Social networking is one of the hottest applications on the Web - but what's the point? Many sites offer networking for professionals seeking work...but, does it work?
Social networking to get work is an option for many professionals, and the way of the future on the Internet. Many Web sites out there offer professional social networking for those who want to expand business contacts and perhaps find new self employment opportunities. The message is simple: sign on, network, get new contacts and perhaps even new jobs. But…does it work?
Social Networking to Get Work
Social interaction is highly popular on the Internet - everyone’s doing it. Popular sites like MySpace and Facebook wouldn’t even exist without this social interaction, which allows users to find and communicate with each other. But MySpace and Facebook, in fact a whole host of social networking sites, are all about the social aspect of networking. Meeting, greeting, chatting…maybe dating - this is the siren song social networking offers online. There are other social networking sites, however, which exist solely for professional contacts alone.
These social networking sites are out there for professionals to get work, make new business contacts, or just simply self-promote. The professionals in question fill out a business-toned profile, often expounding on skills and attributes such as education or job positions, and from there they meet like-minded professionals who may wish to contact them about work. This is how professional social networking sites work - in theory.
But do they work in reality?
The Dark Side of Professional Social Networking
Here’s how it works: the professional creates an account with the social networking site. Then, they fill out an extensive profile which includes educational, professional and perhaps even personal history. The problem with professional social networking sites is this: many professionals don’t use these sites to make new contacts, but instead to solidify already existing business relationships.
In most cases, professionals invite existing business relationships to become their contacts on the site. Instead of using the site to meet new professionals, they simply parade preexisting networks. Newcomers who are truly hoping to make a connection may find themselves still on the outside, with no real way to break in - not even on a professional social networking site.
Does it Work?
Social networking is supposed to be about meeting new people, and some professional social networking sites do offer this service. However, it is a good idea to know people who already use the site in question, to get started with a few existing contacts. This will increase the chances of making any sort of new contacts, perhaps finding others who have need of services and products provided.
Is it possible to get work with professional social networking sites? It is possible to make new contacts and meet new professionals, but don’t count on getting a whole lot of jobs or opportunities through social networking. It’s a good way to give others something to reference to, and it’s a great tool for self-promotion, but it’s usually not going to create any sort of revenue. Professional social networking has its merits, but it’s unlikely even a popular business profile will help pay any bills.
