Online networking for business
Many partners are using social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook as a business tool to connect with customers, job aspirants and peers
By Faiz Askari
 Online social networking has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information with one another. So far social networking platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Orkut have found a great resonance with Gen Y, but slowly they are being explored by entrepreneurs and companies as an effective business tool to get their message across to job aspirants, customers and in many cases their own employees.
Among channels too, these online networking sites are gaining popularity. Chetan Shah, CEO of Mumbai-based solution provider, Xpress Computers believes that online networking forums will increasingly become important going forward, especially in the technology solutions space.
Shah, who presently has a profile on Facebook and Plaxo M, says, “Although my profile on Facebook is personal and not commercial, it has given me an opportunity to interact regularly with several of my business peers, friends and even customers. In business, we all realize the importance of ‘being in touch’ and these social networking sites help you do exactly that. Eventually these connections are very fruitful in promoting collaboration among peers and getting more business from customers.”
Peter Theobald, CEO of Mumbai-based security solution provider, IT Secure also strongly believes that online networking can be an effective tool to promote business. Member of an elite online business networking forum called Ryze, Theobald informs, “I have an active profile on Ryze and it’s helped me in increasing my business network. I chose this platform as it not only promotes online communities but also offline networking. Recently we organized an offline meeting of our Ryze community in Mumbai. I got to personally meet several of my online friends and that boosted our relationship.”
Online social networking platforms may have a long way to go before they replace more traditional business tools for making connections. But, clearly, these sites aren't just for Generation Y friends and family members anymore. A growing number of channel players are discovering there can be real-world business benefits to getting connected via these online platforms.
Another die-hard fan of such online social networking platform is Raunaq Singh, Vice President of Delhi-based system integrator, Targus Technologies. “I have been on Facebook for couple of years and it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, business associates and peers. Being a Cisco certified professional myself, I am part of a community of Cisco-certified professionals on Facebook. This has helped me network with Cisco professionals around the world with whom I regularly exchange ideas and issues. In many instances, it has helped in troubleshooting service issues related to Cisco.”
Singh says that people on such specialized communities are earnest in sharing their opinion and helping peers on technology related issues. “You get a response within a hour of posting your issue and in most cases the remedy suggested works. The Cisco-certified community on Facebook numbers in thousands, so you can imagine the vast knowledge pool available on a click of a button,” he explains.
Targus has also created an online community of its current and ex-employers on Facebook. The company is also exploring using such social networking sites to find and recruit right talent. “Through this initiative I have come across several eligible candidates who have the expertise we are looking for. So we are looking at extending our talent acquisition initiative to these sites where our current and ex-employees can recommend candidates they feel would be suitable to work with us,” he elaborates.
Delhi-based Quantm Net Technolo-gies is also exploring the possibility of using online social networking platforms to attract talent in the organizations. Its CEO, Sameer Mathur, says, “So far I have been using these community websites to be in touch with friends and family. Having been a part of this forum and experienced the benefits of multi-level benefits I realized that it can be a great tool to attract talent. My HR department is looking into the prospect of recruiting from such sites.”
Chetan Shah sums up, “There is no doubt that these social networking forums are going to be on top of every entrepreneur’s mind due to its inherent advantages. These advantages out number the little effort required to manage your profile on these networks.” |