Thanks to the internet, we have constant streams of information about people and companies anytime we want it. It can be an amazing resource for you and your company to introduce your services, products, and mission to a much larger audience. When used appropriately, online resources can provide companies with tools to help them recruit new employees, connect to like-minded professionals, and network globally. All of these are important reasons to create a brand identity.
Now, I’ll warn you that I’m not a guru of all things technical and computer related, but I do know enough to help you get started. Here are my top 5 favorite social and professional networking sites:
1. Twitter – This one may be new for some of you. Twitter is considered a “micro-blogging” tool and is used by many to introduce new products or just keep those interested updated about company. Many professionals use it to stay connected and some are using it as a recruiting tool to attract new talent. With only 140 characters to work with, it doesn’t provide a huge amount of space to introduce long concepts, but it is a quick and easy way to let customers, employees, applicants, and others stay connected to you. (www.twitter.com)
2. Linked In - If you are not already on Linked In as a professional, you should be. It provides a wonderful opportunity to allow you to network with other professionals. Like Facebook, you have the opportunity to create a profile and interact with others. The major difference here is that it is geared towards professional networking instead of social networking. It can be another great resource for recruiting, allowing you to connect with upper level professionals as well as students. (www.linkedin.com)
3. Blogs – Blogging is a great way to keep people connected and interested in what your company is doing. I just listened to a webinar yesterday about utilizing social networking to brand your online image and they stressed how helpful blogs can be in allowing you to control and share information about your company. (www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com)
4. Facebook – This is one of the most widely used social networking sites. While started exclusively as a site to allow college students to connect with each other, it has become an amazing avenue for all ages to interact with old and new friends. As a tool for your business, it can allow you to introduce your company to your next generation of employees. You can connect with applicants and increase your company’s visibility. It’s important to keep in mind that many view Facebook as a medium for socializing, not professional networking. That being said, be cautious about making hiring decisions based on the information you gather there.(www.facebook.com)
5. Google Alerts – Now you may be asking yourself why this one is part of list for branding yourself. Have you ever googled your name or your company just to see what pops up? Google Alerts allows you to set up a search topic (like your name or your company’s name) and it will email you the results daily. The brand you are projecting is important, as is how others perceive you. Knowing what information is out there about you can be a powerful tool to help you in your branding efforts. (www.google.com/alerts)
All of these online mediums can provide you with an opportunity to create a positive image of your organization. This can make a difference in customer perception, the quality of applicants interested in working for you, and help you make connections with area professionals. The key is to be smart about what is being posted and look at it as a small part of what you and your company do to brand your image.
