Networking online can help you discover groups that share common interests

and this can be done across multiple platforms.

You should consider a general platforms where many

professionals congregate online, as well as more specific sites

that relate to the industry you want to be in.

When it comes to social networking for professionals

nothing beats LinkedIn.

Over the years, hundreds of millions of people

have signed up to establish their own profile on the site,

giving friends, family, but especially professional contacts

the ability to search, find, and connect.

LinkedIn allows users to provide details on their experience,

as well as display recommendations of their work.

More recently, LinkedIn has added the feature to endorse the skills of others.

Meaning that people viewing your profile will see at a glance

how much confidence others have in your various abilities.

However, there are many sites out there that cater to the specific needs and

interests of designers, developers, and others in the tech industry.

Don't rely solely on one platform or network.

Make sure you seek out the specific sites that can benefit your goals.

[Paul Boag] I think it's also about not picking and choosing where you learn from.

The Internet is full with amazing content

and you can end up looking in so many different places

that you are actually seeing a lot of the same thing again and

again and again in various forms.

So I think narrow it down and pick a small number of sources that you work from.

Treehouse might be one example but equally it could be

certain RSS feeds or certain people that you read

but limit the number of sources that you go to,

find certain individuals that are trustworthy sources,

and rely on them to do a lot of the filtering for you.

[Dan Gorgone] No matter where you choose to network online

its important to think like a business when developing your content.

In other words, you want to be found by potential partners and employers

in the same way that companies want to be found by perspective customers.

Many of the strategies you'll want to use are similar

such as strong personal branding, great content, and aspects of SEO.

For example, creating a keyword rich profile can help people find you.

And keep in mind that employers may not be searching for your name

but rather a specific set of skills and experience using search terms.

If you use those terms in your profile in the description of your experience

you'll have a better chance at being found and contacted about opportunities.

As you establish yourself and discover new places to network,

there will always be a mix of professional and personal contacts

as well as content.

Many professionals struggle with balancing their 2 personnas, so to speak,

as they post updates about family and fun

but also have connections with coworkers and perhaps bosses.

Maintaining complete separation is just about impossible these days,

but consider an approach that will keep your various profiles focused on specific goals.

Your LinkedIn profile should certainly be focused

on sharing professional information about yourself, perhaps to get your next job.

Facebook, on the other hand, might be best used if you connect with friends and family

but not coworkers or partners.

It might not always be necessary but establishing your own

personal policies on how to use platforms can keep the right content where

it needs to be, and not alienate any potential employers.

Understand that the benefit you get out of networking online

is equal to what you put into it.

Less content and updates mean less of a chance to get to know you

so do whatever you can to share the best,

most relevant information about yourself, and make a plan to stay engaged

and active wherever you create a profile.