MySpace is a free service that uses the Internet for online communication through an interactive network of photos, weblogs, user profiles, e-mail, web forums, and groups, as well as other media formats. MySpace.com is a social networking service that allows users to create unique personal profiles online in order to find and communicate with old and new friends. This all-inclusive service is often referred to as a social networking interface. MySpace is a very active site, and its popularity is growing by the day. It can be utilized as the ultimate networking tool.

MySpace allows you to create a unique web page where you can create a personal profile. This profile page allows you to share things about yourself with a network of existing friends and new acquaintances, using photos, journals, and blogs.

After signing up and creating a profile, you would invite contacts to join your personal network. You can also search the site for people that you are interested in that might already be members. You can also view the connections that you create between your contacts and their contacts. MySpace allows you to meet your contact’s contacts and make suggestions on who you think should connect. Then you can communicate with anyone in your personal network. The more people you connect with the larger your network will grow.

In addition to creating the ultimate networking opportunity using MySpace, you can also use the site to promote products or services as well. MySpace offers the opportunity to advertise on your web page.

MySpace can also be used as a job search tool. More and more companies are using MySpace to scope out and recruit candidates for employment. Some of the companies that have MySpace profiles include The Army National Guard, Cheesecake Factory, LAPD, CampusPoint recruiter, and the US Marine Corps. Companies are creating MySpace profiles that provide information about what they do and who they employ. They also make information available about what positions are currently available. They include contact information on their page to make it easy for you to get in touch with them, and often allow you to apply online.

In addition to creating profile pages to generate interest, some companies are recruiting more actively as well. They are viewing potential employee’s personal profiles to learn about their interests and goals. This is a good reason to be careful about the information you make available on your site. Once they find an individual they feel matches their needs they contact them directly usin email or instant messaging.

Another way to use MySpace to find a job is to visit the job section, which is powered by SimplyHired.  There are over 5 million available jobs posted, and MySpace members can post their resume as well.       

MySpace is constantly updating and adding more ground-breaking features. Its popularity is sure to continue growing and networking on the Internet is bound to become the socializing norm. The virtual community already allows members to network, meet people, browse there profiles and make contacts all around the world. It also provides innovative ways to search for jobs and post your resumes. MySpace is the ultimate networking tool as it is the definition of what a healthy social network should be; you invite your contacts they invite theirs and your network grow exponentially.

The fact that MySpace is a free service adds to its popularity. Membership fees and sign up expenses may discourage potential contacts from joining your virtual network, but MySpace has made sure that cost won’t be an obstacle. So, if utilized correctly MySpace can be a hugely effective way to develop and maintain a massive social network from the convenience of your own home.

In today’s global marketplace, having good business etiquette can make the difference in gaining the competitive edge. Having good social skills and knowing how to mingle effectively are crucial tools in the business environment. Generally speaking the more polished your social skills are the more likely it is that you will make a lasting impression.

The first thing to do in socializing in the name of business is to realize the importance of networking. Since only 5 to 25 percent of all available job opportunities are advertised, the only way to discover the hidden job market is through meeting new people and building new relationships.

The next thing you want to do is make sure to make a good first impression. This means you should introduce yourself with a firm handshake, make eye contact and stand up straight. Making a lasting good first impression also involves having a professional appearance. Dressing appropriately means not to casual, too sexy of too sloppy.

When meeting in the name of business it is important that you display professional behavior. This means limiting your alcohol intake and trying to avoid jokes that may be offensive. When in doubt a conservative approach is always a good idea.

Another important part of social etiquette is being punctual. It is important to arrive on time. Being punctual is respectful and courteous. If you find yourself running late and being tardy is unavoidable, you should call to let the party who is waiting know.

Another “do” for socializing in the name of business involves the location of the meeting. Remember that if you are asking someone to go out of their way to meet you in hopes that you can build a business relationship pick a location that is convenient for them. Make sure that your meeting place is not far from where your contact lives or works. Less travel time means a greater chance that the contact will agree to the meeting.

Now that we’ve discussed all of the things you should do it is important to mention some of the things you should avoid as well.

Do not forget you business cards when attending a networking opportunity. Your business cards are min advertisements for you and our business, so make sure you have them handy at all times. You should hand them out generously, because the more business cards you have in circulation at any given time the more useful they will be to you. Another helpful tip in business card etiquette is to ask for a card in return when you give one out. When a new contact hands you their card, do not just quickly put it in your pocket. Read it over and make notes on the back.

Also, do not forget to follow up 24 to 48 hours after the initial contact. The follow up should make sure to thank the person for their can include a phone call, email, lunch invitation, or brief note. You time and suggest that you meet again.

In addition, avoid coming across as pompous. To effectively network, listening to others is just as important as promoting yourself. To avoid looking arrogant ask questions about others, offer advise, and don’t talk too much about how great you think you are. While a big part of networking is marketing yourself, it is important to know where to draw the line.

Another mistake you should avoid when networking is monopolizing all of someone’s time. Keep in mind, people attend these events to socialize and mingle. They may become annoyed if they feel you are dominating their entire evening.

Knowing the do’s and don’t of socializing in the name of business is critical in order to make you networking experience a success.

Meet and greet events are a great chance to do some valuable networking not matter what field you work in. At these events, you can get the inside scoop on what’s new in your field, make connections with other companies, and make contacts who may be able to help you reach your personal career goals more quickly. When one of these opportunities comes your way, make sure you’re ready to seize it!

To get the most out of a meet and great, first you should research the event. Who is hosting it, is it geared towards any particular facet of an industry, and who will be attending. Many people who host meet and greets do them on a regular basis, so ask around and see how successful the past events have been. If they don’t normally get a good turn out, then it may not be worth your time, but if your colleagues speak highly of their events, you should definitely give it a shot. Find out the dress code in advance and plan accordingly. You should also pay close attention to the agenda for the event. Some meet and greets have a formal speaker followed by opportunities for networking, while others are strictly networking events. Make sure you’re prompt and that you follow the agenda as it is laid out for you; don’t try striking up a conversation during a formal talk, even if everyone else looks as bored as you.

You should also do your homework before you get to the event. Analyze what you want to get out of the event and create a plan. Make sure you can speak knowledgably about your company, your job, and your field. Don’t try and bluff your way through; you’re almost certain to get caught out, and once you make that bad impression, it will be hard to erase it.

If there is going to be someone else in attendance you know you want to meet, consider contacting them in advance to try and set up a time to meet at the event. It may sound counterintuitive, but the people who have the most success at meet and greet events are the people who have some portions of their conversations mapped out in advance. Plan a few topics you can use as small talk at the event, plus a few icebreakers. This will help you approach people and keep the conversation from drying up.

When you’re at the meet and greet, remember your goals and the goals of everyone else in the room. You are all there to make contacts that will lead to mutually beneficial relationships. Don’t monopolize any one person’s time, and don’t allow one person to latch on to your for the whole evening. Keep mixing and mingling to meet as many people as possible. Experts recommend keeping your conversation to around three minutes with each person. Swap business cards and save the in depth conversations for a more appropriate time.

Of course, after you attend a meet and greet, the next day, you have to cement those new contacts by following up. Even if you don’t plan to do business right away with new people you have met, drop them a line and thank them for their time. You never know when they might become just the contact you are looking for. Also, send a note of thanks to the host of the event. Your consideration will be remembered.

Most successful people will tell you they couldn’t have reached the level they are at without the helping hand of some person they met along the way. Meet and greets are your chance to the meet the person who is going to boost you to the top.