Social networking Web sites like MySpace and Facebook are hugely popular. You’d be hard-pressed to find a teenager or college student who doesn’t have a profile on one or both of those sites. But here’s a story about Web sites that bring a professional slant to the world of social networking. There’s more emphasis on “networking” than “social” and the audience is a little older. 

One such site is LinkedIn.com. According to the Web site, LinkedIn has more than 11 million professionals representing 150 industries on its site. This could be a great way to find clients or potential employees, particularly with so many people turning to the Web for their initial job search.

What do you think about these kinds of sites? Are we at a point where having a social networking page is as critical as having an e-mail address or a cell phone number? Have you joined one of these professional sites and reaped the benefits? Share your thoughts.

Holly Fisher
Electronic Media Editor

Comments (2) >>

Networking and sales
written by Holly Fisher on August 28, 2008

David - thanks for your comment. Here's a response to a similar question at Entrepreneur.com: http://www.entrepreneur.com/ask/answer8085.html. />
Personally, I think one of the nice aspects of these types of sites is that you can use the "six degrees of separation" theory. Go through mutual contacts and friends online to meet people who might be interested in your product/service. If you can, read peoples' profiles so your message is targeted.

Also, Facebook has a variety of group pages where like-minded people can be found. Are you selling plant seeds? Then find groups on Facebook for people who like to garden/grow plants. A simplistic example, but you get the idea.

Let's hear from some others who have suggestions for using networking sites to meet a sales prospect.

President
written by David Vine on August 27, 2008

I am a member of several of these professional networking sites.

o you have any tips (they might have to be site specific) about actually making initial contact with someone you'd like to "sell" to?

avid Vine

PS - Thank you so much for readable spam prevention displayed characters.

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