global. 2010.3.3 - Recently, membership in the professional networking website LinkedIn Australia passed the 1 million mark. This rapidly growing professional community is leading the charge as more Australians connect to each other.
 

 
Digital Tsunami has evangelised about the benefits of social networking for years, but even more corporations recognise the benefits of professional networking, for their HR departments, for reputation management and for business development.
 
There are a diversity of entities enabling professional networking, not the least of which are industry organisations and professional associations. However the major online platforms include Plaxo, Xing (with especially high penetration into Europe) and the platform with arguably the greatest critical mass amongst corporate professionals .. LinkedIn.
 
LinkedIn members have access to over 60 million fellow professionals worldwide. Profiles of members can be searched in order to: locate past colleagues find relevant candidates identify required expertise research prospective employees / employers / suppliers / clients / partners The benefits are not limited to searching however. Coorporations can present a company page; Questions and Answers enable you to request and delve into the opinions of experts (at no cost except the time you dedicate to the process); Groups permit you to join and build specific-interest networks, and acquire knowledge relevant to your industry sector, or your professional role.
 
Like all relationships, the greatest benefit is to be derived by those who contribute most frequently and thoroughly. Successful members complete their profiles and participate in 'the conversation'. This increases visibility and therefore ensures greater results in searches by other LinkedIn members looking for your expertise and experience. Regular email notifications itemise status updates, new connections, Q&A and group discussions relating to your specific network.
 
With the rapidly increasing professional use of hand-held devices, these professional networks are becoming ever more accessible. The iPhone has apps for LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, enabling participation in these networks when the user is in a taxi or just has a few minutes between meetings. The ability to monitor and protect brand reputation is of immense value.
 
In addition to an Environmental Policy and a CSR Policy, all corporations should now have a Social Networking Policy.
 
If your company is uncertain about how to deal with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, Digital Tsunami can work with you to develop a wholistic eStrategy, encompassing ALL communications with stakeholders (clients, customers, branches, franchisers, stockholders, suppliers), traditional media and the public.
 
With experience across an extensive range of sectors, continents and marketing solutions, Digital Tsunami can counsel on how you can implement your marketing communications across all social and traditional media. This Social Networking Policy will encompass how you can derive the best benefit from the current online landscape.
 
Digital Tsunami was founded in Hong Kong in 1996 and Essential, (its' film production division, founded in 1980), has delivered solutions to multinational corporations and global brands including; Citizen, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Merck and NEC.
 
If you have requirements for eStrategy, commercial or corporate online or film projects, contact us to benefit from our expertise.