People Business Groups Websites Work Users Contacts Media

Many "social media websites" (websites that help people connect and develop relationships online) have business "applications" (uses). For example, LinkedIn is a popular website that helps people create and "maintain" (keep active) their professional networks. Individuals create profiles that are similar to "résumés" (one-page documents describing one's work experience, education, and skills). Once they connect to other people they know, they can see their contacts' contacts and request an introduction if, for example, they want to speak with someone at a particular company.

Business social media websites work best when it is easy for the users to "update" (add new, more accurate information) their profiles. They also need to have a lot of users to make the site "worthwhile" (worth using; beneficial). People need to be able to find many or most of their contacts through the site.

The websites try to encourage people to return to the site frequently. One of the easiest ways for them to do this is through the creation of "forums" (discussion groups). For example, they might have forums to discuss how to write a good resume, how to market to the "elderly" (older people, usually over 65), or how to hire the best candidates. Websites can also encourage users to join "affiliation groups" (groups of people who have something in common). For example, users can join "alumni groups" (groups of people who graduated from the same university), "regional groups" (people who live or work in a particular area), "industry groups" (people who work in the same type of business) or "interest groups" (people who share the same interests or concerns).