Font Size:

Everybody’s doing it! It seems like there’s a lot of pressure lately to join one or more social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or MySpace. Many experts suggest the sites are a great resource for jobseekers to expand their business networks. Of course, they’re also good for keeping up with friends, and connecting with your community (follow KOLO 8 News now on Facebook & Twitter). Still, if you’re like me, there’s hardly enough time in the day to do the dishes let alone create and maintain a gaggle of online profiles. 

Here are a few of my favorite tips from online experts to help make the most of your online networking.

Set aside time – rather than checking in several times throughout the day, schedule a set time to manage your networks. You might need 20 minutes once a week, or an hour each day depending on active you want to be. The important thing is dedicating that time and sticking with it.

Don’t repeat work – If you belong to a number of social networks, copy and paste postings. You can also use one site as your central location. Use other online services to refer followers to the location of your primary profile. For instance you might post on MySpace “You’ll find my full profile an updates on Linked In.”

Be picky – Know why you are signing up for a site, and be picky about who you follow. It will save you time weeding through postings about what people are eating for dinner, or watching on TV.

Most importantly, Exercise Your Best Judgment! - Keep in mind all of the information you post is public. Before telling everyone that you’re leaving for a European vacation (and your house will be unattended for three weeks) think, is this information I would share with everyone in the grocery store?

I’m still learning about the benefits of social networking, and am interested to know how or IF it works for you. Please let me know your favorite tips and tricks for making it work!