1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,640 Networking online can help you discover groups that share common interests 2 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:07,640 and this can be done across multiple platforms. 3 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:10,150 You should consider a general platforms where many 4 00:00:10,150 --> 00:00:14,340 professionals congregate online, as well as more specific sites 5 00:00:14,340 --> 00:00:17,460 that relate to the industry you want to be in. 6 00:00:17,460 --> 00:00:20,570 When it comes to social networking for professionals 7 00:00:20,570 --> 00:00:22,500 nothing beats LinkedIn. 8 00:00:22,500 --> 00:00:25,050 Over the years, hundreds of millions of people 9 00:00:25,050 --> 00:00:27,820 have signed up to establish their own profile on the site, 10 00:00:27,820 --> 00:00:31,930 giving friends, family, but especially professional contacts 11 00:00:31,930 --> 00:00:35,170 the ability to search, find, and connect. 12 00:00:35,170 --> 00:00:39,030 LinkedIn allows users to provide details on their experience, 13 00:00:39,030 --> 00:00:42,510 as well as display recommendations of their work. 14 00:00:42,510 --> 00:00:47,420 More recently, LinkedIn has added the feature to endorse the skills of others. 15 00:00:47,420 --> 00:00:50,440 Meaning that people viewing your profile will see at a glance 16 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:54,220 how much confidence others have in your various abilities. 17 00:00:54,220 --> 00:00:58,400 However, there are many sites out there that cater to the specific needs and 18 00:00:58,400 --> 00:01:02,890 interests of designers, developers, and others in the tech industry. 19 00:01:02,890 --> 00:01:06,130 Don't rely solely on one platform or network. 20 00:01:06,130 --> 00:01:10,510 Make sure you seek out the specific sites that can benefit your goals. 21 00:01:10,510 --> 00:01:18,780 [Paul Boag] I think it's also about not picking and choosing where you learn from. 22 00:01:18,780 --> 00:01:22,700 The Internet is full with amazing content 23 00:01:22,700 --> 00:01:25,240 and you can end up looking in so many different places 24 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:28,240 that you are actually seeing a lot of the same thing again and 25 00:01:28,240 --> 00:01:30,150 again and again in various forms. 26 00:01:30,170 --> 00:01:34,720 So I think narrow it down and pick a small number of sources that you work from. 27 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:38,670 Treehouse might be one example but equally it could be 28 00:01:38,670 --> 00:01:41,740 certain RSS feeds or certain people that you read 29 00:01:41,740 --> 00:01:43,850 but limit the number of sources that you go to, 30 00:01:43,850 --> 00:01:46,240 find certain individuals that are trustworthy sources, 31 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:49,620 and rely on them to do a lot of the filtering for you. 32 00:01:49,620 --> 00:01:51,860 [Dan Gorgone] No matter where you choose to network online 33 00:01:51,860 --> 00:01:55,920 its important to think like a business when developing your content. 34 00:01:55,920 --> 00:02:00,320 In other words, you want to be found by potential partners and employers 35 00:02:00,320 --> 00:02:04,200 in the same way that companies want to be found by perspective customers. 36 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:07,690 Many of the strategies you'll want to use are similar 37 00:02:07,690 --> 00:02:13,260 such as strong personal branding, great content, and aspects of SEO. 38 00:02:13,260 --> 00:02:18,520 For example, creating a keyword rich profile can help people find you. 39 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:22,220 And keep in mind that employers may not be searching for your name 40 00:02:22,220 --> 00:02:27,310 but rather a specific set of skills and experience using search terms. 41 00:02:27,310 --> 00:02:32,740 If you use those terms in your profile in the description of your experience 42 00:02:32,740 --> 00:02:37,670 you'll have a better chance at being found and contacted about opportunities. 43 00:02:40,110 --> 00:02:44,330 As you establish yourself and discover new places to network, 44 00:02:44,330 --> 00:02:48,320 there will always be a mix of professional and personal contacts 45 00:02:48,320 --> 00:02:50,130 as well as content. 46 00:02:50,130 --> 00:02:54,380 Many professionals struggle with balancing their 2 personnas, so to speak, 47 00:02:54,380 --> 00:02:57,260 as they post updates about family and fun 48 00:02:57,260 --> 00:03:01,320 but also have connections with coworkers and perhaps bosses. 49 00:03:01,320 --> 00:03:05,430 Maintaining complete separation is just about impossible these days, 50 00:03:05,430 --> 00:03:11,790 but consider an approach that will keep your various profiles focused on specific goals. 51 00:03:11,790 --> 00:03:15,150 Your LinkedIn profile should certainly be focused 52 00:03:15,150 --> 00:03:20,440 on sharing professional information about yourself, perhaps to get your next job. 53 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:25,190 Facebook, on the other hand, might be best used if you connect with friends and family 54 00:03:25,190 --> 00:03:28,220 but not coworkers or partners. 55 00:03:28,220 --> 00:03:31,890 It might not always be necessary but establishing your own 56 00:03:31,890 --> 00:03:36,130 personal policies on how to use platforms can keep the right content where 57 00:03:36,130 --> 00:03:40,880 it needs to be, and not alienate any potential employers. 58 00:03:41,350 --> 00:03:44,910 Understand that the benefit you get out of networking online 59 00:03:44,910 --> 00:03:47,630 is equal to what you put into it. 60 00:03:47,630 --> 00:03:52,090 Less content and updates mean less of a chance to get to know you 61 00:03:52,090 --> 00:03:55,540 so do whatever you can to share the best, 62 00:03:55,540 --> 00:04:00,380 most relevant information about yourself, and make a plan to stay engaged 63 00:04:00,380 --> 00:04:03,460 and active wherever you create a profile.