That Ugly Ugly Word-"Networking"//Part 2//List of sites

Yesterday we have laid down some basic rules of the game.If you are still wandering why you should involve yourself with social media networking,consider this-many professionals are predicting that in the near future social networking sites will replace job boards.So whether you want it or not,it's time to not only move with the times,but make a strong claim to the changing scene of job hunting.
While doing research for today's post,I stumbled upon an immense list of sites,most of which are irrelevant to our professions. But there are some that are slowly building momentum and are quite helpful.

1. LinkedIn-the for runner of professional social networking sites. Although not specific to our industry,not only can you find a lot of people from the industry on the site,there are also an immense amount of specific groups you can join for the extra kick of networking. You can tell though that this site is not meant for those of us who have audio and video files to show,as opposed to pretty spreadsheets-you can only link to those.Regardless ,you better join the tide of more than 60 million people who are already on there.
2. NextCat-you can tell they know what they are talking about by just reading the motto-"It's all about who you know"."True"-I say as I quickly put in my registration info. This site is specific to the entertainment industry. The one thing that catches my eye is that you can tell the market they tried to grab first where models and actors.But there are actually quite a bit of sound people now joining the ranks. The media control options are quite enjoyable-one can post audio,video files right on the profile,and even start a blog-Oh Boy!
3. SHWBIZ-ah,this is a strange one. But great if you like completely random networking. Once you create your profile,you can see what everyone on the site is doing and chat with those whose posts intrigued you. Great way to meet people you never would otherwise,but will you be able to catch a great big fish in the algorithm of all things random?
4. FilmContact-now this site just screams "Indusry". Why?While because you have to pay for the various membership options in order to get to the enticing services they offer. Let me rephrase that-"very enticing". Not only can one network,but you can promote yourself in various ways and......(drumroll).... put yourself as interested crew on a posted project. That is as targeted as social networking can get. The full set of features will set you back 133 $ and one can only hope that that is the price for the year.
5. Crewster-another site that is all about the crew. The site is based on recommendations and is used as a tool for crewing up on any given project.An interactive availability calendar is a very useful feature,if you actually remember to use it. Great site,and unlike some-FREE.
6. NING-bizarre name/great concept. For a fee one can create a social networking site. The effect this can have on your career depends on how you work it. But suddenly world domination is one step closer. For those of us who don't want to bother,you can search through the social networks that have already been created by someone else and join those.A quick search discovered a group for professionals in the audio-visual industry.
7. Meetup-this is not a social networking site per se. But what it does is connect you to groups of people that do actually meet regularly. There are a few entertainment industry groups on the site already,but if you can not find what you like-start your own group. Some meet ups are free to join,some require a small donation.In order to create and manage a group the website does charge for a yearly fee. Might I add that there is a group in LA called the "Sound for Visual Media"?One might even say,that it is quite awesome.

There you go. The world is your oyster. There for the picking and cracking. The truth is,there are numerous tools for you to succeed,but there is one constant required-you actually using them.So make yourself a cup of joe,poor a glass of beer,sit your rear on a comfortable plushy object of choice,grab the keyboard and network away....