Summary: Are you using social media to enhance your therapy career? The results of the TherapyJobs.com.com social networking survey show that therapists are increasingly utilizing social networking sites for both personal and professional reasons. Listen to the podcast for an introduction to social media and an overview of the TherapyJobs.com Social Networking Survey results.
David: Welcome to the TherapyJobs.com Therapist Podcast. I'm David Pearson here with Robyn Melhuish and today we're talking about online social networking.
Robyn: It seems like everybody is talking about online social media. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter...who's using it, how they're using it, the benefits of using it...
David: I know, the conversation is unavoidable.
Robyn: Even people who aren't participating in online social networking usually have something to say on the subject.
David: So what do we have to say about it?
Robyn: I'm not sure that TherapyJobs.com has an official position, but I think we're ready to join the conversation.
David: And what better way than with the very first TherapyJobs.com Therapist podcast?
Robyn: Exactly.
David: Now, we already know that social media is sweeping the nation.
Robyn: Actually it's sweeping the globe. At last check, Facebook has 250 million active users worldwide and an average of 500 thousand new members are signing up every day. So we know it's a big deal, but are therapists engaging in the trend?
David: To answer that question, we surveyed our entire therapist database, and you can imagine our surprise when we discovered that 80% of our therapists are regular Facebook users. In fact, 83% of our survey respondents are members of at least one social networking site, though compared to the 80% on Facebook – MySpace and Classmates.com are falling behind with 20% and 7%.
Robyn: LinkedIn was lagging too – only 8% of respondents said they're on LinkedIn.
David: So Facebook is the big winner, but what's the point of any of it? Aren't these websites just a fun way to waste time?
Robyn: To be sure, sites like Facebook and Twitter can lead to time-wasting, but other things are happening too. According to the survey results, about half of the therapists using social networking sites are using them for professional purposes. They're connecting with therapists they don't know outside of cyberspace. They're asking questions and giving feedback and sharing opinions with therapists they didn't have access to before.
David: While that's true Robyn, the survey results suggest that for now at least, most therapists are primarily on Facebook for personal reasons. But clearly, they're comfortable with the concept of online social networking, and it's something they're willing to make time for.
Robyn: And as they get more comfortable with the technology, healthcare professionals are realizing that they're no longer limited to looking up answers in books or making a phone call to a mentor when faced with a challenge. Instead of seeking advice from one or two colleagues, a therapist can send out a tweet and instantly consult thousands of other therapists.
David: A tweet?
Robyn: It's what they call each short 140 character message posted via Twitter...but we'll save the rest of the Twitter lingo for another podcast!
David: It seems like there is certainly a lot to cover...We've barely scratched the surface on the potential of these social networking sites to change the way healthcare is delivered. But the sites have other benefits as well. Online social networking is truly just that – an opportunity to "network" with hiring managers, recruiters, and other therapists who can ultimately help you get the job you want. And the beauty of it is that you can do it without leaving the comfort cyberspace.
Robyn: No more stuffy conferences or pounding the pavement so to speak. Now you can use sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to make connections and network your way to a new job.
David: But is it really as simple as signing up for a Twitter account? There's more to it that that isn't there?
Robyn: Well, it's not complicated, but you're right – it does requires a little more explanation, and while most therapists are already comfortable using Facebook to connect on a personal level, the survey results indicate that they're not exactly sure how to use the site – and others like it – professionally.
David: But TherapyJobs.com is here to help.
Robyn: That's right, we're here to assist with all aspects of your therapy career, so next time, we'll begin your social media tutorial by taking a closer look at Linked In and how you can use it to enhance your therapy career.
David: That's all for now, but thanks for listening to the TherapyJobs.com Podcast.