.
It’s a big deal for those who know the importance of connections to thought leaders. Influencers’ posts will include videos, photos and slide presentations. Comments are allowed. Sharing is encouraged.
LinkedIn’s newest feature allows users to start discussions with their networks about topics from super influencers – an opportunity to build their own reputations as a thought leaders.
Valuable Knowledge and Business Insight For All
Users are able to see influencers’ updates without the network invitation required to connect other LinkedIn professionals. Similar to Twitter, you simply follow an influencer and their updates appear in your newsfeed.
The new feature comes after Twitter chose to cut off its integration with LinkedIn earlier this year. Adding the super influencers aids content generation and social sharing – both of which saw a reduction after Twitter’s break up.
Access to the 150 super influencers benefits LinkedIn users by helping the business-minded audience become better professionals through the application of industry-specific knowledge shared by thought leaders.
Over time, the list of super influencers will grow. There is an application process for anyone who wants to be an influencer. It’s a great opportunity for companies who have a consistent, growing and active following in social media already.
See who made the list as one of the first 150 super influencers on LinkedIn. There’s sure to be a thought leader to follow in almost any industry and marketplace.