(I had the opportunity to attend the 2009 NCSM and PSE conference in Norfolk this past weekend. I will have multiple postings related to the conference the next couple weeks.)
Mary Shoemaker gave an overview of research on online social networks. Her summary confirmed my thoughts about the state of research on the networks — she said that there were three styles of articles to date:
- Wow they are millions of users of Facebook, Myspace, Linked-in and Plaxo!
- Wow the networks are growing!
- Wow, these networks are really going to be important to business!
She pointed out certain gaps in the literature: who in business is using the networks, how were they using them, and do business people benefit from using the networks?
As she pointed out, certain features in Linked-in seem ideal for salespersons–the ability to search for people, see if you have a common acquaintance, and get an introduction. It would be interested to know if anyone uses them.
I am on several networks and so far the major benefit has been keeping track of some updated email addresses. I would like to hear from anyone who has used any of the networks to advance their sales effort. Please comment or send me an email!!
March 31, 2009 at 9:19 pm |
I think having internet networks is a good idea, to an extent. First Myspace ended up displaying people in unprofessional ways. Then it went to facebook. Which was suppose to be professional for “college students”. where you can search for students in your school to stay connected and even find students in other schools. However, it soon turned to displaying people in unprofessional manners with posted pictures and comments. Link-In seems good for certain companies but only until it gets misused and out of hand. Which hopefully does not happen.
People have to be VERY careful what they display about themselves on these sites because they can be accessed and viewed by ANYONE.
Its amazing how more and more social networks keep developing, I guess only the future can tell what will be up next!
April 6, 2009 at 11:45 am |
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April 6, 2009 at 8:28 pm |
I think using the internet as a networking tool is very valuable to anyone is business. It allows people to keep intouch and update their information with a click of a button.
As long as you are not putting incriminating pictures or comments of your self the internet will help you thrive throughout your career.
April 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm |
I think networking on facebook is very valuable. It used to be just for kids, now it has grown so that every employer checks your facebook. It is a good way to meet and keep in contact with people in the real world and also for your professional standpoint. when i went to a speaker he reminded us over and over be very careful of your facebook and myspace account when you get onto the job market. I take that advice strongly and hope all of you do to.
April 8, 2009 at 8:10 pm |
I think networking websites are a very valuable tool to all businesses. Not only are you keeping updating information with the people you are in contact or acquainted with, you are spreading the word about who your company is, and what you do. The more your company is advertised, the more likely you are to spark interest and build new clientele. You just have to be careful and make sure you are sending out the right image about your company, and yourself.
September 3, 2009 at 11:21 pm |
This is so true. With the way everything is online now, you have to keep up with the times. The days of meeting people at social events is few and far between. If you want people to notice you, you have to keep up to date with the internet because of the amount of people who sees it.
September 6, 2009 at 8:44 pm |
Orginially, I got facebook to keep in touch with friends from high school and to meet and keep in touch with new friends from college. Now that I am about to graduate, I am finding facebook a valuable tool for networking and finding potential employeers. My father told me that someone he works with told him him that they look at facebook, Linkedin, etc…to find potential employeers now!
September 7, 2009 at 3:57 pm |
Networking online is a great way to get the name of you business out there. I know now facebook and other networking sites are becoming more popular than ever. People that use networking sites can be keep up with news and other valuabal information that can help the sales of their business. Plus that information can be sent out quick so people do not have to wait for something in the mail or on tv.
September 7, 2009 at 7:37 pm |
I think online networking is very important, from a personal experience, living away from my country has required me the need to keep in touch with all my friends and family. Keeping track of all those phone numbers and email adresses wasn’t easy. I was found pushed into joining diffrent Networking websites such as “Facebook” and “My Space”, they were a great help!
You always have to keep your personal information limited though, and not post everything about your personal life on there like some people do because that could be dangerous