How to Evaluate Online Business Social Networks

As online social networking continues to proliferate in our home and work lives, many companies are beginning to realize the value of online business networking -- so much so that companies are building the acceptance of online networking into formal policies. With so many online networks available, how does a company select the best networks for its employees to join?

Instructions

1. Evaluate your needs for online business social networking. Determine if you want a network that employees can use to make sales, marketing, public relations or executive level connections. Write out a preliminary plan for what, how, when, why and who can use the site(s). Many of the business related networks such as Ryze.com and LinkedIn.com serve professionals of all levels including CEOs, entrepreneurs and home based businesses.

2. Visit each of the online networking sites that best fit your company’s needs for online networking. Most of the sites have a guided tour option so that potential members can learn about all of the options. Two relatively new sites are Ecademy, which offers business clubs for its members to join and Plaxo, which offers a section called the Pulse for members to keep in touch. It may also be advantageous to visit some of the online social networks such as youtube, myspace and facebook just to get an idea of what is taking place in non-business related networks. Although these networks have a different purpose which is mainly social and friends, myspace is now offering a business section in the Forum tab. When visiting each of the business networks, review their mission statements and stated purpose.

3. If available on the network site, sign up for a free trial period. When signing up for the trial options, you more than likely will be asked to build a profile.

4. Build a profile at each of the business network sites that you decide to enroll in for free or for a free trial period. Enter in as more information that is needed to get you going on the site. You can always go back and add more detail if you or your employees decide to join the site.

5. For at least two weeks, spend time on each of the sites that you are trial testing. Pick different times of the day and evenings to visit the networking site. Pay attention to who is registered at the sites and the different chat options available.

6. When you make your final site selections, make sure you go back and delete your profile and discontinue your membership at the other trial sites.

Tips & Warnings

• If your company is building the use of online business social networking into their company policies, trial testing the various sites will work better if done by committee. Build an online networking evaluation committee and ask each member to join and review at least one site and submit their recommendations.