I recently wrote an article for Technorati on the use of Social Networking for business applications. Since then I have had some discussions about the use of social networking platforms for Project Management applications; this spurned some more thought about how we are using them today and how this may trend in the future. I have organized my list by most useful, somewhat useful, not very useful. Here we go:
Most useful
Windows Live Messenger and other chat services. An easy way to have connected chat with team members that you know pretty well. Use only with permission.
SMS – texting is a great way of contacting team members without too much interruption. Don’t use it if you want a record of the message. Most individuals have SMS activated on their phones.
Communities – project management communities such as projects@work, Gantthead and PMI are great resources to find relevant information and experiences in the project management field. Many are free to join.
Somewhat useful
LinkedIn – networking platform for connecting with like minded professionals. Might help you find project team members or help with recruitment.
Blogs – Good way to capture useful data about project management activities.
Twitter – for communicating blog information and making yourself and your brand visible.
Not very useful
Facebook – Good for personal networking, but not for projects. Too much crossover of personal and business information. Many users don’t understand what they are making public.
Myspace – Unless you are a musician not likely to be useful to your project management needs.
