This is a list of major active social networking website’s
What is Professional Networking Sites?
Social networks connect people at low cost; this can be beneficial for entrepreneurs
and small
businesses looking to expand their contact bases. These networks often act
as a customer relationship management tool for companies selling products and
services. Companies can also use social networks for advertising in the form
of banners and text ads. Since businesses operate globally, social networks can
make it easier to keep in touch with contacts around the world. One example of
social networking being used for business purposes is LinkedIn.com,
which aims to interconnect professionals. LinkedIn has over 40 million users
in over 200 countries (source: Latest LinkedIn Facts)
Professional Networking Sites
Sign up with these online networking communities as a company or as an individual
to take advantage of recruiting opportunities, cross-promotional events and more.
- LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is a popular networking site where alumni, business associates,
recent graduates and other professionals connect online. - Ecademy:
Ecademy prides itself on “connecting business people” through its
online network, blog and message-board chats, as well as its premier BlackStar
membership program, which awards exclusive benefits. - Focus:
Focus is a business destination where business professionals can help each
other with their purchase and other business decisions by accessing research
and peer expertise. Most importantly, Focus provides open, quality information
for all businesses that is freely available, easily accessible, and community
powered. - YorZ:
This networking site doubles as a job site. Members can post openings for
free to attract quality candidates. - Xing:
An account with networking site Xing can “open doors to thousands of
companies.” Use the professional contact manager to organize your new
friends and colleagues, and take advantage of the Business Accelerator application
to “find experts at the click of a button, market yourself in a professional
context [and] open up new sales channels.” - Facebook:
Facebook is no longer just for college kids who want to post their party
pics. Businesses vie for advertising opportunities, event promotion and more
on this social-networking site. - Care2:
Care2 isn’t just a networking community for professionals: It’s touted as “the
global network for organizations and people who Care2 make a difference.” If
your business is making efforts to go green, let others know by becoming
a presence on this site. - Gather:
This networking community is made up of members who think. Browse categories
concerning books, health, money, news and more to ignite discussions on politics,
business and entertainment. This will help your company tap into its target
audience and find out what they want. - MEETin.org: Once
you’ve acquired a group of contacts in your city by networking on MEETin.org,
organize an event so that you can meet face-to-face. - Tribe:
Cities like Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, New York and Chicago have
unique online communities on tribe. Users can search for favorite restaurants,
events, clubs and more. - Ziggs:
Ziggs is “organizing and connecting people in a professional way.” Join
groups and make contacts through your Ziggs account to increase your company’s
presence online and further your own personal career. - Plaxo: Join Plaxo
to organize your contacts and stay updated with feeds from Digg, Amazon.com,
del.icio.us and more. - NetParty:
If you want to attract young professionals in cities like Boston, Dallas,
Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando Fla., create an account with the networking
site NetParty. You’ll be able to connect with qualified, up-and-coming professionals
online, then meet them at a real-life happy-hour event where you can pass
out business cards, pitch new job openings and more. - Networking For Professionals: Networking For Professionals is another
online community that combines the Internet with special events in the
real world. Post photos, videos, résumés and clips on your online profile
while you meet new business contacts.
Niche Social-Media Sites
Consider linking up with one of these social-media sites to narrow down your
business’s target audience. You’ll find other professionals, enthusiasts and
consumers who are most likely already interested in what your company has to
offer.
- Pixel
Groovy: Web workers will love Pixel Groovy, an open-source
site that lets members submit and rate tutorials for Web 2.0, email and
online-marketing issues. - Mixx:
Mixx prides itself on being “your link to the Web content that really
matters.” Submit and rate stories, photos and news to drive traffic
to your own site. You’ll also meet others with similar interests. - Tweako:
Gadget-minded computer geeks can network with each other on Tweako, a site
that promotes information sharing for the technologically savvy. - Small Business
Brief: When members post entrepreneur-related articles,
a photo and a link to their profile appear, gaining you valuable exposure
and legitimacy online. - Sphinn:
Sphinn is an online forum and networking site for the Internet marketing
crowd. Upload articles and guides from your blog to create interest in your
own company or connect with other professionals for form new contacts. - BuzzFlash.net:
This one-stop news resource is great for businesses that want to contribute
articles on a variety of subjects, from the environment to politics to health. - HubSpot:
HubSpot is another news site aimed at connecting business professionals. - SEO
TAGG: Stay on top of news from the Web marketing and SEO
(search-engine optimization) industries by becoming an active member
of this online community.
General Social Media Sites
The following social-media sites provide excellent opportunities for businesses
to advertise; promote specials, events or services; and feature published, knowledgeable
employees.
- Wikipedia:
Besides creating your own business reference page on Wikipedia, you can connect
with other users on Wikipedia’s Community Portal and at the village pump,
where you’ll find conscientious professionals enthusiastic about news, business,
research and more. - Newsvine:
Feature top employees by uploading their articles, studies or other news-related
items to this site. A free account will also get you your own column and
access to the Newsvine community. - 43 Things: This site bills itself as “the world’s most
popular online goal setting community.” By publicizing your company’s
goals and ambitions, you’ll gain a following of customers, investors
and promoters who cheer you on as you achieve success. - Wetpaint:
If you’re tired of blogs and generic Web sites, create your own wiki with
Wetpaint to reach your audience and increase your company’s presence online.
You can easily organize articles, contact information, photos and other information
to promote your business. - Twitter:
Is a social networking and micro blogging service that allows you answer the
question, “What are you doing?” by sending short text messages
140 characters in length, called “tweets”, to your friends, or “followers.” - Yahoo!
Answers: Start fielding Yahoo! users’ questions with this
social-media Q&A service. Search for questions in your particular
areas of expertise by clicking categories like Business & Finance,
Health, News & Events and more. If you continue to dole out useful
advice and link your answer to your company’s Web page, you’ll quickly
gain a new following of curious customers.
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