Web 2.0 Applications

There are a lot of different Web 2.0 tools out there, and new ones popping up every day. Here’s a look at some of the more popular tools and how you can use them in your firm.

Second Life

What it is: Second Life is a virtual, three-dimensional world where you interact with other people.

How you can use it:

Accountants in Maryland have taken advantage of Second Life for career development. The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants has set up two “islands” in Second Life. CPAs can visit the virtual islands and participate in online conferences.

YouTube

What it is: YouTube is a video sharing website where users can view and upload their own videos.

How you can use it: You can search YouTube for specific content germane to CPAs, or you can post your own videos. Videos can be tutorials, webinars, commercials – whatever you want to post – and it’s free.

Blogging

What it is: Blogging (a blog is short for “web log”) is a website with regular entries containing commentary or opinion. You can think of it as an electronic journal.

How you can use it: You can post a blog with personal views on the accounting profession; one targeted to coworkers; and one especially for clients.

Twitter

What it is: Twitter allows you to send short messages (about 140 words) via email, text message, or instant message to those who have signed up to receive it.

How you can use it: You can send out a reminder to coworkers about a company meeting. You may send a message to clients advising them to check out a new service you are offering.

MySpace and Facebook

What they are: Social networking sites allow you to post pictures, blogs, videos, and so forth. They give you a place to post information about yourself or your firm that others can see. They also give you an opportunity to connect with others.

How you can use them:

Ernst & Young bolstered their recruiting efforts with Facebook. The firm’s page contains job openings, along with photos of younger employees at social company functions. There is also a message board where new hires can give advice for joining the company.

Also, since many college students have their own Facebook accounts, it is a good tool to use when researching potential new hires.

LinkedIn

What it is: LinkedIn is a social networking site that is geared specifically toward business relationships.

How you can use it: LinkedIn is the Web 2.0 version of good, old-fashioned networking. It can be used to find jobs, people, and business opportunities recommended by someone in one’s contact network.

RSS Feeds

What they are: Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds are mechanisms to push content to subscribers. You simply sign up to receive the content, and RSS tool allows you to know when new content – like blogs – are available.

How you can use them: In addition to joining feeds you are interested in, RSS feeds can be used to send current information to your clients. It creates a constant connection between your firm and your clients.

del.icio.us

What it is: del.icio.us is a social bookmarking web service used for storing, sharing, and locating websites. It uses a keyword-categorizing system where users “tag” bookmarks with keywords.

How you can use it: You can search through online content others tagged. When collaborating, del.icio.us is particularly helpful because you can use a shared account or a del.icio.us network to collect and organize bookmarks that are relevant to the entire group.