Still think “Trix is for kids” and social networking is too? Too busy to learn the systems? Wondering how you can gain an edge over competitors in the job market? Want to get back to work sooner than later?
Then please bribe your teenager or young adult to teach you the basics of social networking, because the more you know, the more employable you’ll be!
Here’s a whole slew of reasons why it’s well worth your time:
- You get to add one more skill or accomplishment to your resume under the category of “computer skills”
- Smart employers increasingly look for web-savvy candidates
- More organizations now use social networking systems (like Facebook) to build internal relationships and connect project teams
- You’ll broaden your networking reach by reconnecting with old friends, former classmates and co-workers
- You may be “friended” by influentials within your community and find yourself visible to a whole new circle of folks you might not normally connect with
- You’ll learn who is connected to whom and make better choices about people to contact and those to avoid
- Your son or daughter’s friends may be your next boss
- Your son or daughter’s friends may be able to arrange an introduction to your next boss
- “Causes” may appear which provide great volunteer opportunities (i.e. meet new people, learn new things)
- Friend’s links to articles and videos may broaden your knowledge of current events and a “world view” far beyond what’s on the mainstream media 6 o’clock news
- Reading posts and comments of your friends and their friends helps increase understanding of differing viewpoints
- You may learn something about the organizations you’re targeting from online conversations and comments
- You can strengthen your “personal brand” through your profile, posts and comments
- Listing a social networking logo on your personal business card and resume indicates you’re web savvy and gives prospective employers another way to review your experience and credentials (they’re going to check you out online anyway, why not make it easy for them?)
- Forming networking groups and participating in them becomes a whole lot easier and more convenient
- It’s a low-risk way to ask for recommendations and introductions
- Confidence skyrockets when you learn something new and converse like a pro at the golf course or dinner party!
How about you? Has social networking paid off for you?
Comments on this entry are closed.