Part II of II
Social Networks have existed for years in one form or another (Rotary is a classic example). The 30+ demographic does belong to certain, ’niche’ social networks such as LinkedIn.com (a business networking group). Another clear example of an ’older’ online networking group is the Elder Wisdom Council, recently featured in the Wall Street Journal. The Elder Wisdom Council is composed of online users, most over the age of 60, who work as an online ’Dear Abby,’ offering advice to anonymous advice requesters via email. Match.com, a popular online dating website also boasts a significantly older demographic.
Finally, those persons over 30, who do not already belong to another iteration of an online social network, may refrain from joining due to outdated associations. For example, a common association with online communities of yesteryear is the ’chat room’ feature which harbors negative connotations, including sexual misconduct and fraud. However, these persons if educated on the benefits and security of new online social networks by a ’trusted friend’ would likely begin to join in larger numbers. Clearly, the desire to participate in an online social network does exist for population segments of all ages, if they are presented with a compelling format and experience.
So, how can schools take advantage of online social networks, if current online networks (MySpace.com, Facebook.com, Friendster.com) are not viable options and building a custom social network is not financially feasible? The optimal way for a school to take advantage of the power of online social networking is still by using a ’niche’, third party website, but finding someone willing to work in partnership with a school. IntelliGrad.com does exactly that. When a school subscribes to IntelliGrad.com it buys a relationship with a superior third-party social networking website. IntelliGrad operates as a niche social network by offering limited room for ’self expression,’ instead focusing on creating a professional environment geared toward networking and collaboration, as opposed to online dating. Users can think of an IntelliGrad user profile as their business card, and Myspace.com or Friendster.com as their ’anything goes’ social calling card. In addition, IntelliGrad’s closed circuit network adds extra security, ensuring the validity of a school’s user base and thereby engaging users in the 30+ crowd who need not worry about racy photos, fake profiles, or being contacted for a date.
Since IntelliGrad.com works in partnership with a school, users can be more carefully screened, allowing for increased security. For example, under the IntelliGrad.com business model, a school’s alumni office responsible for issuing passwords and login identifications, providing an added layer of security. Also, as a closed circuit network, interested users can identify themselves as willing to be contacted by other users with job related questions, or as willing to serve as a mentor for recent graduates.
IntelliGrad.com is the best way for a school to engage both current students and alumni in an online networking experience. By using IntelliGrad.com schools’ can best take advantage of a large-scale, interactive online community.
