Have you heard of Plaxo (www.plaxo.com)? This tool is growing in popularity due to its appealing and easy to use interface. Its purpose is to connect you to your work ‘network’. Many people asked why they need Plaxo if they use LinkedIn. LinkedIn seems to have a broader base of members, but you will find that you learn more about the people in your Plaxo network. It is ‘more than an online resume’ or work network. Think of it as a work networking tool with a small window into a little more detail on that network. It doesn’t go as far as Facebook with regards to personal information, and it feels more like a water cooler conversation at work in the break room.
Home Page
The home page gives you an idea of recent activity that has occurred with the people that are a part of your network. This is a simple and easy way to read blog posts from those in your network that have a blog. You could catch up on 15 blogs in 3 minutes with a quick glance across one page. It is refreshingly brilliant, easy, and fast. Readers can click on ‘I liked this’ similar to Facebook to give the authors an idea of content they liked. It is much like a Facebook version geared for the office.
Birthday Notices
A favorite feature is birthday notices. Plaxo can email you upcoming birthdays and give you a chance to send an electronic card. It is seamless and amazingly easy. It allows you to ‘keep up’ with birthdays you wouldn’t normally be able to keep up with. It will widen your ability to be thoughtful with people in your span of influence.
Career
There is a section called ‘My Career’ aimed at keeping your eye on the horizon and preparing you for that next opportunity. I’d have to say that I joined Plaxo originally just out of curiosity – but I’ve been very impressed with how much I’ve enjoyed it.
Other
There are many more features and benefits. I’ve barely scratched the surface. I am merely trying to entice you to consider trying it on for size. Send me a message of your favorite feature. I’d love to hear about it.
How To Get Started:
It is quite easy to get started.
- Logon to www.plaxo.com
- Start a simple profile
- Connect to a few people that you know (I expect an invitation) (www.plaxo.com/directory/profile/51539819800/…/Bethany/Williams)
- Watch, post, and learn
Bethany Williams is an expert in business development, personal branding, and healthcare operations. She has held high level positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Perot Systems Corporation, GE Healthcare, and IDX Systems Corporation. Williams shares her stories and helpful tips on career success in her book, Winning Strategies for Women, and a popular motivational blog. She volunteers as a life coach and mentor for employees around the globe through her website and personal one-to-one visits. She currently works as an executive at a big four accounting firm, and speaks on branding, career planning, and women in business. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Michael, and her three children. You can find her on the web at www.bethanywilliams.org.
