An Interview with Koo Chang-hwan, a Social Network Specialist
Recently, social networking services (SNS) have been growing at an incredible pace around the globe. Social networking service, are everywhere. Facebook, the world's most popular social-networking service site, was also the most significant word in 2010 in pop culture. No one can deny the power of human networks these days.
CP reporters met Koo Chang-hwan, the author of <Facebook, what is it? And how can use it?>, the chief of a social network developing group and CNU alumni, has been presenting lectures about the power of social networks. His lectures have been very popular and have been requested by many companies. Fortunately, we can also hear his thoughts. He shared his insight about the role social networking plays in the 21st century world for students who couldn't attend his special lectures during an interview.
A man is given a chance through a social network
When Koo Chang-hwan was an undergraduate majoring in accounting, his grades were actually not very good. "I didn't get a scholarship when I was an undergraduate," he said, but he liked reading books in the library, so he read more than 3,000 books.
He made a homepage containing texts about accounting in 1996 and it changed his life. He was offered a job at a company when he was still a university student. Someone read the contents of his page suggested the job. It was the first time that he saw the possibilities of a human network based online.
A couple of years later, he started to send out an e-mail newsletter about human networks. One day, a reporter from a major newspaper, one of the members of an offline party, learned about his daily letter and wrote an article about it and its editor. It was the first time people had a chance to read about his work.
"It's been a great influence on my life. I mean it's my biggest accomplishment," he said. Being convinced that that such a networking system based online could make him known to the whole country, he has continued his work in faith. His lectures became popular in the business world and the public followed his ideas.
We can feel the power of media through his story. Now, the media doesn't mean only newspapers or TV (both are called "Old media"). In the "New media" generation anyone can be a reporter. Content is no longer read like a press release..
The number of followers (the number of people who gets your texts on Twitter) is equivalent to the number of readers of a newspaper. Now he has more than 50,000 followers and aims at getting 70,000 followers. He explained that it is a chance for people in local sites. "How can individuals give their opinions freely and widely without any cost? Expressing oneself using an SNS is free and has a more profound influence than old media," he said.
What he says in his lectures is that human relations are based on social network and feature serendipity, weaktie and homophily. Serendipity is an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. Network looking like a ‘weak tie’ refers to the tendency for people to have (non-negative) ties with people who are similar to themselves in socially significant ways. So you can create opportunities such as meeting someone that helps you get a job like him. “It’s the main difference from offline relations. The boundless sea of chances will give you serendipity,” he said.
One of his followers offered him a place to lecture because he mentioned it online. Then a SNS user replied his request, “I have an acquaintance who can give you what you need. I’ll ask him right now.” He added, "Even if it sounds unbelievable, I’m sure that this serendipity exists anywhere in the weaktie internet world. Many users already feel the impact of online relationships.
He explained some ways that social media can assist job seekers. "From finding available positions to interviews, the employment process is challenging for job seekers in today's economic environment. With a high number of candidates applying for a few open positions, applicants need some way to stand apart from other job contenders. More and more companies are integrating social media into their business operations," he said. He added, "If you are having difficulty finding a position, social networking sites can help you contact the right people. For example, candidates can build a complete profile on LinkedIn and use it as an online introduction to decision makers. By utilizing the advanced search function and joining groups in your industry, you can connect with hiring authorities, recruiters and staffing managers. Additionally, there are Facebook and Twitter pages dedicated to providing employment tips and posting local job opportunities."
“It seems that the meaning of a broadening human network is that you should know more people, but that's not true. Who knows you is far more important. Above all, it is what we want to tell to CNU students.” He thought that we can make up for each other's weaknesses with our individual strengths through social network. Even celebrities may ask a favor from you, if you are a specialist in your field. He said that using SNS is needed to be an influential specialist. That’s why it’s important to promote you along with being a professional of considerable expertise.
He desires to encourage CNU students to break free from the inferiority complex of being a local university student. "Each person has his or her own strength, but if you don't show it to the public, it is difficult for your talent to shine in business. I recommend you use SNS right now. It will become the wings for your career. I'm certain," he said firmly.
Our readers can also meet him online! www.ceoparty.org, www.twitter.com/koocci, www.facebook.com/koocci , ceoparty@paran.com He is waiting for you.
diana@cnu.ac.kr