I read an article recently that listed 12 ways to use FaceBook professionally. I don't know about you, but I don't include FaceBook on my business card. Nor MySpace. I suppose in the grand scheme of networking, one could use these SOCIAL utilities to schmooze. After all, the non-virtual business world has cocktail parties. MySpace would fit in well there. And FaceBook simulates a family picnic.
I do enjoy meeting people on FaceBook. And keeping up with my friends' kids who have gone off to college, as have my own. It's fun to see who's engaged, who got a new car, etc. Kind of like placing family pictures on one's desk at work--you get to know a bit more about someone by checking out their latest vacation photos or pics of their pets. But it's difficult for me to take the site seriously when I'm constantly being threatened by werewolves and pirates.
There are a few other social gathering places I frequent on the web--Shelfari and ShoutLife. I find these more professional than FaceBook and MySpace. For one thing, they are specialized. Shelfari is a book lover's paradise and ShoutLife is a place where Christians can gather to encourage one another. Kind of like a huddle to get your life game plan down.
The problem I have with promoting such sites for "professional" use is this: Do we really want someone to meet up with us on FaceBook to conduct business, or do we want them to come to OUR web site? It's a great way to connect, meet new people, and increase your web presence. Find a way to point your "friends" toward your Internet office if you wish to do business.
I link to my blog and home page on several social utility sites. But no way would I attempt (as some have done and suggested) to use a social site as my primary web presence. My advice to professionals who want to shine their name on cyberland's marquee lights? Get your own space!