Help on Connexions

Rediff Connexions - Help

        What is Rediff Connexions?
        Rediff Connexions is a Business networking service that let's you
        do just about anything!

Expand your business, find a better job, find customers for your products or simply make more Connexions

Connect with people in a safe and secure way through the people you know and trust

Meet long lost friends on Connexions who could be existing members

Create and join groups based on your needs and interests.

        Why should I join Rediff Connexions? How can Rediff
          Connexions help me in my business or professional life?
        When you join Rediff Connexions the possibilities of what you can
        do are endless.
        You can:

Expand your business, find a better job, find people who can work for you or with you, find customers for your products and services or simply make more Connexions.

Offer your knowledge and expertise others can benefit from, sell products and services, and find people who can spread your business or just reconnect with old friends.

Increase your business contacts, offer to connect others through your contacts or find new ways to do business.

        How do I get people to interact with me on Connexions?
        Here are some of the things you could do to get more
        Connexions:

Join Rediff Connexions and introduce yourself by sharing relevant information on what you do and what kind of connexions you are looking for (refer to section on creating profiles)

Upload your photograph to give a more personal feel to your page (refer to section on creating profiles)

Add as many personal and professional details as possible (refer to section on creating profiles)

Invite as many friends as you can to join Rediff Connexions and when they join in they will be added to your Friend Lists thereby expanding your personal network (refer to section on inviting friends)

Tell people what kind of connexions you are looking for in your contact settings (refer to section on contacting members)

How do I sign up for Connexions?

Signing up for Rediff Connexions is simple! All you need to do is to introduce yourself as part of the Join Connexions process.

Click on the Join Connexions link on the Rediff Connexions homepage to reach the sign up page.

If you have a Rediffmail account, use your Rediffmail id and password to join. Else, click on the new user link.

Share as much accurate information as possible about yourself. It will help those you are looking for and those looking for you know more about you.

Click on Make the Connexion.

You will be sent a link to your email id (that you used during sign up), click on the link to activate your account and start connecting.

Where do I view my profile?

Click on the profile tab.

Your profile page gives you a summary of your professional and personal details.

You will also find details on your friend's list, groups you've joined etc.

How do I add/ update my photo?

Go to your Profile page and click on Edit photo link on the left section of your page.

Add your photograph by uploading one or replacing it with the latest one.

How do I edit or create my profile?

Click on the profile tab and then click on edit personal profile, professional profile or more about me depending on which section you want to update.

It is recommended that you share as much information as possible. Its helps others know you better and helps you find relevant contacts.

        How is my personal information used? How is my privacy
          protected?
        As a member of Rediff Connexions you control your network

At Rediff Connexions you can decline any request for contact that you think is inappropriate.

You can delete any of your contacts at any time.

You can add, update or delete your profile information at any time.

You can leave or delete groups at any point in time.

As part of our privacy policy and Terms of service:

Rediff Connexions will not sell, rent or lend your personal information to third-party companies without your consent.

Rediff Connexions will not send emails to your contacts nor give their information to third parties without your consent.

By accepting the Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use in registration, you expressly consent to our use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy is effective upon acceptance through the act of registration.

        How do I sign out of my account?

        When you think you would not be interacting with other members
        on Rediff Connexions for a few hours you could log out by clicking
        on the Sign out button. This would end your active session.

        How can I close my Rediff Connexions Account?

        While we would be sorry if you choose to leave, if for some
        reason you need to close your Rediff Connexions Account send us         a mail at customersupport@rediffconnexions.com with a reason
        for wishing to close your account.

How do I invite friends?
You have several options for inviting friends:

You could send invites to friends by typing their email addresses.

You could invite friends the smart and easy way by downloading contacts from your existing address books.

Rediffmail users who have signed up with their Rediffmail accounts can access their Rediffmail address book by clicking on friends' names from the displayed list, writing a message and sending a personal message.

