So, what online networks offer real opportunities for business? There are a huge number of websites, but it is difficult for online networking novices to know which sites are worth precious company time and effort.
In a previous article I talked about myspace and whether businesses should consider setting up a presence on this popular website. My conclusion was that if you are a business in the B2B market, then myspace is not the right platform for your company. Also unless you sell to young consumers, you are unlikely to reach any potential new clients on this website dominated by the 16 to 24 year olds.
Don’t despair. There certainly are a number of other online networking sites worth considering. One of the most popular is Linkedin. Linkedin allows you to do a number of very useful things including:
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Creating a profile detailing your current role, previous work experience, along with company details.
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Receiving references from previous colleagues and customers. Be sure to also reciprocate and give references to talented individuals in your network!
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Adding your friends, colleagues and business contacts to your network. You can then view your friends connections and perhaps even ask a trusted contact for an introduction to someone you are interested in doing business with.
Check out my linked in profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katelittle
Linkedin is a fantastic resource – allowing you to do work with trusted contacts – those that have a relationship with someone you already know. Recruiters have already tapped into this extensive network – hiring people that already have good references and are trusted contacts.
Another social networking site businesses should consider is Facebook. This website started out as social networking for college students. However the site has broadened its reach dramatically and is appealing to business people.
Facebook is similar to Linkedin because it allows businesses to connect with trusted colleagues and friends. However it offers additional facilities including sharing news and information. For example, if you post news or information on your blog, your network can be instantly alerted. You also have the ability to be a member of multiple networks with different focus areas. For example I might join an SEO or Internet Marketing group.
Facebook is still dominated by students and young people, but could be considered less stuffy and more community oriented than other sites including Linkedin. The benefit of linkedin though is that it is completely driven by professionals.
Online networking certainly won’t eliminate the traditional face to face lunches. In fact some Linkedin users have started their own face to face networking groups in their local areas as a result of meeting online. There is a huge opportunity to communicate using these online resources as a tool.
The key to successful online business networking is to pick out only 1 or 2 of these websites and actively update your profile and network on a regular basis. Don’t spread yourself too thinly over a huge number of sites as you won’t have time to update every single one of these!
Check out other online sites that you might find useful:
Post date 17/08/2007
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