Networking is an important component of any job search, and many professionals have participated in some form of networking during their careers. Chances are, the vision that pops into your head when you hear the word networking is of an industry breakfast or happy hour filled with businessmen and women exchanging business cards and promising to "do lunch" in the future. But did you know that you can do just as much networking from the privacy of your own home?
Yes, just like every other aspect of job searching, networking has moved to cyberspace, and a wide variety of Web sites have been developed that are dedicated to bringing people together via the Internet. From social networks like Friendster.com to business sites like LinkedIn.com or others run by professional trade associations, online meeting places are linking professionals across the country and across the world.
Kristi Hughes, director of communications for WorldWIT (www.worldWIT.org), an online networking organization for women in business, says one of the major benefits of participating in online networking is that you can take advantage of access that is unavailable with traditional networking. WorldWIT, for example, has a membership base of more than 30,000 women, so those who participate in the site's online networking can find everything "from realtors to dog walkers to employees and new jobs," Hughes says.
Online networking provides unmatched freedom, enabling participants to post inquiries and information at any time and from any place. And, Hughes says, this phenomenon takes advantage of the fact that many of us log a lot of time online already. While you might not be able to physically make it to several different networking meetings in an evening, you can participate in many different discussions from your computer, and do so on your schedule. In addition, online networking puts you in touch with thousands of people you would not have the opportunity to meet otherwise.
If you are interested in joining the world of networking in cyberspace, Hughes offers the following tips to help make your experience positive and productive.
Do your research. There are networking groups out there for nearly every industry and interest, and the sophistication of these online ventures ranges from simple chat rooms and message boards to those dedicated to job lead networking. Look around for groups that match your interests and goals. Hughes also suggests researching the sites that interest you to find out how long the organizations have been in existence and how credible they are.
Don't limit yourself to one group. Hughes suggests joining three or four different online groups, and making sure your groups provide variety. For example, join a group for your particular industry, as well as broader group, like a general business discussion board. "Just make sure you don't spread yourself too thin," she adds.
Think about privacy. Research the groups you are interested in and find out how much of your personal information you have to provide, and what the site plans to do with your information. Will it be used for marketing purposes? Will they sell your e-mail address to other Web sites? Hughes suggests searching for sites that allow you to offer the least amount of personal information possible.
Take the plunge. Once you have joined a networking group, you might be unsure about how to get started. Hughes says you need to introduce yourself, just like you would in any other social situation. She suggests creating a simple online posting that tells others in the group who you are, lets them know that you are new to the group, tells them a little about yourself, and even tells what you are looking for. "You want to provide simple but quality information," she says.
Don't forget the importance of real contact. As productive as online networking can be, you should keep up your involvement in other in-person networking opportunities, as well. In fact, most online organizations offer opportunities for members to meet in person, and Hughes says it is important to look for groups that provide these kinds of opportunities or have a community presence. WorldWIT, for example, has local chapters across the country that offer members the chance to meet. "After all," she says, "there's nothing like meeting someone face to face."
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