Social Collaboration For Dummies

Chapter 5

Working Your Network

In This Chapter

Making professional connections

Looking professional online

Cultivating connections

Building your network for social collaboration has a lot in common with building your network on LinkedIn, the public social network for professional networking often associated with recruiting and job hunting. A social collaboration network is another tool for professional networking, but the goal is to make you more effective in your current job.

Within a social collaboration network, you build connections to keep yourself informed about what’s going on within the company but also to meet people who can be helpful in the future (or who may need your help). In both contexts, you want to project a positive, professional image.

Making and Cultivating Connections

LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman says the best way to build a professional social network is to start with your allies — the people you turn to regularly for advice and guidance. This may include old college friends and respected former co-workers. Digital collaboration may be the least significant aspect of your relationship with these people because they are true friends whom you get together ...