What is Social Networking?
Social Networking is a way of communicating online with people you know, new and old. It's a way of putting yourself out there and making yourself known. This can be on a personal or business level.
The social part is exactly what it says on the tin. It gives you time to be social on an instant basis online. It allows you to chat and communicate and generally be sociable.
The networking side of things is similar but rather than just social gossip, networking is a way of increasing business contacts and business avenues that you can explore. Networking has been around for many years, but with the internet, the way we network has changed massively.
How do I join a Social Networking site?
Nearly all sites are based on the same set up plan. You use your email address and choose a password. You then use these for logging in every time. Remember to keep these safe and always log out when you have ended your Social Networking session. If you don't, somebody else could be in full control of what your entire customer or friend list can see and read.
What can I do once I have joined my Social Networking site?
When using these sites for personal use you will be able to create a great personal profile. You will be able to add up to date photos of yourself so contacts can see who you are. After all, there could be about 100 people out there with the same name as you, so people searching for you do not want to search through them all. Your profile is yours to do as you like with, so you can really show people what you are all about. Let your personality shine!
You can post your daily thoughts (status updates) and then friends you are connected with can comment on these updates. This can be just general chit chat, or from experience can start a healthy debate if you have updated something political or in the news.
Within your page you can upload videos and pictures of nights out or of anything important to you including music.
You will be able to private message your contacts, that way you can discuss things without your entire friend list being able to read the conversation. This works very much like an email that's already built into the site.
You can sometimes add applications to your site. You can also plan, send and receive invites to events.
Can I use Social Networking for business?
Absolutely! In business is a great way of promoting and marketing your business online.
Networking in business has changed dramatically over the years. As business people we have always had to network in business, but now due to the internet we are able to network globally allowing your business prospects and growth to hopefully hit an all time high within a faster time scale.
Firstly think about marketing campaigns and come up with a strategy so you know what you want to achieve.
Make your business page professional but with a personal touch, this always works well within business, online or not. It needs to be interesting and informative. If you have a website, use the same branding on your page so all business pages are connected. A great way of building your online brand.
Advertise your products using adverts and banners. Post relevant and current blogs so your customer's interest is kept fresh.
Using Social Networking in business is a great way of diverting traffic (potential customers) to your website; if you can entice them using your page to view your website then this could potentially increase sales and create leads.
You can join groups if you want to concentrate on a niche market so you're targeting a specific audience.
The old ways of promoting your business are long gone. Move over fax machine or letter, the power of Social Networking is here and it is a must in business!
Are Social Networking sites secure?
The answer is yes.All sites should all be secure as you have a username and password. Most sites allow increase your privacy. You can have completely control regarding who sees what on your profile. You could manage your privacy settings regarding every contact if you wish.
Which Social Networking sites should I use?
There are many sites to choose from. Do your homework, search online for the best one that suits your personal or business needs. For business use I would suggest LinkedIn being a must. It's a great way to network with professional business men and women and build business relationships.
Below you will find a brief description of the famous four that you should be considering.
Facebook - Used for both personal and business use. On a personal level you can connect with new friends and reconnect with old. You can share videos, pictures opinions and ideas. On a business level you can create business pages and groups which you can gain enthusiasm and interest by advertising.
Twitter - Used for both personal and business use. On a personal basis you can connect with people you know and don't know personally, or you can just follow them if you find them interesting. On a business level, like Facebook it's a great tool for advertising, promoting and gaining interest in your business.
Linkedin - This is used predominantly for business use and the working professional. It's a way of marketing your products and services to other businesses. It's a way of connecting with people in the same industry as you. Great way to network online!
YouTube - a place where you can find nearly anything. Used for personal and business use. It's a huge video library where you can educate yourself and others on virtually anything you wish. You can watch music videos, or post your own videos. You can literally make a video about anything a post it on YouTube for all to see.
Do not underestimate the power of Social Networking, and if you do not understand it and it benefits to your business then talk to people who do. There are people out there who specialise in this subject; they will be a great asset to your business.
Amanda Stephens
Thank you for reading!
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http://www.makemoney-online.org.uk/
http://www.makingmoneyonlinefromhome.org.uk/
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