Online networking can include blogs, wikis, virtual job fairs and social networks such as Leopard Pride http://pride.leopardsolutions.com/; but no matter where you go online to network, there are few guidelines every recruiter should follow.

1.     Join an online social network that is made up of your peers.  Generalized social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn are great and beneficial; but they are limited because of the fact that they are so general and designed to appeal to the broadest number of people.  This is why many people join social networks with a specialized slant.  Bicyclists may join a network for others that enjoy riding or collecting bikes; while a dancer might join an online social network for dancers.  This should be the same for legal recruiters who want to join a social network of their peers.

2.     Engage in a valuable and meaningful conversation with others.  Whether you are visiting another recruiter’s blog or engaged in a discussion on a forum, make sure that your contributions add value to the discussion.  Try to avoid empty rants or flame wars, especially when it comes to hot button topics.

3.     Friend with care.  When adding people to your list of friends, make sure that you have a good reason to do so. Also, make sure that you add a little note letting that person know why you want to add them as a friend.  Mass “friending” is the same as spam and should be avoided.

4.     Once you add someone to your friends’ list make sure you stay in touch with them and develop the relationship.  Remember, you are engaged in online social networking so that you can begin to develop relationships with candidates, employers and other recruiters.

5.   Check out Leopard Pride - the social network sponsored by Leopard Solutions.