Earlier this morning I spoke to a Data Storage Sales Executive seeking transition from Environmental Services back to Open Storage Sales. One of the questions during our conversation related to the prevalence and rapid growth of the Social Media stage. Given my knack to know more and deliver the goods to an eager (and hungry) following, I did my own diligence on the matter. The statistics may surprise you.
Needless to say, if you thought social/media networking made an impact over the past few years, hold on while I recap the deal from the Career Management Alliance (specifically from AIRS Sourcing Report, February 2010). On this note…
* Facebook has been in business six years in February, and has 400,000,000 members (if the zeros got in the way, the number is 400 million—wonder how long it will be until the number of people in Facebook is a greater percentage than the world’s population)
* 50% of Facebook users log on daily
* 65 million Facebook users access the site with mobile devices (and I am still trying to figure out how to take a picture on my phone much less text…)
* LinkedIn has 11 million users across Europe
* India is the fastest growing country using LinkedIn, with more than 3 million users
* LinkedIn is offered in 4 different languages, while Facebook is offered in 70 languages
* Twitter has 75 million profiles
* In December 2009, 17% of Twitter users tweeted
The next time you think about career networking, think about the power of the social/media world. Then again, one thing I want to make clear, do NOT rely solely on this medium for career support. As I closed out the conversation this morning, I made it clear an objective approach to material development and an assertive approach to spreading the word of value should be considered.
In the submissions to come, we will continue reviewing multiple avenues guiding YOUR career success. In the interim, let me know of any challenges you would like examined. Until then, know Team Career is ready.
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC, author, educator, and co-owner of Career Services International/Education Career Services. He may be reached at [email protected] or visit his Career Blog at www.educationcs.wordpress.com.
