Professional Social Networking

Previously, I mentioned Hoovers' new professional social networking service, (with a name like Hoovers, I can't wait). I also frequently mention LinkedIn. A reader asked if I considered or tried some of the other sites and services available.

There are quite a few to consider.

Besides LinkedIn,

Ryze - I have not tried Ryze in more than a year. At the time, I was going through social networking overload.
Note: To the good people at Ryze, I will give it a try and report back my experience here.

Can You Connect - New. I have yet to give Can You Connect a try.

Ecademy - Ecademy is highly popular. I have a profile, but have not updated it in several months.
Note: I recently received several invitations to rejoin Ecademy which I will try and update my future experiences here.

Spoke - Spoke offers a great deal of information, but I quit using it after Spoke wanted to charge for continued service. I am reluctant about paying for professional social networking software because so many use our profile information (content) to generate ads (revenue). Free access for content for advertising is fine; just don't ask me to pay for the profiled.
Note: I will probably try Spoke again to be fair.

Konnects - Brand new and I will sign up and try.

There are many, many more available. The value of professional social networking is two fold; first to place an online profile of your value in as many reputable locations as possible. Second, to grow your network and name with companies and organizations searching for your career keywords.