As part of the joining process

On confirmation of your email id, you can invite your friends and contacts to join your personal network.

Choose either ones of the above options or invite as many friends as you can. Remember the more friends you invite, the larger your network.

As a member of Rediff Connexions

Click on the Invite tab to go to the Invite friends page.

If you choose to download contacts from your address books, select the address books viz- Outlook Express, Hotmail etc. and import your contacts.

Select the friends you want to invite and write your message.

Whom should I invite to join my network?

To build your network and speed up your way to success you should invite as many friends you can.

Since your network is based on trust you should invite only those you trust and believe will help you get connected to many others.

How do I import contacts from multiple accounts into Rediff
Connexions?

To invite friends the smart and easy way import contacts from your existing address books.

Click on the Invite tab to go to the Invite friends' page, select the address books viz- Outlook Express, Hotmail etc. from where you want to import your contacts.

Select as many friends as you want to invite and write your personal message.

How do I accept an invitation?

Go to Messages tab and view your received messages.

View the invitations and click on the Accept if you want to make the Connexion or Decline if you do not wish to build the Connexion.

Who can see my profile on Rediff Connexions?

Anyone on your network can see your profile by browsing their network (refer to question on Viewing my network)

Additionally, your profile will be shown up in search results if your profile matches the search criteria of any user

        Who can see my profile on Rediff Connexions?

        To remove someone from your Friend's list just send a mail to
        customersupport@rediffconnexions.com requesting for the same

How do I find the people I am looking for?

Rediff Connexions provides you with two-search options - keyword and advanced search.

Keyword or basic search allows you find any person you are looking for by typing in a keyword i.e. designation, name, company, professional skills or industry or any other word. You can find the keyword search bar at the top right of your Connexions pages.

Advanced search provides detailed options and helps you find people based on very specific information i.e designation, name, company, professional skills and industry. Use this option if you have a very specific search requirement.

How do I search for friends already on Rediff Connexions?

Click on advanced search link, which is located below the keyword search bar on the top right hand of your Connexion pages.

Key in the first and last name as well as any other details you know about the person you are looking for and view the results.

You could also send invites to your friends, if they are already on Connexions, you will be notified and an automated message will be sent to them on your behalf expressing an interest in being added as a friend.

If you chance upon a profile which is of a known friend, you could also invite that friend by clicking on the Add as friend link located below your friends photo area.

How do I save my searches for future reference?

Use either keyword or advanced search.

When the results are displayed, click on the Save this search link at the top right of the Search results page.

Key in a name for your search that will serve as an easy reference.

Save the search.

When you next need to access these results, click on the saved search link which is located below the keyword search bar on the top right hand of your Connexions pages for easy access to updated results.

How do I see who all are on my Connexions Network?

Click on the Network tab and view your personal network.

View lists of your friends (directly connected to you), friends of friends (connected to you through your friends) and everyone on your network (connected to you through your friends of friends)

You can also view newest friends and newest friends of friends and newest members (they may or may not be connected to you)

You can also view members who you may wish to connect with, who are from your industry or your country.

Who can see my profile on Rediff Connexions?

Anyone on your network can see your profile by browsing their network (refer to question on Viewing my network)

Additionally, your profile will be shown up in search results if your profile matches the search criteria of any user

        What is Connexions Alert? How can I make the most of it?
        Connexions Alert is a tool that keeps track of the kind of
        connexions you would be interested in and mails it to you so that
        you never miss out on making the right
        connexions!

To use Connexions Alert you need to specify the kinds of connexions you are looking for

Click on the Profile tab and click on the Contact Settings link.

Key in the diverse categories of people you would like to connect to currently or later.

Type in as many search words i.e ('organisation name', 'person's name', 'professional skills', 'designations')

Every time we find the Connexion you are looking for, we will post a message to your Inbox!

How do I find members I wish to contact on Rediff
Connexions?

