For the business community, create a social networking has become a very important tool or an extension of their business strategies. Similar with the traditional way people do business, social networking requires connection, building trust and credibility. It shouldn't be treated any differently.
Social networking is an effective media to connect people. Business owners are building a social networking site to build relationship with its existing customer base and to promote awareness about their business to prospect clients. Studies showed that many SME's are now maximizing the use of social networking as marketing tool and to connect with their customers and suppliers.
Online recruitment is one function that social networking can effectively provide to companies. Employers can run searches for the qualification, interests or specific criteria of their potential candidates. Social networking sites like LinkedIn allow companies to find their talents in the most cost-effective way, if not for free.
As social networking allows self-expression among individuals, which is one element that makes this media successful, it also becomes an avenue for criticism to go public. Gone are the days where people can only broadcast their complaints or critiques through radio, television or prints.
We've heard of issues of staff being dismissed because an employer read her ranting and complaints about her job in Facebook. Though such issue can put the business in a bad light, it can actually be used into a business advantage. Negative publicity is still a publicity.
Just like a sales person handling an objection, a business owner must know how to handle negative comments or criticism. Responding to issues is very critical. As the employer or business owner, it is important that you respond with professionalism.
