Utilizing Online Social Networking Sites

Utilizing Online Social Networking Sites

Introduction

Like other social networking sites LinkedIn is identified as the professional network. The membership of this network is more than hundred million and more than forty percent are directors, managers, vice presidents, chief officers or owners. Since it's a professional network the member base is also business-oriented. Trivial or personal sharing is non-existent on LinkedIn as opposed to other social networking sites. LinkedIn is a place where professionals connect with other professionals and discuss business. There is no two ways chatting system is LinkedIn but for conversation purposes users participate in LinkedIn groups.

Discussion

LinkedIn to Connect with Professional Community and Further Business Opportunities

The whole idea behind LinkedIn as a website for professional social networking is to help professionals to form new connections and stay in touch with other professionals. One feature of LinkedIn is that it allows you to network and form associations with professionals and organizations. These networks can be made with industry or business specific professionals or one can also connect with people not belonging to the same industry. Sharing of information and latest updates on new trends is thus easily communicated among these professionals. Another way to increase the network is to join groups on LinkedIn. Specific groups also let their members discuss and share industry ideas and news with each other (Anonymous, n.d, p.1). There are organizations that are also present on LinkedIn. If a certain organization interests me and is related to my field of work I can start following it and connect to the employees of that firm. This association may then benefit y business or can even translate in future employment. LinkedIn to Stay Connected with Other Human Services Professionals

Suppose a human services professional is new in a big town and doesn't know a lot of his other colleagues. He requires assistance over an issue and none is available face to face. LinkedIn can help him resolve this issue. Since it is now available on mobile and other portable technologies, the human services professional can connect with other human services professionals. LinkedIn user can easily add classmates or colleagues to their connections in LinkedIn. This website even allows adding contacts from personal email so connecting with people in your field of work is more mobile now. In addition one can always join the human services professionals groups that are available on LinkedIn. For example “NonProfit Human - Social Issues & Services” is a group on LinkedIn provides networking around social issues and human services for consultants and staff who are involved in nonprofit sector (LinkedIn, n.d, p.1).

Benefits of Being Tied to a Professional Community

Professionals on LinkedIn benefit a lot by associating with professional connections or groups irrespective of whether it is for business or professional. LinkedIn helps a business grow in many ways. It increases visibility of business which may offer products, brands or support services. Since the business is present on LinkedIn it gives a platform to potential clients, customers and suppliers to research ...