Here’s a post about a golden oldie application on LinkedIn, the Amazon Reading List. Some of you might already be using this, I wasn’t until a few weeks back.

What is the Reading List?

The Amazon Reading List for LinkedIn is an application that lets you share your reading tips with your network via your LinkedIn profile. You can add what you have read, what you are reading and what you would like to read. You are encouraged to add a little review to help others make decisions.

Why would you use a LinkedIn reading list?

Although this application has been around for donkey’s years I only started using it very recently. It all began with me getting back into reading when I bought a Kindle. Since then I have been plowing through books like there’s no tomorrow. When you have electronic books it makes it harder to know which ones you have read, you don’t have two shelves to separate them. This is why I set up a spreadsheet with the books I had read, what author they are by and a short comment on them. After doing this for a few weeks it dawned up me that there is a place to do this a lot quicker…. The LinkedIn Reading List by Amazon helps me do all these things and lets me share what I read with others.

My rule is that I don’t read a book unless it has been recommended to me, personally or by a trusted source like the Sunday Times. With the Reading List on LinkedIn, I can conveniently see what people in my network are reading and read their reviews. If I have any questions on a particular book, I’ll just ping a message to the person that posted about it. This is what social is all about, people sharing recommendations just like they alway have been albeit online.

Isn’t it just for authors to sell their books?

Plenty of self-published authors use this application to showcase their books on their LinkedIn profile. This is of course useful for them but I don’t see Robert Harris or Frederick Forsythe doing it (in fact, don’t think they are on LinkedIn). So no, this is for everyone that likes reading books. You might argue that it’s for Amazon to sell more books but the fact is you never leave LinkedIn and you can buy your books anywhere and write them up on here.

Should I only put books about my industry on there?

My short answer to this is no. Some folks reckon they will look like industry experts or thought leaders by only reading about their field. I say who wants to work with, hire or contract a person that only seems to be interested in one single topic? If you want to come across as one-dimensional, go right ahead.

I say use the reading list to keep track of what you are reading, to get recommendations and share your experience of books. If this also happens to project that you are a multi-dimensional person, I have a feeling this will do favors for your personal brand. When you find common ground (such as a book) with someone, you already have an ice breaker and the conversation can lead to business down the line.

How exactly do you use the LinkedIn Reading List?

Click on to the application page and install. Make sure you opt for showing the application on your profile if you want people to see what you are reading when checking out your LinkedIn profile.

Search for the book you are reading

Write up your thoughts on the book

Be aware that everything you do on this application will be shared with your network. This update here got a long discussion going with a few business contacts.

Conclusion

If you are an avid reader and LinkedIn user, consider merging the two worlds and see what happens. I have had some interesting feedback on my books and it’s almost like being in a book club without having to sip herbal tea and giving up Wednesday evenings. Give it a try and let me know what your thoughts are.

For another great use of LinkedIn, check out the LinkedIn Resume Creator Tool.