Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
This site is a professional social
networking space with an
infinite Rolodex. A LinkedIn
profile requires minimal
maintenance, but pays great
dividends in building both a
network of contacts and a library
of recommendations.
people at different levels of experience. People are more likely to go out of their way
to answer questions for someone they've met (or for the friend of a friend).
Social networking
Although it's not the same as a face-to-face encounter, a social network can
often be a better way to learn about job-related opportunities than most personal
encounters. It can be hard to ask an acquaintance at a cocktail party for an introduc-
tion to one of their coworkers. It's comparatively easy to put yourself out there in a
site explicitly devoted to making friends and building your business network.
You probably belong to not just one, but several social networking sites
already. All of them are valuable resources, because the more people you know and
who know you, the better chance you have of meeting your goals. That being said,
social networks with a focus are less distracting. Facebook may be a dominant net-
work, and it's a great way to stay in touch with friends, but it has yet to prove itself
as a professional destination. Although you can post artwork, other addresses may be
better for a small portfolio. Facebook's superficial, short-form communications don't
always lend themselves to work-related topics.
One excellent option is LinkedIn. Explicitly created for professional network-
ing, it relies on the “six degrees of separation” concept for careers. You create a pro-
file that can easily take the place of an online résumé, then invite people to become
part of your network of connections. Once you connect with a person, you can see
people in their network, and potentially add them to yours.
