Friday Social Networking Day!
Something I’ve noticed as I’m using social networks to grow my own professional network: there are some really cool and crazy networks out there.
How do I pick the one to use? One could spend all day literally in multiple networks linking up, posting micro-blogs, etc. It’s crazy. Most of it is useless IMO.
What I’ve found to be quite valuable are the following (in no particular order):
Facebook.com - Mostly for a personal/family/HS and College network. I check in about once a week to catch up or do research. Don’t play any games or anything. As it is, it’s getting crazy with all the 3rd party applications.
LinkedIn.com - I <3 this site. I’ve used it to network with college classmates, HS classmates, and all kinds of business people here in the Upstate and across the US. Great resource. I’ve used it to meet people and it’s opened up warm leads for me. If it ever goes pure pay I’ll probably pay to keep it.
Twitter.com - I’m still experimenting with this site. In fact, I’ve found it easier to micro-blog using Twitter than to blog here. Probably cause I can jot out a 140 character message a lot faster than coming up with a couple of paragraphs of other stuff. It’s been a decent resource so far in networking and communicating with other professionals.
Brightkite.com - Just signed on in the Beta. No idea how this might help, but it’s beta and free so why not.
Plaxo.com - I probably should use this site a little more. Has some great potential but with my limited time I tend to gravitate towards LinkedIn instead.
Hmm, I think that’s about it for now. Who knows I might fry out on the whole social mash-up thing and go retro and offline in a few months. hehe.
Have a great weekend everyone! Remember, if you know any great Java, PHP, or Clinical Analysts then send them my way. I can put you to work tomorrow (well, almost that fast.)
