Who has time to network when it’s difficult enough just to keep up with daily demands? Good news: There are now at least two ways you can get together with your peers and talk shop — without ever leaving your desk. All you need is the ability to access the Internet.

There are two main Internet “networks” where people with like interests can seek each other out: LinkedIn and Facebook. You might already be familiar with one or both of these.

Where do you fit in? SPSM (Senior Professional in Supply Management) groups have been set up on both LinkedIn and Facebook.

What’s required of you? You create a profile that outlines your professional accomplishments, so anyone else who has an interest in Purchasing will be able to find you and contact you.

If you haven’t already joined www.LinkedIn.com, you need to go there to sign up. Then:

• Select “groups” from the drop-down menu at the top-right of the screen
• key SPSM into the Search box, then Search
• you should see SPSM — Senior Professional in Supply Management Group
• click on “Join this group” and follow the next instructions

To gain access to your peers through www.Facebook.com, start by keying the address.

• If you haven’t already signed up for Facebook, follow the instructions to do so.
• in the Search area at the top-left of the screen, type in SPSM and hit Enter
• you should see SPSM — Senior Professional in Supply Management Group in the results
• click Join Group and follow the subsequent directions

The group is open to anyone in the profession.

One tip: But if you have earned the official SPSM certification, type it in with your last name: Smith, SPSM. This tells others right off the bat that you’re a certified expert.

In addition to networking with your peers, Facebook offers other features, such as a message board.

The moving force behind establishing an online presence for Purchasing and Supply Management professionals is Next Level Purchasing, an educational/certification business.

Tags: Facebook, LinkedIn, purchasing, Senior Professional in Supply Management, SPSM, supply management