Social Networking Can Be Intimidating

(MYFOX DETROIT) -- To the uninitiated, it may seem that "social networking" is only for executives who want to chat about their bond portfolios—another name for the kind of schmoozing that is done on the golf course. This could not be further from the truth.

Social networking just means making contacts on the internet using websites where people congregate—including Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Myspace.

The tips that networking gurus give are as useful for junior employees as they are for executives. The ability to source contacts and companies on the internet, to connect with people you couldn’t talk to otherwise, works for many levels of job-seekers. The only way to see how “social networking” can help you is to start doing it.

Of course, like any new idea, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. To break it down, all these sites are about finding people and companies and communicating with them. Pick a service, and use it to find people at companies about which you’d like to know more.

My personal favorite is LinkedIn.com. It’s easy to use and gives you space for a resume-type profile and a photo. (You may not think a photo is important, but remember that you are there to make personal connections with other people in your industry: it is hard to feel personally connected without a face to put with a name!)

There are many resources that offer instruction on how to use the sites effectively. Just google “linked.com instructions” or “how to use linkedin.com. ” Google is one of my favorite ways to find out basic information quickly. Being efficient and effective at internet searching is like having an instant encyclopedia at your fingertips.

In the same way, being a good social networker is like having a full rolodex at your fingers. If you get past the intimidation of social networking and make connections with other people in your industry, you’ll find your professional world has expanded far beyond the confines of your office.

Contact Beth at bgrossman@asgteam.com or visit www.asgteam.com.

Source: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/job_shop/the-intimidation-of-social-networking