Heard of Pinterest? It’s a photo sharing website that allows users to manage theme-based collections. Think of it as a place you can have individual bulletin boards of the things that interest you…and you can share photos (called pinning).
The site has a clear focus with most visitors sharing recipes, art, interior design, travel and fashion. However, there’s starting to be some discussion about whether it can be used successfully for recruiting and marketing. I’ve created an HR Bartender board to play around with it … you can check it out here.
At the beginning of April, Pinterest was considered to be the third most popular social network after Facebook and Twitter. Yep, it appears folks really like to pin stuff!
I’m curious. Have you tried Pinterest? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Kelly O says
If I ever manage to do half the projects I’ve pinned, or make half the recipes, I would consider myself a real Martha Stewart. (And apparently I have my daughter’s next twenty birthdays planned out too.)
ouida says
Pinterest is my most favorite distraction in a long time. Unlike Angry Birds (who doesn’t love them?), I feel like Pinterest actually adds some value to my life. My personal challenge is to make myself start loving it for work too. Just started following you, thanks for helping me make that next step!!
Sharlyn Lauby says
@Kelly – Me too! I have lots of recipes to try and home projects. But it’s also one of the things I really like about Pinterest. Everything is in one place. Versus a bunch of magazine pages in a pile on my desk. And as I change my mind – which I often do – I can just delete the pin.
@Ouida – Love me some Angry Birds. Ha! I’m still trying to figure out the business side to Pinterest. There are some great examples out there. I’m following a virtual law firm that has been posting professional attire tips, tech gadgets and office décor. Lots of fun to watch.
Marge Pfleiderer says
I find myself overwhelmed with part of my job – being an HR Generalist! I’ve been getting your emails for ages – thanks! – and am just getting started on Twitter as an HR tool. How do you juggle all of the tech aspects?
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Marge. It’s a great question! I’ve always tried to keep in mind that people are engaging with social media all the time. So when I can be a part of it – great. And when I can’t because of other commitments – that’s fine too. It will be there when I come back.
…and I don’t feel guilty about it.
There are lots of shortcuts that can make your time on social media more productive. Hmmm…maybe I should write a post. Thanks for the idea!
Ginger says
Aaaah, Pinterest! I love it for my personal use…I’m not in love with it for business yet. The timing of your post is quite interesting as I JUST created a “SilkRoad Pinterest” yesterday evening. (http://pinterest.com/silkroadtm/) Lots of people have been bringing it up around the office but I don’t see many people actively pinning business-type items…but what can it hurt to give it a try, right?
Sharlyn Lauby says
@Ginger – We will figure it out together. I see lots of infographics on Pinterest. And conference planners are setting up boards with photos of their events – hotel, keynote speakers, things to do, etc. I checked your boards out and they look great!