How to become an “empowered consumer” on social networks by Fabrice Landois

1/ Is social networking essential?

Being active on social networks is more or less essential depending on applicants’ position and professional project. It requires to be more active than passive and to respect basic rules to set an active network. First, you should show commitment and be ready to give time. The rules for social networking are the same as in real life: don’t forget respect and politeness.

Secondly, networking and exchanging information do not happen with just one click. You also have to be devoted and committed. Using social networks is not a one-shot operation. You use them to share your life, to remain online. You should know that there are different levels of commitment. You have to find the right words and the right rhythm to be active on networks.

Then, you have to understand how social networks work. Don’t be technical aspects. The help menus on the sites Linkedln and Viadeo help you understand these technical issues. Lastly, before you create your profile, think about the image that you want to transmit.

2/ Is a résumé enough to convey your image?

Copying your résumé is not enough to convey your image. A résumé describes your past but only a few applicants write about their projects and what they’d like to do.

It's a shame because when you talk about your projects, you draw other members' attention and show that you are active. It is crucial to say what you’re expecting from the network. Display this information at the top of your profile page so that the readers can immediately see them.

The image you convey is not limited to your profile page. It is also to be perceived when you communicate with other people. My advice: personalize all the standard messages suggested by Linkedin or Viadeo during discussions and connections. The image you convey is also to be perceived in the hubs and in the groups that work like forums and where people can interact.

3/ How to behave on these networks?

By being more than a consumer. By becoming an empowered consumer. This means you exist and it’s possible on three levels.

First, by being active on forums and hubs, where you can get involved progressively. Then, by finding people you worked with: you met in a professional context and you can mutually give your names as references. This is an option offered by Linkedin and Viadeo and it’s useful to add value to your profile. Don’t forget to return the favour to someone who gave some help. This person will appreciate it and it’s a good thing for fame.

Speaking of fame, you need to build it and measure it. But, in this context, what is fame? It means being identifiable in an area of competence. Promote this area of competence with the use of keywords and by being active in groups and hubs that talk about your job. It is important to choose carefully your keywords in order to reach a good position in search engines results.