You can find members either through search (refer to section on Searching for Connexions) or by browsing your network (refer to section n Viewing my network)

Click on the profile you think you might like to contact

You can view how you are connected to the person you wish to contact in the top right hand box of the person's page

If you would like to go ahead and make contact, click on Contact 'the person's name' to connect to the person

Based on the type of connexions the person is open to, you will be able to make a direct contact or contact through friends (refer to questions on Who is a Direct contact and Who is a Referral contact)

In case both options are available, we recommend you choose contact through friends as it gives you credibility and gets you a faster response.

        How do I contact other members who are not on my
          network but who I want to connect with?
        You can contact other members in two ways

You can make a Direct Contact, provided the person you wish to connect with is open to receiving such contacts (refer to question on Who is a Direct contact)

You can make contact Through Friends, where a friend in your network can refer you and help you make the connection (refer to question on Who is a Referral contact). Where this option is available, we recommend you choose contact through friends as it gives you credibility and gets you a faster response

        Who is a Direct Contact?
        A direct Contact is someone outside your network, whom you
        wish to contact or who wishes to contact you without having a
        friend who can refer her/ him.

        How do I make a Direct Contact?

Go to the profile page of the person you wish to contact and click on Contact 'that person's name'

If the person you want to contact is open to direct contact, you will see the Direct Contact option

A message that will go out to the person is visible, click on send message to make direct contact

        Who is a Referral Contact?
        A Referral Contact is someone whom you contact or who
        contacts you through your trusted friends and contacts.
        It's a safer and much more reliable way of making new
        contacts and building your Connexions.

        Why is it better to make contacts through friends?

When you make contacts through friends you establish your credibility and are more likely to get a quick and prompt response.

However you need your friends to forward your request to the next set of friends along the connexion path

A message that will go out to the person is visible, click on send message to make direct contact

How do I make a contact Through Friends?

Go to the profile page of the person you wish to contact and click on Contact 'that person's name'

If there exists a connexion path between you and that user, you will see the contact Through Friends option

You will see the path along which your message will get forwarded. If there is more than one friend who can refer you, select the friend you think is most likely to forward your request and click on write message

Write a message to the person you want to contact

To help your friend decide whether to forward your request, write a message to your friend as well

How do I forward a request?

The purpose of Rediff Connexions is to help you expand your connexions and help others expand theirs.

As part of a network, you could receive a request from one of your friends who is trying to contact someone else in your network and needs your assistance to forward a request.

To facilitate the connexion, Click on the Messages tab and view your Received Messages

Click on Referral requests

View the request and the reason for contact and decide if you want to forward the request

Add your own personal message and forward it to the next person in the Connexion path.

        How do I send personal messages to other members on
          Connexions?

You can send personal message to all friends who are directly connected to you

Click on the Messages tab and click on write a message to send messages to those who are already your friends.

Write a personal message and send it to your friend.

        Where do I receive messages sent to me by other
          members?

Click on the Messages tab and view Received messages.

You can receive several types of messages

Invitations to be added as a friend

Direct Contact requests from someone seeking to make a direct contact with you

Referral Requests from someone seeking to contact yoests to someone you are seeking to contact through friends, or requests from your friends that you have forwarded on their behalf

How can I limit the number and types of incoming requests?

You can choose what kind of connexions you would like and limit your network to only friends you trust

Set the type of Connexions you are open to by clicking on the profile tab and click on Contact Settings link, select the options you are comfortable with

You can also decline invitations for joining or contact of those members you do not want as part of your network

        What is Groups?
        Groups is the fun way to nurture your interests by creating
        interest groups and interacting with those who share similar
        ideas.

        What can I do on Groups?

Join as many groups as you want or start your own groups.

Invite your friends who have similar interests.

Set up events when all can meet up online or offline.

Use the message board to share thoughts and ideas.

Make new contacts. Expand your interests.

How do I create groups on Rediff Connexions?

