Who here uses Ryze/Friendster/Orkutz/Match.com?

[mfarmerhi]

I interested in hearing how many people here use social-networking sites like Ryze, Freindster, Orkutz, etc.

How valuable do you find them? What do you use them for? Have you ever actually received any tangible benefit from using one?

I'm also curious which might be the best to join - which offers the best tools or what tools would be the best to have.

Thanks ahead of time!

Mark

[Lynn Terry]

Hello Mark & Welcome

I imagine you'll get an overwhelming vote for Ryze.com - if you type Ryze into the search box here at the Forum, you'll find we've discussed it quite a bit over the last year.

Personally, I find it the best place on the net to make new contacts - whether they be clients, merchants, potential partners... or just friends. One of the best features is the ability to add a very detailed and personalized Profile - this allows you to really express yourself, say "who you are and what you do" with no restrictions, and so it also allows you to get a very good impression of each of the people that you meet as well.

In addition, their Networks, and the way that they rate them (most active and most members) gives you a clear idea of the type of people that are active on Ryze, and plenty of opportunity to join interest-specific or location-specific discussions.

Not only are they an international online business networking site - and the best, in my opinion - but they also have OFFline events and networking opportunities... There is tons of potential for the person that takes the initiative to set up their own Network on Ryze!

Personally, I've found it to be the single most responsive group of people online...

[mfarmerhi]

[WAHumor]

Personally, I like the fact that you can find and reach so many people quickly and easily!

You can contact them from their links in the New Members list in the networks you join, through Friends of Friends, and by entering a keyword phrase into the Pivot function (only available to paying members) to receive a list of all members connected to it.

It may be a specific company or interest...whatever you want!!

I've been invited to join Ecademy and Linkedin, but I haven't found them to be as user-friendly.

My advice about Friendster? Don't even bother!! That place is full of very scary people...

[Chrissie]

I like Ryze Not too familiar with any of the other networking groups..

I have met quite a few contacts and there is so much information that I still haven't even gotten too.
In general I just love talking to people and exchanging marketing ideas etc. I also having a network of people to refer when someone is asking for a particular product and/or service.

[scott]

[Sharon & Roy]

[scott]

[Andre Chaperon]

[Lynn Terry]

[WAHumor]

[Sharon & Roy]

[WAHumor]

Wow...that must be one of THE quickest job application processes ever!!

Do I owe you guys a kickback or something??

For that matter, why mention a particular group at all in the title? How about Connecting People Magazine or, although slightly corny but memorable, Connex Magazine?

I must agree that Ryze is certainly the most user-friendly of those I've encountered. I've been invited to (and have) joined Ecademy and Linkedin
and am unimpressed.

Well, I'm off to set up my Executive Editor's office...

Say, will the cub reporters call me "Chief"??

[sugarrae]

I am a member of Ryze and most recently Orkut. Personally, I don't like the fact that Ryze makes you pay for an advanced search feature, but then again, I am not heavily involved there so maybe that's why I would resent paying to search .

Orkut has definately been interesting thus far. I think it has a better set up than Ryze - more easily navigated. More features I personally like. But, that's me. You also can't create a "sales letter" home page with Orkut like you can with Ryze - it is more about relationships and community.

As for how I utilize them, it basically it a way to make networking connections. But, as with local groups, like the Chamber of Commerce, if you don't get involved, you won't benefit as much. I am going to try and stay a little more involved at Orkut than I am with Ryze. Which reminds me, my Ryze page probably really needs an update.

[Melknight]