What Is Social Networking

Social networking is an umbrella term of sorts that wears many hats. The long and short of social networking though can be broken down into the two words that comprise the term and placed in pretty much any online format. We are all fairly well aware of what networking is. We've been doing it since we've realized we wanted to get to know the kids in the other sandbox on the playground. Many careers have been made and lost based solely upon networking decisions. The Internet has opened up more doors than many of us would have ever thought possible for networking within our lifetimes.

Social networking moves beyond barriers that once kept us separate. Social networking isn't hampered by physical location or economic barriers (assuming that people of all means can access the Internet). When it comes to online marketing and operating a business via the Internet social networking is vital to the success of the business. The reason it is becoming so important is simple: exposure. Social networking, in many ways, is viral. The more people you reach out to and network with, the larger the potential pool of people who will want to network with you becomes.

If you are doing business online and wish to expand your contacts, broaden your virtual reach, or simply make friends and connections around the world, then social networking is important to you. It is time to learn about some of the options for social networking that currently exist and put them to work for you.

Facebook. It is believed that more people access facebook on an average day than many prominent search engines. Some people have even gone so far as making facebook their home pages and the first page they view upon logging on to the Internet. Considered more social than networking by many the sheer volume of traffic makes this a good start for business social networking efforts.

Twitter. Growing in popularity Twitter allows mini blog posts that are often used by online marketers to connect with others in their niches or to let “followers” know about important blog posts, articles, special offers, lens updates, etc. This service is also great for simply getting to know one another, letting your hair down, and having a nice conversation...a few short sentences at a time.

Linkedin. This is the more professional of the online social networking offerings. Many people consider this the shirt and tie group. Important connections can and are made via Linkedin on a daily basis. The social interaction at Linkedin is limited to the groups that you can join and there are quite a few groups that not only offer the opportunity to network but also to advance your skills making you more marketable.

Social networking is not one size fits all so be sure to try out several different social networking platforms in order to find the right fit for your business.