Experts say use social networks to promote career

DENVER -- Did you ever think a handful of words posted on an Internet site could make or break your career?

Social networking sites are increasingly important as ways to connect with clients, co-workers and employers. The trick is to always remember that just about anyone including bosses and prospective employers can see what you post on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites.

Ron West, director of product strategy and professional services for Paper Thin Inc., a Quincy, Mass.-based company, checks Internet sites to learn more about job candidates.

"I read their resume and then I Google them, and then I go and try to find them on a network to see what they do and how they act," he said.

"It's definitely something we discuss when I do an interview, you know, what do you think about social networking and how do you use it?" he said.

Here are some tips on how to use social networking sites to your advantage:

IF YOU'RE A WALLFLOWER

If you're not listed on social networking sites, management consultants say it's time to join.

Many business professionals are adopting social networking sites as a fast, easy way to contact clients or promote a product or their careers. And if career-related contacts don't find you on network sites, they may wonder why.

"It's still plenty early enough, but you don't want to wait too long before you get involved," said behavior strategist Joe Takash of Victory Consulting LLC in LaGrange Park, Ill.

Right now, the sites have more of a cult following, but "that's going to transition from cult to commercial pretty swiftly over the next 18 months," he said.

The Internet, however, should not replace face-to-face relationships and contacts. It's still best to call and meet for a work-related lunch, Takash advised.

West uses social network sites to become acquainted with new clients and stay in touch with co-workers.

For example, if a co-worker does something interesting over the weekend and posts it on Twitter, West said he can use it to start a conversation on Monday morning.

"It extends out your work environment," he said.

MIND YOUR P'S and Q'S

The NBA and the NFL say athletes can't tweet or post to Facebook during games. The U.S. Marine Corps is banning troops from accessing social networking sites from the military branch's computers, citing a possible security risk.

And, about 54 percent of companies prohibit employees from using social networking sites on the job, according to a Robert Half Technology survey of 1,400 chief information officers that was released this month.

About 19 percent allow employees to access the sites for business purposes only, 16 percent allow limited personal use and 10 percent allow unlimited personal use, Robert Half said.

It's best to ask what your company's policy is before posting to sites while on the job. After all, bosses can find out if and when you are accessing them.

"Texting is one thing that can be private but tweeting, anyone can see that," said Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence in Naples, Fla.

If you get caught, the best thing to do is admit it and say it hasn't affected your work, she said.

KEEP ON POSTING

Make it a habit to post to the sites regularly. The best way is to consider posting the same as an exercise routine. Set aside time to devote to the sites, Takash suggested.

"Try to get three to four posts a week and try to respond once a week to your inbox," he said. "You're going to put yourself in a much better position."