Link-In Yourslef

Social Networking has taken over the business world and I believe will eventually become something that determines wether or not you are hired for certain positions. Networking and this idea of Six Degrees of separation helps businesses get tasks done quicker through using their connections and networks in gathering relevant information, gaining references, making sales, etc. The problem is idea of what is privacy and where is the line crossed. When is it okay to share your contacts and when should you keep it confined.


One company offers a $25 dollar American Express gift certificate for revealing a contact. The problem with this that if the contact is not revelaed, that the business world may become more like cat and mouse, where management is chasing down employees to gain insights or potential sales. This puts a lot of power into employees hands and could turn out to be future problems.


Companies may start to ask for contacts when looking at potential hires, because it has become so important in the business world. It may be more beneficial for a company to hire someone with a great deal of contacts who is willing to share over someone who may be more qualified, but not willing to share/ doesnt have as many connections.


Websites have been a huge push in this craze, with Facebook, MySpace, Friendster- all of which allow you to keep in touch with people throughout the world. Linked, which is geared solely for businees claims to help users:

• Stay in touch


• Discover job & business opportunities


• Get expert business advice

We will see what the future brings for Social Networking in Business.

Here is an interesting video i found on YouTube explaining how barak Obama is getting involved with social networking and LinkedIn

Barak Obama and LinkedIn