Ray’s Web 2.0 Business Minitests: Doostang.com
November 17, 2006 |
A few years ago, people at the MIT and Staford Universities had a good idea: why not create a network so that we can use the internet to help former university members in obtaining good positions with companies or organizations.
I like the MIT and its approach towards sharing knowledge online. Most of their courses and content can be found on their website and you can join their online lectures for free! Doostang shares the same ideals because there is no membership fee and if you want to publish a job, you can do so for free also. No one will be watching you if you directly share your email or phone address on Doostang, because they don’t have a commercial goal with the network.
So I like it, I wish they would open up for everyone to see how it works. They are not a market leader now, LinkedIn is. But I have a feeling Doostang should be because they have a simpler system and don’t have to first obtain a huge number of connections before you can contact someone. Once you are invited and you are in, you can see every job-posting, make job-postings for free, upload your standard resume and contact everyone for free.
There also is a bad side I must say: the contact management. I once made the mistake to invite a bulk of people to Doostang which contained a few people whom after closer consideration, I didn’t want to invite and I just could not make it stop. Even after I had deleted my profile, people were getting re-posted invitations! Horrible, horrible… and potential dangerous for your business.
So my advice is: get on there, use the system, but be very very selective who you want to invite…
SummaryThe Doostang free system is one of the best web 2.0 job portals. I have added a hyperlink for you to find out for yourself. Be careful who you invite, you don’t need a huge network here. Sadly it is a bit too much oriented towards the USA.
| Key-web 2.0 factor | Points (1-10) | Remarks |
| 1) Manage and view profile |
8 |
Good easy upload of resume, good interface |
| 2) Manage contacts |
6 |
Import / export of contact databases possible, be carefull |
| 3) Communication options |
6 |
Email only no IM, but you can name IM/ Skype |
| 4) Effective business use |
6 |
Find new jobs or search for people, US oriented |
| 5) Growing potential |
7 |
Upgrade, integrate services, help the recruitment business of your members |
| 6) Money making potential |
7 |
Maybe it should stay as it is… but charge for ads |
| Total |
40 |
Verdict: simple, free, good but limited scope |
Got any ideas for tests or do you want strategic / consulting advise? Have a look at my profile Regards, Ray
