Social Networking Sites are becoming increasingly popular as a way to maintain contact with coworkers, classmates and friends via the internet. These online social networking sites allow you the opportunity to stay in contact with people you have interacted with in the workplace, at school as well as socially.
Throughout my extensive career focusing on hiring individuals who are highly credentialed and qualified in their area of expertise, the consistent observation I have made when working with individuals who have graduated from top-rated colleges, is that the students who graduated from schools that placed the most emphasis on maintaining effective alumni programs and encouraging alumni networking events have also been given the greatest potential of utilizing their college network to help them succeed as they progressed in their career path, whether it be an employee referral for an open position at their current employer, providing a reference for employment, as well as referring a new business development opportunity to their fellow alumni.
With the advent of online social networking sites, anyone now has the same opportunities that some of the leading schools in the country have been able to create for their students and alumni leading to additional possibility for success. These sites are user friendly, fun and have the beneficial effect of maintaining contact with the people you have built relationships with throughout your education and career as well as giving members the opportunity to also make new contacts.
Maintaining communication with your previous colleagues as well as members and alumni of schools you have attended can lead to potential career advancing opportunities. Utilizing these networking sites may lead to a referral for a new job opportunity. You can give or receive employment recommendations as well. They also have the added benefit of allowing you to easily staying in touch with people you may not otherwise have been able to maintain contact with due to various life circumstances such as relocating, changing jobs or career path, etc.
It is important to note that signing up for and maintaining interaction on these sites does not need to be time-consuming. Even dedicating 15 minutes a month to interacting on your preferred social networking site is enough time to induce positive results. As long as used responsibly, there are invaluable benefits of networking online to positively impact your career progression.
Here is a list of a few social networking sites that I would recommend. Do not feel obligated to sign up for all of them. Even utilizing one or two that are popular in your area or industry can be useful.
LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. Visit their website at: http://www.linkedin.com.
Facebook is an online directory that connects people through social networks at colleges. Visit their website at: http://www.facebook.com.
Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Visit their website at: http://twitter.com.
Classmates.com’s online social networking Web sites enable users to locate and interact with acquaintances from high school, college, work and the military. Visit their website at: http://www.classmates.com.
MySpace is an international site that offers email, a forum, communities, videos and weblog space. Visit their website at: http://www.myspace.com.
Bebo is a social media network where friends share their lives and explore great entertainment. Visit their website at: http://www.bebo.com.
For a list of additional social networking sites, Wikipedia offers an updated list of current social networking sites at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites
It is important when signing up for any of the various networking sites available, that you consider creating an effective and marketable online brand. For more information on maximizing your online brand, please see my article entitled “Maximizing Your Online Brand”.
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