Build Your Brand in the Virtual World of Networking

As the job market shifts towards the virtual world of websites, it becomes essential for job-seekers to make their presence felt through networking sites

Registering on a networking site, especially on a professional networking site, can be a great way to begin the process of building brand 'You'. With changing times, it has become extremely important to identify the unique qualities that your special brand possesses and to brand them accordingly.

Choosing the networking site
The first step in this direction begins with learning how to form networking relationships. For this, one needs to choose a networking site that provides the right kind of platform to kick-start one's career 'glocally' (globally as well as locally). The process needs to be initiated with the creation of a profile on the site. Thereafter, one needs to expand one's online presence, in order to reach out to a wider audience.

Ticket to a dream job
Professional networking can become the ticket to a dream job for young graduates preparing to step into the professional world. The more professional contacts that one has, the better are one's chances to stay visible. While setting up your profile, remember to include a high-quality, professional-looking photograph. It adds credibility to the profile. Any professional entry sans a photograph is perceived negatively; one may come across as shy or not confident. You could also add applications like Google Presentation to enhance your profile.

Updating the profile is important
It is also important to update your profile on a regular basis, even if you're not looking for a job change. One should keep on updating one's profile with information on recent achievements, new client acquisitions and important business presentations. Another important aspect of a professional profile is the recommendation feature. For students, recommendations from teachers and peers highlight one's abilities and act as a strong marketing tool.

The viral power of career networking sites is helping professionals throughout the world, including India. These sites not only provide the perfect platform for you to demonstrate your knowledge of a particular topic; they also connect you with professionals who have common interests.

Engaging the groups
Try to engage with multiple groups, read all the posts, comment if you have something interesting to say, post questions or topics, and connect with members of your groups for mutual benefit. This will help you keep in touch with the wider world.

Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, a strong and flawless resume and the power of networking are the two most critical tools of business. Most professional networking sites today offer another interesting tool to establish connections with the people who matter.

The tool is 'business card', which is considered an effective currency to widen one's horizons. Business cards on professional networking sites give one the opportunity to pass on critical career and contact information. So, keep sending out your card and keep on adding contacts.

Professional networking sites feature a viral marketing system that connects candidates with the jobs that are best suited to them. Today, most employers are looking for creative, cost-efficient and effective ways to recruit the best talent.

Recruiters monitor
Since networking sites have thousands of professionals on their pages, recruiters monitor them very closely. Which is why, creating an online profile is important. Indeed, it is a must for anyone looking to brand themselves as a professional. And like with every other brand, remember to keep the packaging and marketing fresh and attractive.

Reproduced From India Today. © 2011. LMIL. All rights reserved.