At a recent business meeting I spoke with a corporate lawyer who proposed a question to me that went something like this, "How important are professional networks and do you see them as a generational phenomena?" The lawyer also expressed, "Once I register an account with one of these websites and add a profile, I have no thought what to do next and who cares what I say or do?"

The short response to the last issue is, "Someone does care what you say or do". Online social groups helped to elect America’s first Black President. In the Middle East, online networking caused old regime power hubs to surrender and to become replaced by fresh ones. Companies use social networks to raise millions of dollars for political and non-profit causes. Businesses have found progressive ways to use these sites to promote their organization's goodwill and to link up with their shoppers and staff. In short, online networks help to connect us in many compelling ways.

Today's online networking sites can provide many benefits to professionals and businesses. Networking sites help members meet professionals, join online, strengthen relationships, share information, find work, move careers ahead and hopefully make more informed picks. In essence, social and professional networks strengthen a democracy and enlarge the voices of members.

Even though the power of social networks and their availability, there still seems to be quite a bit of uncertainty as to how professionals, job seekers, employees, association members, alumni, career coaches, executive recruiters, employment agencies and employers can effectively use social networks to exchange ideas, collaborate on topics of concern, and promote goodwill.

In an attempt to demystify doubts concerning the pragmatic usefulness of these modern day contemporary power tools, CareerConnected.com assembled a small team of analysts to research this topic and compile a series of writings that will add some light on a few frequently asked questions. Familiar questions addressed in this series are: What exactly is social networking; Should I join a social network; Are there dangers; How is my personal information managed; Who are the top social networks; Which one is a fit for me; Can I use them to promote my business or to start a Blog; How can professional networking in one of these sites help to unlock career opportunities; How can personal marketing help me to expand my e-brand?

Below is a composite of a few of the articles assembled to help you to increase your professional networking IQ and possibly extend job opportunities. You can access the complete library by visiting www.CareerConnected.com, select the article portal called [Career Café], and choose the tab "Social Networking".

Personal Marketing

Make networking work for you...

What is Social Networking?

Making the Most Out of Social Networking Websites

Should You Join a Social Networking Website?

Social Networking Websites: Who Is Reading Your Personal Information?

Staying Safe with Social Networking Websites

What Not to Put in Your Social Network Profile

Staying Safe with Social Networking Websites

Parents: Warn Your Teens about the Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites

Social Networking Websites: How to Find Them

Social Networking Websites with a Particular Focus

Why Social Networking Sites are So Popular

Using Social Networking Websites to Promote Your Online Website

Using Social Networking Websites to Promote Your Blog

The Benefits of Signing Up With a Specialty Social Networking Website

Creating Your Social Networking Website Profile

Popular Social Networking Websites

Best wishes and enjoy...