Professional Networking Online

If you limit your English exposure to your tight network of work colleagues, you are missing out. The truth is that in the last few years some powerful networking opportunities have sprung up on the internet, making it easier than ever to make your presence online, and to meet interesting new business partners. Making effective use of network contacts also allows you to manage your own career, get to know people with the right profile for contracting, ask for references, get clients, and, of course, promote your business.

But first, a word to the wise about professional social networking. It is in many respects like real-life networking, and that personal touch will always make you stand out. You don’t just go up to someone at a cocktail party and hand them a business card, hoping they’ll call you back. Chances are if you did that your business card would end up in the rubbish bin or as the paper for a makeshift grocery list. When you make your introductions to potential new business contacts, it always helps to let them know how you know them, and why joining networks would be mutually beneficial to both of you. Take the time to find out about the people you’re connecting with and find out what you have in common (sometimes it’s as simple as reading their profile and resume).

There are many social networking sites for professionals. Here are a few:

LinkedIn. This is a fantastic resource for professionals. This career networking community allows you to post your resume on your profile. Other users, potential employers, employees, consultants and business partners — they’re all here. In a time when people change jobs frequently it’s is also a good way to keep in touch.

Xing. Their by-line says it all: Global networking for professionals. According to their statistics over 7 million people worldwide in 16 different languages are using their site. They aim to make networking and contact management simple and effective.

Naymz. They believe that ‘A good professional reputation is the key to effectively networking with other professionals’. This is a professional networking platform that aims to simplify the process of discovering new connections and business opportunities.

Spoke. This is a business networking site that connects to over 2.3 million businesses and 40 million people. You can connect with anyone on the network, regardless if they are a member of Spoke. Like the other sites, Spoke allows you to customise and promote your online portfolio.

Facebook. You may be surprised to see this on here, but Facebook is no longer just for college kids and friends to post their hilarious drunken party pics. Because of its popularity and far-reaching internet presence, Facebook can be seen as a hybrid of professional, social and personal networking. That is why it’s so important, for the business-minded people out there, to always project a professional image. Join groups comprised of professionals in your fields of interest, be careful with the comments people leave on your wall, and definitely don’t post candid pics of you doing a spontaneous striptease at last weekend’s house party (unless, of course, you’re a professional stripper).

Also, be mindful that social networking can be very time consuming. If you want a good return on your investment, be selective. Only join groups that are important to you, and that you know can further your professional career. Be careful about the updates you choose to receive, as receiving too many can eventually fill up your inbox and waste your time. Also keep in mind that even though Facebook can be used for professional social networking, other sites like LinkedIn and Xing are specifically created for professionals. Spend your time on social networks that you know attract like-minded professionals.