Online Social Networks

 

Ricardo Harvin
E-mail Questions for Tech Tools to techtools@uschamber.com.

 

You've probably gained at least one customer or valued employee because a friend made an introduction or recommendation. Traditionally, this kind of social networking has taken place at cocktail parties or during weekend golf games. But now you don't have to be a social butterfly or know what a nine iron is to make business contacts.

 

Social networking Web sites such as MySpace and Facebook allow you to connect online with people you know, and through them, to others you may not have met when introductions were generally made face-to-face. Most social networking sites are not geared specifically toward business, but they all offer a chance to at least engage in low-cost marketing, which you shouldn't pass up. One notable exception, however, is LinkedIn, a site focused primarily on helping make business-related connections. After you join the site (basic membership is free) and create your profile, you can invite people to join your network.

 

As you expand your list of direct connections, and your contacts do the same, you grow your network of potential connections. The site shows your direct contacts and their contacts. In addition, a selection of other site members who've worked or studied where you did appears on your page, helping you find lost friends and colleagues.

 

Where LinkedIn really excels compared with other sites is in enabling you to limit and change the information visible to others and the types of contacts you're willing to accept. You can decide to only receive messages from people looking to do business deals, who need a consultant, or who have come through people you know. When you want to initiate contact in your extended network, the same restrictions apply, so you don't waste time on those who aren't interested in what you're offering.

 

Whether you're looking to create a business opportunity across the country or to make a good hire, being able to turn to people you know and trust can be a good thing.

 

Best of all, with online networking you don't need to master balancing a plate and a glass when being introduced, and it doesn't matter if you know a hook from a slice.

 

 

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com
MySpace - www.myspace.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com