Five years ago this month, the NJCPA launched Connect, a social network specifically for members. A lot has changed in that five years -- the design and structure of Connect, our logo, our acronym (no more "S") -- but one thing hasn't changed. Just like the day it was launched, Connect enables members to "connect" with each other like never before.
In honor of Connect's five-year anniversary, I present to you the "Five Reasons You Should Get to Know NJCPA Connect":
- The Open Forum - If you have a professional or technical question, the Open Forum enables you to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of more than 12,000 subscribed members. In the past five years, 3,700 messages were posted to the Forum, eliciting a whopping 6,300 responses. Keep in mind that's 6,300 responses posted publicly. There were countless other responses sent directly to members who posted questions or comments.
- Content - There have been nearly 26,000 content contributions -- discussion posts/replies, library entries, blogs, etc. -- to Connect since launch. That means that roughly 15 times per day, a member or NJCPA staffer is posting news, updates and insights that help you be great at what you do. Don't think your contributions will get noticed? I can personally attest that there are dozens of members who know my name entirely because of my contributions to the Open Forum and blogging.
- Connections - Nearly 9,000 connection requests have been accepted. LinkedIn may be the world's largest professional network, but Connect is bringing together New Jersey CPAs to make them more productive and successful.
- Community - The NJCPA's committees, interest groups and event attendees are scheduling, talking and sharing. More than 6,000 messages have been posted by members on topics ranging from tax policy to dinner reservations at our annual Convention & Expo.
- Profiles - Everyone has a profile on Connect, pre-populated with contact information, but we encourage members to enhance it with their interests, education and more. Nearly 2,200 members have enhanced their profiles, including about 1,400 who have uploaded profile pictures. Have you enhanced your profile? Help your colleagues get to know you better and get a glimpse of your personality.
Want to know more about Connect? Our in-house guru Rachael Bell conducts regular webinars on how to get the most out of the NJCPA's social network. Or just connect with her.