New Social Networking Sites & Apps
What’s going on?
In the last week or so, I have been made aware of 5 new social networking options. As a recruiter, I’m all about networking, online and off, but I question the need for additional online social networks . . . and from what I have been able to research about these, I have to see a compelling enough value proposition to add more clutter to my online life. One of the sites, and 2 apps, looked interesting. Here is a brief overview:
I’ve received invitations from 3 people to join ReferralKey. Everyone’s invite has the subject line “Are you taking on new clients?” They promote themselves as a group that “lets small business owners easily share leads with trusted business associates via the web.”
This group appears to be legitimate; they identify their management team on their website, and they post endorsements from Mashable, The Boston Globe and Constant Contact. This site looks like it might have some value.
Also interesting is Branch Out, an app which leverages the power of your Facebook friend network to reveal potential professional contacts.
Then there’s Face2Face, an app that helps you be social and multitask on-the-go. “We bring together your friends on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Myspace, Foursquare, Orkut and many more networks all within one app.” This one could have real value.
Another network I was invited to join was VentureStreet Business Network. They promote themselves as “A better way to find a local business.”
Since we recruit nationally, this group would be of limited value to me personally. I was also troubled by the lack of tangible information on their website; no management team, no physical address. I am inclined to draw the conclusion that they are either unprofessional or shady.
Then there’s FriendShare. Friend Share promotes themselves as “The online friends network.” This one might even be spam. It runs on the “Ning Network” which is “currently unavailable.” The only reason I mention it at all is that years ago when I began to receive Facebook invitations from business colleagues I didn’t take it seriously. I had a Facebook account, but I didn’t think of my account as something that would transcend into the business world. I later started accepting Facebook invites from business colleagues. So although it’s hard to tell which emerging social networks will be the “next big thing”, I’m betting FriendShare will not be it.
If anyone has experience with these sites, I’d love to hear about it.
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