Is Linked In just a  social media site that is for recruiters and candidates engaged in job hunting activities ? - Rather than networking for the business that they are already in? - I am sure that there are success stories out there, but I fear they are far and few between.

I spoke with a recruitment agency this morning - I guy I know pretty well - While we were chatting he asked me if I knew someone who could fill a certain job role they were searching - What! - I said - That's my background - so are you asking me in a roundabout way if I'm interested? - Ohhh he responded - I actually thought of you, but then I checked your Linked In profile..........The sad thing is that I've know the recruiter for 10 years.

It got me wondering if there is any real social networking activities happening on Linked In - or is it all direct marketing - i.e After you find out the name you are looking for - Do people just send an email or make a telephone call as the next stage - to make the contact?

My recruitment friend uses Linked In as his go-to Rolodex - And the people listed are the content - Nothing strange in that - I guess we all do - But recruiters go straight for the cold call.

What about the rest of us  - Is there anyone maturing social relationships first -on Linked In - Then developing the reason to talk about business?