Web Professional and Social Networking

Networking within community-based websites allows you to connect with people that may be able to help you with your business or potential customers. Essentially you are joining an online community. While the primary focus is on contacts, many networking sites also include forums, communication tools and sharing tools. Most networking websites are free to join so the main consideration is whether or not participating is worth your time.

Benefits

• Find new customers
• Remind customers that you are still around

Considerations

• Types of Networking Websites:

  Some networking communities are more socially oriented while others are business oriented. Social networks may frown on overt selling so the focus should be on providing information to help others which in turn may build your reputation.

  • Professional/Business

    The focus is on businesses helping businesses.

  • Business Niche

    Niches exist for certain segments such as small business.

  • Social

    Social websites are not expressly for business so you will want to be careful

• Your Time

  Joining a community may require some effort on your part to be an active participant.

Features

• Profile Page

  A profile page will allow you to provide personal and business contact information for those who want more information about the services your company provides or who want to network with you.

• Friend/Contact List

  The power of networking is the access to contacts of friends and acquaintances. You may find the world is much smaller than you think as you explore the connections between members.

• Communication Tools
• Sharing

  The ability to share photos and videos may be included.