Comments on: Best and Worst LinkedIn Groups for PCB Enthusiasts

By: EMSinsider

EMSinsider — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:48:06 +0000

EMSinsider is now the #1 LinkedIn group for EMS with 9000, up from 8000 when I took over 1 month ago. Shooting for 10000 this month.

EMSinsider now has subgroups to start conversations in the various niches that are of interest to members.

My background is Recruiting 20 years for EMS and OEMs.
But, I try to separate jobs from meaningful discussions to keep the group relevant to all.

EMSinsider.net has a job board $29/month with Free promo codes from time to time.

Link to subgroups
http://www.linkedin.com/groupsDirectory?results=&sik=1308145584727&pplSearchOrigin=GLHD&keywords=emsinsider

By: sandra407

sandra407 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:32:18 +0000

Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. Cheers! Sandra. R.

By: Allen Maddox

Allen Maddox — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:02:11 +0000

I find the comments interesting. I have also found it difficult to professionally network on-line. Maybe it’s just the line of work (Printed Circuit Board Design). I don’t think all the contract and freelance jobs went overseas. But people don’t seem to want to talk about them.

By: lmorris

lmorris — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:23:26 +0000

Don,

No you are not invisible, in fact, I was intending to contact you concerning your views of social media and how it pertains to the industry. I was hoping to work with you to write an article on the subject to post here on the blog and to submit to a variety of sources.

Feel free to give me a call at (800) 217-0202 and ask for Liam. I am really interested in this.

By: Don Lafferty

Don Lafferty — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:35:54 +0000

Am I invisible, or does somebody have to buy boards to be acknowledged here?

By: lmorris

lmorris — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:08:09 +0000

Malcom,

Thanks for your comment on my post! I took a look at your website and Resume. If you ever need prototypes built, I can put you in touch with some quick, reliable people.

By: Malcolm Maxwell

Malcolm Maxwell — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:32:54 +0000

Thanks for your interesting post. The problem I find with some jobseekers groups are filtering out the agencies and being left with one or two engineers/companies to approach.
I get loads of emails from Chinese manufacturing companies, but the work is only one way. I would prefer a partnership type arrangement, so that precludes most companies.
So contract work from customers other than established customers continues to be difficult if you hate spamming and cold calling!

By: Don Lafferty

Don Lafferty — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:33:57 +0000

Ironically, I find the electronics manufacturing industry is be one of the most DISengaged when it comes to taking full advantage of the benefits of social media, including LinkedIn.

As an industry, electronics manufacturing is wrapped in a culture of trade secrecy where competitive advantage is frequently tied to technical prowess and time to market. This environment doesn’t lend itself to the philosophy of sharing and transparency that permeates most productive social networks.

This “close to the vest” culture is frequently reinforced by strict limitations on outward communications, especially with regard to anything that might be construed as a company IP.

I tried mightily to create community within LinkedIn while I was in the PCB industry but even within my own company, it was easier for most industry veterans to fall back into their comfort zone than to embrace the opportunity born of engaging in communities based on sharing and collaboration.

Consequently, you’ll find the most ubiquitous industry presence on LinkedIn, but not because anybody wants to give anything, but just in case they need a job.