Dig Deeper: Do You Need a Social Media Policy?
Resources
To learn more about using social networking sites:
• The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success, by Lon Safko and David Brake, is a great guide for business owners and executives who want to use the power of social media to grow their companies. Visit the website, TheSocialMediaBible.com, to connect with other professionals looking to do the same.
• Megan Erickson's blog, Erickson's Blog on Social Networking and the Law, posts up-to-date news on legal issues surrounding social media sites.
• Mashable is a great resource for news, advice, and jobs concerning all things social media.
• John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing – The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide, also runs a marketing blog for small businesses called Duct Tape Marketing. Check out what he says about the 7 Truths of Social Media Marketing.
Some sites to consider joining for social networking:
• Facebook: The most popular social networking site, it allows you keep up with friends, colleagues, and classmates and features a stream-lined, easy-to-use interface.
• MySpace: Geared toward the younger crowd, this interactive site lets you connect with friends and tweak your profile with extras like themes and music playlists.
• LinkedIn: This site is strictly professional, and for good reason. You can keep up with colleagues, find employees, and network with others in your field.
• Bebo: Another primarily social site for friends that allows users to express themselves through media and interactive environments.
• FastPitch: This professional site serves as a great platform for growing companies to market themselves, allowing you to post events, press, and submit keywords to increase your profile's SEO strength.
• Friendster: A social networking site for friends that promotes connections between international users and also boasts "Fan Profiles" similar to Facebook's.
• I-Meet : A professional site where you can establish valuable contacts and potentially save money on event planning.