Click on the groups tab and browse through the available categories

Select the category you want to place your group under

Provide a name and description and maybe even a photo that best reflects your group

Invite your friends to join your group

Every time we find the Connexion you are looking for, we will post a message to your Inbox!

        What is a public group?
        A group, which is open to all, is a public group. Typically the
        owner of the group encourages as many people as interested to
        join and share views.

        What is a moderated group?
        A group where approval is required from the owner (moderator) of         the group. You can join a moderated group but your membership
        has to be approved by the moderator.

        Can I decide who can join my group?

Yes if you are the creator of the group, you can decide to restrict membership to only those people you think should be members.

To restrict membership, set the membership option to moderated as part of the Create Groups process, so that you get to approve members who want to join.

How do I join an existing group on Rediff Connexions?

Click on the groups tab and browse through the available categories

Browse various groups or search for a group you would be interested in joining

Click on Join group

        How many groups can I join or create?
        You can join or create as many groups as you wish and think can
        handle.

        How do I invite friends to join groups?
        You can invite friends in two ways:

If the persons you wish to invite are already on Rediff Connexions, click on Invite to Group on their profile page.

If the persons you wish to invite are not members of Rediff Connexions, click on Invite to Group tab on your group's pages and send a personal invite. Your friends will need to sign up for Rediff Connexions before they can join your group.

How do I post a message?

To post a message to a group, you need to be a member of that group.

If you are a member of the group to which you wish to post a message, click on the post message link on the left.

Type in a subject and your message and click on post message.

You can view the message you posted under the view messages link

If your group is moderated, then you will only be able to view messages posted by you, after they have been approved by the moderator of the group.

How do I view posted messages?

To view posts select the group whose posts you wish to view.

Click on the view posts link on the left.

How do I restrict the kind of messages that can be posted to my group?

If you are the creator of the group, you can decide to restrict what kind of messages can be posted to your group.

To restrict the kind of messages that can be posted, set the message option to moderated as part of the Create Groups process, so that you get to approve posts of all messages.

How do I create event?

If you are the creator of the group, you can create events to inform other members of the online or offline events that are happening.

        How do I view events?
        You can view events by clicking on the View events link to the
        left of your group page.

        How do I leave a group I joined?

You can leave a group that you have joined at any point in time.

Click on leave group link to the left

How much does Rediff Connexions cost?

Rediff Connexions during the Beta period is absolutely free! You can use all the features. We encourage you to try all of them and send us feedback on feedback@rediffconnexions.com

After the beta period, some additional advanced features may be made available to subscribers only. However, we will inform you in advance of the kind of features and the membership options so you get to decide how to best use Rediff Connexions.

If I sign up for Rediff Connexions now, will I be charged in
the future?

All members who have signed up during the Beta period will be able to use the existing features for free. This includes joining, inviting friends, searching for connexions, contacting members and creating/ joining groups.

When we decide to introduce advanced features available for Subscription, we will inform you in advance of the kind of features and the membership options so you get to decide how to best use Rediff Connexions.

What browsers does Rediff Connexions website
support?

Rediff Connexions supports all modern browsers, including Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, Netscape 6.0 and higher, Mozilla, Opera, and Safari.

I have more questions on Rediff Connexions

If you have any more questions you could mail us at feedback@rediffconnexions.com

We would love to hear from you and commit to get back to you at the earliest (usually 24 hours, but sometimes we get flooded!

I could not find an answer to my query on Rediff
Connexions

If you have a question we didn't answer in the FAQs you could mail us at feedback@rediffconnexions.com
We would love to hear from you and commit to get back to you at the earliest (usually 24 hours, but sometimes we get flooded!

I have a suggestion to improve Rediff Connexions

We love feedback and suggestions and welcome them from our users

We want to hear from you so send us your suggestions at feedback@rediffconnexions.com We promise to check all suggestions and see how best we can integrate them into our service, so that you can enjoy Rediff Connexions the way you like it