Online Social Networking Via .Tel Domains
Using Social Contacts For Graduates and Baby Boomers Alike
Sep 15, 2009
With the recent proliferation of privacy issues on internet online social networks, CareerAdvice sought out the opinions of those working directly in this field. Clint Page is CEO of Dotster.com, a leading Internet services company that is authorized to provide .tel domains at Dotster.com.
Online Social Networking: Bane or Boon for Job Seekers?
CareerAdvice (CA): Social networking is not a new phenomenon, but the addition of online networking has opened up a huge new area – which tends to be used mostly by the younger generation. Yet it is increasingly used to help create and promote contacts, both social and business. What do you feel is its drawing power? What are the drawbacks?
Clint Page (CP): First, you’re right. Historically, online social networking has been the bastion of teenagers and the 20- to 30-somethings. However, recent research shows social network adoption among younger people is actually being overtaken by Baby Boomers, who’ve increased adoption 59 percent – 30 times faster than Gen Y. Either way, according to Pew[1], 35 percent of Americans over 18 have at least one social networking profile.
We believe the popularity of social networks stems from the basic human need to know and be known; establishing connections with like-minded individuals. And now users can do so at a scale that has never been possible. The ability to instantaneously share information about yourself, your interests and your thoughts does have drawbacks. Most people are now aware of the Internet’s elephantine memory. This means everyone needs to think before they post.[2] The delete button won’t erase everything.
Also, any contact information you publish has the potential to be abused by anyone from email harvesters to stalkers.[3] Is it worth it? We think so, both from business and personal standpoints. A study by Wetpaint.com and the digital consulting firm, Altimeter Group, found companies actively involved in social networking grew revenue by 18 percent, while those that were not active experienced a 6 percent decline in sales. In addition, millions of consumers have found the benefits of instant communication with their network to be a huge advantage, personally and professionally.[4]
For Anyone Job Seeking
(CA): Can this networking be used effectively for anyone looking for work?
(CP): This is where online social networking really shines from a personal standpoint. In today’s specialized workforce, the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” can certainly be an overstatement. However, while people may change employers several times throughout their careers, it’s not uncommon to work within “who you know” for decades. People have a new choice to stay connected longer and further deepen those relationships through the exchange of personal and professional information over social networks. Nevertheless, there are risks to sharing this kind of information over social media channels. One clear challenge is which social network is best? After all, while the growth rate of social networks is impressive, some are still in early stages of adoption. And who knows what the next major social network will be.
Think Global Rolodex
(CP): At Dotster, we’ve become big proponents of a new top-level domain, .tel, that gives its users the ability to keep in touch, but with more consistency and control than is typically available through other online networking sites. A .tel address gives businesses and consumers the ability to become part of a global contact directory. Think “Global Rolodex.” All the information on these virtual business cards is updatable, including Web links, phone numbers, email, home and work addresses, social network links, and more.
The control comes with the ability to compartmentalize each piece of information. This allows you to share more information with the people you want to share more with, or less information with those you don’t. For example, you can making your work number public and restrict access to your cell phone to just your family.
Because a person’s .tel information is stored directly in the Domain Name System (DNS) – the system of databases that allows us to navigate the Internet using "www.example.com" versus a number such as 123.4.5.678 – there is no need to know about website design or development, nor are there website hosting fees to pay.
Bottom Line
Online social networking is no longer the exclusive realm for the younger generation. Increasingly more and more seasoned job hunters are using this phenomenon to generate leads for potential jobs. Dotster's .tel domains offer both an affordable choice with total privacy control.
Read more from Clint Page on appropriate information for an online social networking site.
References
[1] Lenhart, Amanda. "Adults and Social Network Websites." Pew Internet.org. Jan. 14, 2009.
2] Richards, Chad. "Social media brings new risks for companies and employees..." Socialmediatoday.com. Dec. 20, 2008.
[3] Definition of Social networking spam at Wikipedia.com.
[4] Engagementdb.com/
Photo of Clint Page first published in the Portland Business Journal on Feb. 20, 2009. Used with permission from Dotster.com
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