Social Networking 2.0

I want to write about a very popular yet almost unknown topic, "Social networking".  It is the wave of the future! There are many programs to use for networking on the internet. I am going to share with you the different programs that I use and how I have personally found them useful.

A few years ago my nephew introduced me to a program he was using to socialize online with his friends. He asked me to join, so I did. It was "Myspace". I quickly found many friends and former classmates on the forum. It was a way to reconnect with people that I have not seen or spoken with for many years. I have been out of High School since 1991 so almost 15 years. I was able to catch up with them and share life's stories.  It quickly became a program where other Network Marketers found me.  They would write me and ask to become my friend.  It was a place I could share ideas with them and vice versa.  It was a platform to forge friendships in the business.  Check it out at: http://myspace.com

Then about a year ago, the "Facebook" phenomenon took hold.  Again it was my nephew that invited me to join so that we could stay in contact but quickly it took off! I learned that this program was rich in friends, family, business partners and old classmates that weren't on "Myspace".  I found that there were many groups you could join and the age demographic was much older.  I learned that it was a place that you could socialize but also do business!  This was a much more secure way of networking though because the only way you can add someone is that they know you as a friend, business associate or family member.  It made it a safer program for doing business! Check it out at: http://facebook.com

I was invited by a former co-worker to join a program called "Linkedin".  This program was created on the tech side of things. It is a program specifically for business. Its all about business networking. Its a program that is based on the six degrees of separation. The theory is that you are 6 people away from anyone in the World. I have reconnected with many former co-workers. You set up a business profile and the only way you can connect with someone on the site is to have a connection to them. The connection must introduce you to them. The other way is to know the person from a former or current employer. Its a great way to connect with business people! If you are looking for a job, a career or are ready to start a business then this is the place to go! If you are an employer looking for an employee; you are a SVP looking for your next protege, or simply a business owner looking for partners don't waste another minute! Check it out at:http://linkedin.com

Another great program for networking and more specifically sharing is called Plaxo. This is a program that you can upgrade to the premium and get many additional benefits. When you join the program they ask you to check to see if anyone in your contact list is currently a member. It invites all members to add you as a friend, family member or business associate. One of the parts of the program that I find very useful is the birthday reminders. When you set up your profile you share your birthday. Then all your friends, family and business associates get an email 7 days from your birthday reminding them. Its a great program also for sharing your ideas. This is one program worth adding. You can connect your plaxo account with facebook, twitter and many others! Check it out at: http://plaxo.com

I am learning about even more social networking programs through a new "Networking" site called http://socialmediatrainingnetwork.com Doug Firebaugh an industry trainer is specifically teaching on the different programs available for "social networking" and how best to use them.  It's an excellent forum site and it comes highly recommended!

As I continue to learn about the different programs I will be writing about them.  I will share the good, the bad and the ugly from my prospective!  The key to the use of these different social programs is consistency.  You will want to pick a few and simply get started!  The key to successful networking is simply to have fun!  Get out there and get your hands dirty!

I am looking forward to hearing your success stories!

Onward and Upward

Willy Nelson Jr.