12:47 PM | 
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Alumni Web Services
Branded Networks vs Social Networks
How do you determine whether to create a corporate branded online network or simply use some of the platforms readily available?
Consider some of the best practices of companies who are successfully hosting branded corporate alumni networks.
You control your message and content. Your members will appreciate that their information is shared with a defined group: former employees. Says one individual “We want to be connected, but we also want our connections to be valuable. Knowing we are joining a corporate network of former employees is a plus.”
On AWS hosted alumni communities the individual owns his or her content.
Members join to keep in contact with a network that can enhance their professional lives – job opportunities, consulting contracts, joint ventures and new business outreach.
For you as the corporate sponsor, you control the brand and image through the content. Your former employees may one day return as employees or contractors, they might refer job candidates and they can help spread the word about your company in the community in which they live.
Jump in – the temperature is fine
Just when should we launch a former employee network is a frequently asked question.
Now is the time. Former employee networks are a valuable employee benefit, improving morale in downturns and supporting networking for potential job opportunities. As the economy becomes more robust, companies can reach out to former employees as rehires or to support the company in finding ideal candidates.
Best practice shows that the cost of hiring a former employee is much less than a new employee – and these former employees also know your company and can refer ideal candidates.
Diversity
Hiring managers increasingly wish to mirror the diversity of the communities in which our businesses operate when we build our workforce. Reaching out to former employees often supports this as for example, women in the oil industry can dispel many of the myths about this male dominated industry.
Says one woman in the industry: “I never minded being one of the few women around; I actually found it funny to observe people changing their behavior when I was around (like getting more gentle and supportive towards me compared to my male colleagues). I think there is the general perception that women are better in multitasking, but the main feedback I get from all colleagues is that I am very efficient and organized in what I do and that helps with keeping meetings on track and move topics forward when needed.”
Current and former employees can also reach out to both male and female students and graduates to promote the positive aspects of the industry; something most studies find teachers are not doing as they remain relatively uneducated about the industry.
Asia and South America are already making strong inroads into increasing the diversity of the industry. Former employee networks’ global nature helps companies maintain contact with their global asset base, of which former employees should always be included.
Using a corporate sponsored website also has potential benefits over social networks if there is a hiring component. Potential for discriminatory lawsuits is a potential if recruiters source candidates from social networks.
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- Alumni Web Services
- London, United Kingdom
- Alumni Web Services launched with the mission of connecting companies with former employees. AWS services and its platform are continuously being refined and enhanced thanks to new technologies and creative ideas. Alumni Web Services is committed to providing the software platform and the manpower to deliver concrete results. Our member services team spans the globe and we can be reached 24/7.
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