Social Networking

Not such a big fan of the online social networking craze? Do you think things like Facebook and Google+ are a waste of your valuable time? Well you may stand to benefit from giving social networking a chance. If you're already in the social networking boat, then you definitely don't want to miss this article.

LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/) is a social networking site that is all business. Similar to Facebook and Google+ in the fact that you search for other users you know and add them to your contacts list, this site was created with the business professional in mind. Whether you are searching for a new job, looking for employees, or checking up on the latest applicant, LinkedIn plays information hub to all things job experience related.

With over 30 million experienced business professionals representing 150 different industries if you are looking to go somewhere, expand your current business, or take on a new venture you may want to give LinkedIn a shot. You might also be interested to know that all 500 of the Fortune 500 are represented on this site. Not just that, but 499 of them are represented by director-level and above employees!

If you're still not convinced that social networking isn't just a trend to be ignored, think about the following:

1. Connections. Be it past, present or future, LinkedIn can keep you in touch with networks you may not be able to be a physical part of anymore. Previous co-workers, clients, and even fellow alumni that can boost your credibility in the professional world.
2. Credibility. Having viable connections in an industry makes your credibility go up. Having connections in the industry you would like to get into helps as well. Instead of approaching potential future associates 'cold' you can find out whom in your network can be your 'in' and presto, you have your foot in the door!
3. Opportunity. Whether you're looking for new clients or a new job, having a profile on LinkedIn can give you a leg up. With the ability to get recommendations posted directly to your profile from former employers, clients and associates, it can greatly improve even the most outstanding skill set.
4. Visibility. When someone Google's your name what do they find? Nothing? While 'nothing' isn't necessarily a bad thing, LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to present a professional presence online. And isn't showcasing your best assets quite a bit better than nothing at all?

Another aspect of social media is website SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. Web crawlers have changed the ways they index sites and show results in search engines. In the past, simply using keywords was enough to raise your sites' search rankings. Now, social media, how often you update and cross traffic are the main drivers. Facebook is obviously the leader in social acceptance to websites. Facebook offers web developers many tools for implementation. By adding social boxes to your site, you can drive traffic both ways. By utilizing a like box on your site, potential customers can see their friends in real time interacting with you. This acts as a referral service, so to speak.

For an example of a "Like Box" in use, click here

Your social network can quickly make or break you in the business world. Without contacts you can't excel and with a lot of connection your opportunities are near limitless. While going to a business conference or tradeshow is still a supreme way to make new connections, LinkedIn can help you streamline the process of collecting and keeping in touch with the people that will get you ahead in the game.