Online Networking: A Fine Line between Pleasure and Pain

Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter…where to start, if you dare?

There are two types of online user – the Dabbler – where you rarely log on and then forget your password, and then there’s the Sinker – as in hooked, line and…

The line between social and professional online networking is now more of a smudge. It’s okay to have a family picture on your LinkedIn profile, just as its okay to have a corporate facebook profile. But it’s good to have clear strategies for each.

I am a huge fan of LinkedIn and regularly post polls, start discussions and answer career related questions.  Not only do I do this to research and support myambition.com’s content but also because I love the fact you can interact with a huge audience and get pretty much immediate feedback. Okay … I am nosey!

Facebook – for me that’s my personal networking tool.  I only use it to keep in touch with family and friends.  Some people do choose to have their profile freely ‘searchable’ which has caused a few hiccups with employers checking out potential employees as a pre-screen.  Naughty?  Well if you put updates on there you’ve got to be able to accept what comes of it.

Twitter – it was confusing to me at first but now I realise this is simply a short blog, amongst a group of people that you find interesting and in turn find you interesting.  Not quite friends (Facebook) and not quite networking (LinkedIn).  I do find it a challenge keeping this up to date.  If it were not on my iPhone I would have forgotten the password.

Tips to get familiar with the world of online networking.:

1. Set yourself at least an hour (time flies) where you can freely browse, snoop, and research whether it is for you.
2. Create your profile – even if this is a minimal profile.
3. When reading other people’s blogs etc connect to their online networking profiles.
4. If you are not sure how to use any of the networking sites just type into Google “how to use XX”; you will be amazed at what comes up.
5. Finally  -  know when to stop…it can get quite addictive!

See you virtually in cyberspace! (Find me on Twitter here and LinkedIn here)

Sally-Anne Blanshard is Director and Coach for Nourish Coaching. With over 12 years experience in in recruitment and consulting Sal is trained in knowing exactly what questions to ask you that will get you thinking and then creating results. Sal is an energetic and focussed coach who is skilled in helping you navigate your thinking to create positive change. Coaching programs are available in areas of Career, Job Search, Small Business and Personal dilemmas. Don't forget to Like Sal's Nourish Coaching Facebook Page too. www.nourishcoaching.com.au sal@nourishcoaching.com.au

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