Social media networking has grown exponentially over the past few years. Facebook in particular has experienced accelerated growth like no other social media network since MySpace and Friendster got the virtual world engaging on a friendly basis. Twitter, the popular short-form social media tool, is also expanding rapidly. And then there’s LinkedIn, a professional social network connecting people in the business world. YouTube, the video sharing platform that is also the second-biggest search engine in the world after Google, is another significant network.
Anyone looking to expand their business network or find jobs online should take advantage of these free tools. Indeed many people are effectively using social media for marketing purposes. Here are some tips to make Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and blogs work for professional interests.
Facebook the Kingpin of Social Media
In February 2010 Facebook boasted 400 million users worldwide, a dramatic leap from 250 million users in July 2009, effectively making it the biggest website on the planet. Most people use Facebook for social purposes, but there are ample opportunities to use the site to connect with professionals.
Users can set up their Facebook page for business networking very simply. The key is in creating two lists of Facebook friends: one for personal, the other for professional. Facebook’s privacy settings enable users to determine what aspects of their Facebook page they would like either list of friends to have access to.
Users keen to network professionally should join appropriate Facebook groups. A keyword search will lead users to groups relevant to their industry and business interests, but it is advisable to evaluate the quality of the group before joining. Once a user has joined a group, participation will open the doors to business networking with the right people. Posting a short introduction explaining interest in the group, commenting on discussion boards and adding interesting links are all constructive ways to build a network. Users should bear in mind that Facebook was designed as a social tool – reserve hard-sell marketing for paid advertising.
Jobseekers and Recruiters Proactive on Twitter
Twitter reached the 75 million user mark early in 2010. This micro-blogging platform is a great way to network or find jobs in a global recession that put over 50 million people out of work in 2009.
Twitter users have 160 words for a bio on their profile – the perfect place for a succinct job pitch. Users are advised to use a professional looking avatar and to link to a personal website or online CV. Twitter page backgrounds can be customised for self-promotion and there are other useful Twitter resources and third-party applications for jobseekers, including job search accounts and the #Tweetmyjobs hashtag.
LinkedIn Connects Professionals Online
This network has 65 million professional users, making it a leading global online business networking tool. LinkedIn enables users to connect with past and present colleagues and classmates; to discover inside connections among other LinkeIn users when looking for a job or new business opportunity; and to find helpful advice from industry experts.
The LinkedIn social media network site is focused on building relationships with other professionals. LinkedIn should therefore be the standard social media tool for all jobseekers and people wanting to grow their professional network.
YouTube the Second Biggest Search Engine
YouTube, an independent subsidiary of Google Inc, is the world’s most popular online video community and widely used as a search tool. Hundreds of millions of videos are watched daily on YouTube. The site is used for multiple reasons – individuals posting silly videos of their cats, business leaders sharing expertise, and companies marketing their products and services.
Creative jobseekers should consider using YouTube to upload a short, descriptive video resume. A simple but well produced video resume may well lead to job opportunities as recruiters actively use YouTube.
Blogs Attract Job Opportunities
Each social network mentioned above has its own blog. Why? Blogging remains one of the primary means for producing content on the internet.
Jobseekers and people wanting to build their personal brand online can choose from several leading blogging platforms to create a free, valuable content producing resource. Wordpress is a good blogging option for someone wanting to create a blog for the first time.
Integrate Social Media for Best Jobseeking Results
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and blogs are powerful tools for the professional and jobseeker wanting to grow and expand their network. Use all of these social media tools together in a concerted effort, remembering that consistency and perseverance are the keys to success.
Further reading: 7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media
Marc de Chazal - Marc de Chazal is a writer and editor living in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. Visit his professional blog to view ...
