Social Networks

One social networking site that really fits in my workflow is Linkedin.  I work for a company that produces Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) productivity tools for growing professional service firms.  People want to know who they are doing business with, so LinkedIn is a professional site that allows you to take a deeper look into the company and the people that make it up.  With business communication happening mainly over the phone and Internet, you do not know who you are speaking with, so LinkedIn also provides a spot where you can add your picture.  This helps to put a face to a name.  LinkedIn impacts my peers in the same way.  In addition, my co-workers and peers use LinkedIn to build different groups that focus on various discussion topics.  Some subjects might be QuickBooks Advisors, hosted services or technology.  During these sessions, they learn what people would like to see in a SaaS product and use this time to show the participants how our product can help their business.

Facebook is a social networking tool that I use on a personal level and check on a daily basis.  This is a place where I share pictures and important messages with my family and friends.  My family lives in Michigan, and I live in Chicago, so Facebook is a way to stay connected and keep you up-to-date on everyday happenings!  I also am familiar with Skype.  I have used it a few times with my sister and
brother-in-law.  It is a perfect tool to use when you are apart from your family and friends, as it lets you actually see the people you are talking to!  I am looking forward to learning more about different
social networking tools that I can add to my professional learning network and apply to my current job and future classroom!