LinkedIn, a networking site for professionals, hosts more than 120 million members. Originally, this site was enabling career growth by connecting users to their professional peers. It also created an environment where companies could easily source talent and expertise. However, more and more Development players are using Linkedin to create communities of practice that can facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. Facebook is another social networking service launched in February 2004 with more than 750 million active users that works along the same line as Linkedin (though its audience is much wider and doesn't incorporate the 'professionnal networking' side). This session will look at these two interactive tools and discuss the extent in which they can help you reach beyond your normal set of stakeholders, enable two way communication with partner organizations and provide a platform to learn and exchange knowledge.

Sarah Bel and Michael Riggs