Social Networking
I recently witnessed the positive aspects of a Social Networking working. I am a member of Professional Resource Network. PRN is a network of professionals dedicated to helping each other stay sharp in their job skills and to keep focused on helping others members improve their employment situation. PRN encourages its members to join LinkedIn to increase their professional related contacts. They also encourage other networking activities.
 PRN Network |
 Wes / Jeff Network |
 Jeff''s Network |
 Professional Network. |
Networking Works
So here’s a description of our network connections and the power of this network.
- First, Al, Jeff, and Wes are members or alumni of PRN.
- Second, Jeff and Wes have collaborated on several projects at PRN.
- Third, Jeff’s network in this diagram is PRN connected to everybody. Wes connected to Jeff and Al connected to Jeff.
- Fourth, the Professional network, Each person is connected to PRN and to each other. If we hold each other up, we’ll be strong like this pyramid.
I met Jeff through PRN about 7 months ago. Over the past few months our network connection has become very strong.
Up until a few weeks ago, I had never personally met Al, but I knew Jeff and Jeff knew Al. Al was looking for someone with a particular skillset. Jeff knew that I had the skillset Al was looking for. So, Jeff expanded his network and made a connection between Al and me.
If it wasn’t for Social Networking, these collaborating forces (Wes, Jeff and Al) would have never met.
What’s the next step to social networking? How often do you keep in touch – an article you want to share, a quick email to say how are you or no contact until there is a need.
Is there an e-network protocol? If so, please share.
The current social networks I use are linkedIn and facebook. I check-in with these networks on a daily basis. Facebook is my informal network I connect with while LinkedIn is the more business oriented network. One more note, I do have other social networks I maintain. However, everybody is not connected via linkedIn or facebook. For these people, I might stay connected via text-messages, phone, emails, or face to face meetings. Don’t forget the good old fashioned method of writing with pen & paper sent via U.S. Mail.