KACHARAGADLA

With apologies to  Bill Clinton ’s electoral guru  James Carvell : it’s all about the content, stupid. That’s why  Microsoft   MSFT -0.22%  has just made one of the boldest moves in its history by spending more than  $26 billion on LinkedIn . In an age of hyper-connections, the acquisition – which values  LinkedIn LNKD -0.18%  at $196 a share – is a smart one. It needs to be after a series of high-profile failures, such as Microsoft’s  doomed $6 billion acquisition of the Nokia  mobile  business . This new deal means Microsoft can embed LinkedIn with Skype, its email system and other Microsoft enterprise products so that, in the words of  one Silicon Valley expert , it will be able ‘to recreate the connective tissue for enterprises.’ SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MARCH 30: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delivers the keynote address during the 2016 Microsoft Build Developer Conference on March 30, 2016 in San Francisco, California. The Microsoft Build Developer Conference runs through Ap

Deal is for $196 per LinkedIn share, a 50% premium to Friday’s close Microsoft  Corp.  snapped up LinkedIn  Corp.  for $26.2 billion in the largest acquisition in its history, betting the professional social network can rev up the tech titan’s software offerings despite recent struggles by both companies. The deal is Chief Executive Satya Nadella’s latest effort to revitalize Microsoft, which was viewed not long ago as left behind by shifts in technology. Mr. Nadella hopes the deal will open new horizons for Microsoft’s Office suite as well as LinkedIn, both of which have saturated their markets, and generally bolster Microsoft’s revenue and competitive position. Mr. Nadella said today’s work is split between tools workers use to get their jobs done, such as Microsoft’s Office programs, and professional networks that connect workers. The deal, he said, aims to weave those two pieces together. “It’s really the coming together of the professional cloud and the professi

REDMOND, Wash., and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — June 13, 2016 —  Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) on Monday announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash. LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Reid Hoffman, chairman of the board, co-founder and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn, and Weiner both fully support this transaction. The transaction is expected to close this calendar year. LinkedIn is the world’s largest and most valuable professional network and continues to build a strong and growing business. Over the past year, the company has launched a new version of its mobile app that has led to increased member engagement; enhanced the LinkedIn newsfeed to deliver better busi

LinkedIn on Thursday(Nov 5) launched 'Placements' service in the country, aimed at helping graduating students find their first job. This is the first solution developed by LinkedIn's India product development for the local market. The US-based firm has a team of 100 people for product development in India, of which 40 worked on making LinkedIn Placements. "Our conversations with students, placement officers and recruiters involved in campus recruitment point to an unmet need for efficiency and effectiveness," LinkedIn India Head (Engineering) Ganesan Venakatasubramanian said in a statement. He added that 'Placements' was developed as a first step to help connect graduating students to their first jobs at a massive scale. India is the first market to pilot the product. "DY Patil, FMS Delhi and PESIT are among 14 colleges that have already adopted the pilot," the statement said. The solution also makes it easier for placement officers

If you read  my previous post , you know the initial steps you need to take before becoming an active member in LinkedIn groups. I also provided some information about getting started with groups. Once you have identified and joined the groups you believe will be the most helpful to your personal branding, follow the next seven steps to maximize the benefits: 1. Adopt an authentic and consistent style.  Before you start posting, think about how you will exude your personal brand in your communications. You want to be memorable, so know your writing style and use it consistently. If humor is part of your brand, inject wit into what you write. If you are organized, make sure your posts are structured with headings and lists. If you are more of the contrarian, make that a regular part of your commentary. Of course, choose a voice that’s authentic. If you really can’t tell a joke, don’t try to be funny – it will backfire. 2. Join the conversation.  Before posting any of your own