Archive for June, 2008
Presentation to Alums: Inside Online Social Networks with Susan Barnes
Presenting this evening to RIT Alums at the Rio Bamba in the city of Rochester. The nature of the presentation - exploring how you can use online social networks to enhance your career. Whilst many are talking about the role of facebook in extending social relationships very few have explored the notion that companies could benefit from enhanced online socially enabled professional relationships. Our work on value (with Vic Perotti) and exploring attitudes towards advertising (Sue Barnes) will be highlighted. Some key findings I want all my alums to think about:
Social networks are becoming relevant for careers;
- Generational and sub generational changes in usage and expectations of usage
- 98% incoming freshman part of a facebook RIT network BEFORE arriving on campus
- Extension of activity POST study
- Socially enabled career progression
- Socially assisted career success
- You are as strong as your network
Some steps I am now advising all outgoing graduates:
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Don’t ignore the potential of online social networks regards career progression
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Cover your bases – FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn, LinkedIn Power be part of the movement
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Stay current - there will be new opportunities and new platforms
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Don’t go overboard with your look - FaceBook Professional is a movement
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Use alumni relations for name hunts of old peers
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Start groups based on social / work interests
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Extol the benefits of the movement to managerial audiences
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Don’t limit yourself to the social aspect