Social Networks and me and Bill Gates

Lots of stories lately, warning about the dangers of social networks such as Facebook and Myspace, and the need to increase your awareness of who might be reading – especially potential employers. I promise, this is not one of those stories.

Social networks – even the more professional ones -- are terrific fun, and they’re everywhere, I’m in a network comprising hundreds of people laid off by a large corporation. And we all love catching up, getting a little gossipy sometimes, maybe even sharing news about job openings.

AN ASIDE: Soon you may find it’s even more fun as all of us start influencing what companies do, using the power of social networks. More and more, companies that want to click with their customers are tapping into their ideas and preferences (and marketing sense) via these networks. As an article this week noted, communication – especially two-way communication/preferences/ratings – has become a part of the way we live.

For the companies that get it, really get it, these networks spread the word. And sometimes the word is all about how good or bad a product is, what it looks like, and how it compares.

BACK TO US: For many of us (and it is all about us, right?), it means spreading or sharing work experiences – what it’s like to work for a particular company, or manager, or place?

Even Bill Gates just posted his profile this week on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/billgates, and posted the question: what are your suggestions on the best way to encourage more people to pursue careers in science and technology?

I’m not Bill Gates, (not even on his connections list) but I’m interested in the same question – what would help you, or someone you know, in your pursuit of a career. Let me know (and I’ll pass it along to Bill).