Viadeo launches free private social networks for business and alumni associations

Viadeo, one of the worldís largest business social networks with over one million members across Europe and 750,000 members across China, has today launched free private social networks for business and alumni associations within its worldwide business community. The private co-branded areas or ëCommunity Groupsí will allow business and alumni associations to network with their members with the option to forge contacts with other like-minded people using Viadeoís extensive business social network.

While the private Community Groups will be developed and hosted by Viadeo, the business associations will own, run and co-brand their own private area, as well as setting the rules for membership and participation within the portal. The private Community Group will also have its own exclusive URL for the association.

Business benefits
Association members will be now able to communicate, debate, find information and organise events with other members, old colleagues or friends within their private hubs for the first time. A range of networking tools, such as blogs, forums, mailshots, and RSS will be available to facilitate fast and easy communication within the Community Group. The Community Groups will also benefit from chat and VoIP services due to the imminent integration of Jabber in the Viadeo network.

Additionally, business and alumni associations will now have a direct and efficient communication tool with their members, by issuing newsletters, personalised or group emails, information about events, job adverts and offers for members through the Community Groups. Moreover, business and alumni associations will be able to attract new members by promoting their activities through Viadeoís extensive social network.

ìBusiness associations and alumni groups may struggle to keep in touch with their members, as people change their jobs and re-locate around the world,î says Peter Cunningham, UK Country Manager, Viadeo. ìHowever, now business and alumni associations can run their own dynamic and interactive communities using Viadeoís Community Groups. By creating their own private areas on Viadeo, it is now possible for business and alumni associations to promote their brand to members and other like-minded business people all over the world.î

If you would like further information from Viadeoís UK Country Manager, Peter Cunningham, please contact Jodie Simpson or Annabel Kirk on 44 (0) 20 7592 1200.