Starting with this entry, I am adding a new feature called “Best Practices” to my blog. Entries in this category will discuss in a succinct way some of the best business and marketing strategies in the current market. These discussions are meant to help both practitioners learn from others and to offer business educators current examples to use in the classroom. Today, I would like to talk about the Cisco Learning Network.
What is it?
This is a social learning network by Cisco. It allows IT professionals to share professional knowledge, network with others, and learn new professional skills. Read the CCNA blog to get more background information about the network.
Why is it a good idea?
The Cisco Learning Network is a good idea because it creates values for both its customers and Cisco itself in a clever way.
Benefits for customers (i.e., IT professionals):
(1) More targeted social/professional networking than generic sites such as LinkedIn;
(2) An opportunity for self-promotion to peers and to the source (i.e., Cisco);
(3) An opportunity to learn from the source.
Benefits for Cisco:
(1) In a helpful kind of way, Cisco Learning Network builds brand awareness and loyalty among IT professionals, who are Cisco’s target market;
(2) The Network creates an IT talent pool and helps identify influential IT professionals. Cisco can then draw from this talent pool at time of need, which is essential in the relatively tight IT market.