What is Social Networking?
Social networking, in my own words, is the application of online websites and tools that allow global users to connect with one another and share information, ideas and experiences in many different formats, including words, images and videos.
A primary activity of social media sites or tools is that they enable and encourage online interaction between users to make comments and hold conversations, collaborate to create new ideas and information, and form a community of common interest. These social interactions can take place between people known to the user, members of a community, celebrities, strangers, and anonymous identities.
Social networking technologies I already use:
- Facebook Messenger
- Youtube
Most of these are for personal use, however I do use Facebook extensively in a professional capacity as well.
Learning expectations:
Throughout this subject I am interested in gaining an overview of a range of different social networking tools, and some exposure to new ones that I have not used before (this has already happened with Diigo, which I am finding to be an excellent resource).
I am also interested to learn how social networking can be used most effectively in the professional information environment. As an avid user of social media, I can appreciate the unique opportunities social media presents to the professional environment, but am interested in learning more about how to maximise the tools, so that time spent by staff on social media most adequately meets organisational outcomes and addresses the needs of the community using the service, and so becomes an integral part of the service as opposed to just decoration or a one-sided communication.
If you are really interested in learning how social networking can be used most effectively in the professional information environment, then I will give you a few examples. I will demonstrate using the example of my professional activity as a designer of exhibition stands. For a long time, I worked for large companies, including such famous ones as CARSHE, whose exhibition stands are considered the best in Europe. But now I work for myself and social networks really help me with this. So, let’s begin:
Instragram – I use it very successfully to create a portfolio of my exhibition booths projects and attract new clients. Promoting my services in this social network gives me small results.
Pinterest – I also use it as a portfolio, but more as a storehouse of new ideas for design. I look at the work of other famous designers, including the already mentioned creative company CARSHE, and save the pins that I liked. In the future, I use these ideas in my projects.
YouTube – I record short videos in which I share my professional experience and demonstrate my projects to the public. This channel also brings me new clients who liked my material and decided to order the design for their exhibition stands from me.
LinkedIn – I use it to establish relationships with the heads of customer companies, as well as for professional consultations with my colleagues.
Thus, social networks can really be used to significantly increase the effectiveness of your professional activities.