Social Networking and Business:

Social Networking sites were initially embraced by today’s youth and grew and continue to grow at exceptional rates. However, businesses, educators and other organizations are realizing that social networking sites are a means to interact, market and connect with others in real time. While traditional media remains popular, online social media may move to the forefront as the trend continues to grow and various methods are used to cultivate this phenomenon. For example, Twitter is used by some as a means to connect with colleagues and vendors while attending conferences. Facebook is used by many to market themselves or by companies marketing their particular products. As much as social networking is enabling businesses and individuals, so are social networking sites causing new ethical dilemmas. For example, companies need to be concerned that employees using social networking sites during work or from the office are not interfering with or revealing company business. As social networking sites continue to gain popularity among all ages, the way in which they are utilize also will continue to change and expand. Businesses are now considering the potential benefits of participating in on line discussion groups and how to incorporate social networks into their business strategy. As Facebook and MySpace turned into social sites that are now appearing attractive to all age groups globally, businesses can evaluate and be creative as to how online social tools can enhance their organization (Barlas, (2009). Various types of social networking sites will remain popular while others will fade out. However, the concept of individuals or groups communicating, people searching for former friends and colleagues and the ability to meet others and attract attention online anywhere in the world is a phenomenon that is here to stay.


Social Networking Sites in the Business Environment

While there are many popular social networking sites, there are handfuls that appear to be the most popular. The top three sites are MySpace, Facebook and YouTube (Barlas, 2009). Currently Twitter a microblogging site seems to be the latest craze among social network fanatics. Linkedin is another popular site, especially among professionals who are looking to network with others in the same field. Wikipedia is popular as it allows users to create the content on the site. The power of social networking should not be ignored by businesses. Some of the advantages are in the advertising and marketing, linking businesses or business units, job searches and recruiting, and the ability to cultivate new ideas (Barlas, 2009). One of the most potential benefits is the ability to network with others outside of your company and find information or solutions prevalent to your company or product. However, there are several challenges that social networking sites present to organizations. For example, social sites open up the opportunity for competitors to promote a negative image of a company. Under this circumstance the ability to down play a negative image can be difficult and costly. Employers will also have the decision as to how they will monitor the activities of their employees on social networking sites during working hours. Finally there is the issue of copyright infringement as social networking sites seem to attract this type of behavior. (Barlas, 2009). Although there are potential benefits for companies who use social networking within their corporate environment, companies need to be aware of potential problems that may present themselves. Companies and educators are already using social networking to their advantage, while others are finding the cons of social networking. Twitter is popular now and appears to be gaining popular in the business and education sector.

Social Networking Sites to Boost Business

Social media marketing is a fast-growing innovation, tapping into the rising influence of user-generated communities such as blogs, wikis, networking, and bookmarking sites.

By joining these active communities, you can build relationships and promote your products and/or expertise.
Generally, online social networks attract members who bond over shared interests and opinions. That creates a clubby and trusted group of virtually connected friends or associates. So when a member or blogger recommends your product, commends your service, or endorses your comments, it results in powerful "word of mouse" referrals.
Alternatively, if you make the effort, you can develop your own following on social media sites as an opinion-maker, authority, adviser, industry analyst, or wry observer.
As a result of getting noticed in all the right places, you can generate leads and convert those leads into sales.

Here are some proven ways to start stirring the pot.
1. Contribute to a community whose members mirror your customers. By checking into the comments, forums, and profiles of a community, you can determine member interests, locations, and a rough sense of demographics. Once you've identified a community that matches your preferred customer,

there are a number of ways to get noticed.

2. Become a commentator on a well-trafficked blog in your industry or field. Don't ignore the blogosphere.Get familiar with a few blogs compatible with your business. A good start is a search on Technorati as well as visits to your industry or professional associations and trade journals to see what they serve up. Make sure you're up-to-speed on the blog's tone, issues, and attitudes before you chime in. When you start generating reactions, you'll know you're hitting nerves.

3. Create a viral video campaign. Online videos are now cheap and easy to create and upload, notes search engine marketing consultant Susan Gilbert at JoomlaJump.com.
Produce a video of two to three minutes that dramatizes or explains your online site or your market niche and yourself. Then upload the video to MSN, YouTube, or other video communities to drive traffic to your Web site, Gilbert says.
If you link the videos to community pages on social bookmarking sites, you create a little network that search engines will find. Next thing you know, you're getting referred traffic and, potentially, more customers.

4. Join a professional networking site.
These can be hit or miss, depending on what you market and how you work the community. For professional services such as PR and consulting, it can generate leads. Check out examples such as LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Facebook, and Biltmore Who's Who. Then branch out to others.

5. Launch a blog.
This is the most obvious idea, and, no question, online templates now make it easy to create a blog. Run a search and you'll find options. What's hard is to gain traction and keep posting lively content (with a link to your company site, of course). See these tips for starting a blog.

6. Become a dedicated gamer. Game for this? Depending on your wares and customer profile, engaging in the multi-user online gaming community can be a rewarding way to draw traffic and viral referrals, says Marian Sabety, at Wyndstorm, a social network technology marketer.
One of the largest is World of Warcraft, but new ones pop up frequently.
Unless you are already pulling lots of traffic, first gain experience with some of the above tactics before starting a blog. Once you have the hang of it, you'll know more about leveraging the power of a personal blog.
Finally, remember to add value rather than to merely advertise your product. To make social media marketing work, you must enjoy being part of the community.