A dozen or so days ago I posted a quick article that talked about Google's Friend Connect and issued a bit of a challenge in the form of a drawing to use the new feature. The prize was a $50 gift certificate for the lucky name drawn from a hat (okay, I used a tupperware bowl - sue me.)

The idea behind the promotion was to create a bit of awareness with RecruiterGuy.net readers about the "social connection" tool. With new features and neat widgets being developed by 3rd parties, Friend Connect looks to be an interesting way to not only stay connected to your own choice of networking sites and blogs but to also check out what your friends are connected to as well - and share!

So before I announce the lucky winner I wanted to rave just a bit about how I'm starting to see things develop within my own Friend Connect network as well as share a few solid links for those of you that might still be on the fence or just jumping in to play.

So in a nutshell, Friend Connect enables users to see, invite and interact with other participating users or, through the use of secure APIs (the site's do this, not you) interact with exisiting friends from social sites like LinkedIn, hi5, Plaxo, etc. The beauty of this is that it now turns ANY website into a "social" network - without the hassle of creating new logins, profiles, and the like.

Here's a quick video to watch if you'd like the Google explanation.

The single complaint I've heard thus far is that there aren't enough networks or websites using this application yet. But worry not, dear readers - more are on the way. Check out this new directory of Friend Connect using sites - it's called Friend Connectified - and would seem to be off to a pretty good start.

Of course, if you're "connected" you could always simply take a look at what sites your friends are connected on - and jump right in. After all, each of your friend's profile page shows other sites they are members of as well as following. It's social bookmarking on a whole new level.

The next phase? I think new applications that let us leverage the memberships and listings will be ideal for recruiters. Directory sites such as Friend Connectified are a great way to start watching what niche networks evolve for various channels of talent outside of the major players like LinkedIn and Plaxo.

And speaking of major players - today wouldn't be any fun without announcing who won the $50 gift certificate to Amazon, right?
The big congrats goes out to Mike Shipley - who would seem to be taking advantage of Friend Connect by also being networked on BibleApps.com, Bill Board For The People, Go2Web20 Blog, My Latest Piece, and Qloud! Enjoy the holiday money, Mike - and thanks for connecting!

originally posted here...