Finding Fellow CAD Managers with Social Media

CAD Manager's Toolbox: Social networking sites can help you connect with your peers.

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, but there are useful resources on these sites that CAD managers can use to correspond and collaborate with their peers through electronic chats, online comments, or even personal communication via e-mail. Social networking sites enable you to find other CAD managers that have the same problems you do so information can be shared.  Here are a couple of resources you might want to check out, depending on which sites you belong to (sorry, but I don't do Twitter).

LinkedIn

Create your profile (if you don't have one already), then use key phrases like 2D, 3D, and "CAD Manager" to search for groups of interest. Sort through the results to find other users who have the same kinds of issues you do; then you can send requests for connections to these users to build your network.

I've particularly enjoyed the "2D and/or 3D Top CAD Experts" group, which includes a very diverse selection of CAD users running all sorts of design software.

Facebook

Try these groups for Autodesk and Bentley software users:

AUGI (Autodesk User Group International)

Bentley Systems 

For other software titles, simply search for the company and/or product name; you'll be surprised how many companies have a presence on Facebook.

You can now join the groups and receive updates about any group activities each time you log into Facebook.


Do you have a helpful tip or item for the CAD Manager's Newsletter? Send it to me at rgreen@cad-manager.com. If I use your tip in the newsletter you'll receive a cool Cadalyst prize!

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