Social networking - you can have too much of a good thing

I think that social networking sites have a really useful place in the recruitment process.  I love LinkedIn (and got a direct placement for my old firm the first time I tried it) and am happy to connect up on Facebook (although I mostly use that for "personal" relationships). I understand the value of Viadeo, Ecademy and Xing.  I'm usnure about Spock though and am still reserving judgement on Twitter.

However, the last thing I need is MORE options of places to "network".  In the last month I've been bombarded with requests to "join my network/be a connection" on Plaxo Pulse, Konnects and even Stumbleupon.

I completely missed Plaxo becoming a social networking site (all I knew about them was that I kept getting annoying emails from people I didn't even know asking me to re-confirm my contact details), Konnects is completely new to me and I thought Stumbleupon was a site for people with an infinite amount of time to surf the web (although I can see it might have some value).

I'm loathe to pass up an opportunity to be part of a fabulous way to network but for now I'm sticking with LinkedIn and Facebook. I don't mind getting requests to join new networks but I wouldn't mind hearing a compelling reason on why we need more than what we already have.

Comments

[James]

I agree on this one Louise, the number of 'me-too' sites out there with a social networking bent is getting silly. Of the ones you mention Plaxo particularly (from what I've heard) aren't the most trustworthy, so I'd say you're doing the right thing by steering clear.

I too have derived most value in a work sense from LinkedIn whilst like you I tend to reserve FB for personal contacts (although I know a few people using it for B2B networking very successfully).

I've just posted to my blog about an article that points to the increase in the numbers of 18-24 year olds who are using social networking to make money. I think it's really fascinating the different ways people are 'monetising' the various systems now and turning the social professional. (Interestingly the comments in my post could well provide even more discussion points than the article did, check it out and you'll see what I mean!)

[Louise Triance]

@James, Thanks for your comment. I plan to speak with my favourite 18 to 24 year old (Tarah at broadbean) to get her take on social networking. I may even blog about it here.

Louise

[Stephen]

Yep couldn't agree more, Linkedin is so much more professional. These days before I contact a client I check their profile on Linkedin.

What really annoys me is I tried out FastPitch and get constant emails and I just cannot delete my account so fustrating.

[Sierra]

Hello Louise,
I am a recruiter and I have been using www.Konnects.com for a little over a year and have found it to be just as useful as the other sites like LinkedIn. I too found a direct placement through a connection on Konnects. I use both but you asked for a compelling reason why anyone would use any others. I have found it easier to communicate and stay engaged on this site. I hope this helps, as far as being a recruiter I can relate to some of your pains. I love your blog! Have a good one!

[Louise Triance]

Sierra

Thanks for your comments. I will take another look at www.konnects.com as I have to agree that much as I love LinkedIn I don't think the actual networking side of it is fully developed.

Regards, Louise

[David Raison]

Louise
I just don't have the time to maintain lots of sites, so I stick with LinkedIn and Ecademy.
Regards
David