Social Networking Debate Part 3

Our social networking debate is still generating a lot of emails and tweets from colleagues. Here are a few more responses:

From Life Coach Mary

I'm loving Facebook...for multiple reasons.  I've scheduled two interviews for my Conversations with the Masters as a result of Social Networking.  Nido Qubein and Dr. Judith Orloff (not little names).

Also...lots of inspiration in seeing what people are up to.  I like seeing who's visible in the coaching and Internet marketing worlds...tons of good info.  Business advice from Adam Urbanski has been instrumental.

I even got some great tips on doing media interviews -- right before I filmed a DVD that I was using to submit for a TV spot.

And, I'm feeling more eager to tap into Blog Squad resources.  Thanks for the interview with Mari Smith.  I was only 4 days old on FB when I was on that call. Now have 618 friends.

The Marketing Mentor, Adam Urbanski, wrote a dissertation about Social Networking - Business Boost or Bust? This post is worth the time to read because Adam is very thoughtful about the pros and cons of using social networks to build your business.

From Executive Coach, Maynard Brusman, Working Resources Blog

I'm with you regarding all of the social media stuff. What are we becoming? You can throw work-life balance out the window!

Internet addictions? Social media addictions?  I have a relative in San Diego who could hardly take the time to talk to me or my wife and kid in-person, but who requested we be friends on FaceBook. A whole new world!

From Rosaline Joffe, Working With Chronic Illness http://WorkingWithChronicIllness.com

I've been trying to build this for a few months and just now made a big push.  It seems silly not to try it but it's also not clear that this kind of relationship building really creates  relationships that sell business.

Related Posts:
Social Networking Debate Continues...
Twitter: there is a point
Social networking is a waste of time...
Social Networking: What Is It and Why Should You Care?
Twitter is sucking me in...

Comments

[EmailMarketingEZ]

Social Networking is an incredibly important part of my life. I use it to drive traffic to several websites. I use it to find "real" work in the "real" world - Craigslist is a Godsend for me. I use Social Networking to communicate with family, friends and customers.

If you don't know why Social Networking is relevant, it would indicate to me that you aren't using it well, or maybe at all.

In my mind, Marketing of any kind could be accurately called Social Networking.

[Al Walker]

Your site has excellent content and information.

I'll be returning often...

Thanks!
Al

[Merlyn Sanchez]

Your article brings up several great points.

Can social media be addictive? Of course! Aren't there video game addicts, TV addicts, internet addicts, not to mention the old traditional standby addictions like food, alcohol, gambling, and drugs?

Can you create relationships that sell business? Yes, No, and maybe. Who's your target audience, are they using Social Media or will they in the forseeable future?

If they're not online then forget it, unless you want to target an additional audience or create a product or service that fits in well.

I see it as a relationship building tool which allows me to get to know and trust prospective JV partners or vendors. I've already signed up for a program which I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't been on Facebook.

Social media marketing is just a tool, it's not a magic bullet.