Archive for the ‘social networking’ Category

Social Networking Wars

Global Markets in Social Networking

Social networking has seen a dramatic increase in users over the past year.  To add to that, the number of social networking sites increase monthly as newer and improved versions of old sites emerge.  The reality is that social networking is a global phenomenon that will be here to stay – it’s not just another fad.  Social networks just keep growing and growing.  as a result, internet marketers and online businesses are adapting to incorporate these sites into their marketing plans as many more people are headed to the internet in the near future.

On the internet, current business practices and marketing techniques have primarily remained localized within a geographic region.  With the onset of social networking, the number of people reached will expand to encompass global audiences that previously, were not reached.  We’ve always thought of the internet being global, but it wasn’t really organized that way.  Social networks essentially have the power to break the walls between continents and may actually be paving a road for an international marketplace.

We’re still seeing a geographic separation within the social networks.  MySpace and Facebook are popular in North america, Orkut in Latin america, bebo in Europe and Friendster in asia.  What’s interesting is that while there is separation, all of the sites mentioned have users in the other geographic locations as well.  as businesses bring their products and services into the social market place, you’ll see an international market emerge.  Yahoo’s real estate groups are already on this bandwagon.  International property listings and new developments are already posted in one place.  Now, if only the Realtors had an organized way to formalize internet sales, they might just see some profit come out of this.

Can this be a bridge to create a global marketing base?  You bet it can!  Companies like Sonific are already tapping into the global market through social networking.  They expect that the number of social network users will triple in the next two years and are preparing to capitalize on that surge of customers of the music industry.

How can you prepare to take advantage of the mainstream international marketplace being created? 

1.    Start building a loyal audience now.

2.    be willing to be creative and reach out to a growing consumer base.

3.    be flexible to the changes that are occurring right in social networks now.

4.    Master how to blend into the social network and gain credibility.

Social networking is setting up a global platform for internet marketing.  We always knew the internet was global but had no formal way of organizing it as a marketing platform.  The closest we came to in having a global market was ebay.  Get ready for the next wave of internet users.

So how do you capitalize on the international communities? [I'm glad you asked!] Call a social media expert…

Photo credit: Roberto D'angelo

Global Markets in Social Networking

Social networking has seen a dramatic increase in users over the past year.  To add to that, the number of social networking sites increase monthly as newer and improved versions of old sites emerge.  The reality is that social networking is a global phenomenon that will be here to stay – it’s not just another fad.  Social networks just keep growing and growing.  as a result, internet marketers and online businesses are adapting to incorporate these sites into their marketing plans as many more people are headed to the internet in the near future.

On the internet, current business practices and marketing techniques have primarily remained localized within a geographic region.  With the onset of social networking, the number of people reached will expand to encompass global audiences that previously, were not reached.  We’ve always thought of the internet being global, but it wasn’t really organized that way.  Social networks essentially have the power to break the walls between continents and may actually be paving a road for an international marketplace.

We’re still seeing a geographic separation within the social networks.  MySpace and Facebook are popular in North america, Orkut in Latin america, bebo in Europe and Friendster in asia.  What’s interesting is that while there is separation, all of the sites mentioned have users in the other geographic locations as well.  as businesses bring their products and services into the social market place, you’ll see an international market emerge.  Yahoo’s real estate groups are already on this bandwagon.  International property listings and new developments are already posted in one place.  Now, if only the Realtors had an organized way to formalize internet sales, they might just see some profit come out of this.

Can this be a bridge to create a global marketing base?  You bet it can!  Companies like Sonific are already tapping into the global market through social networking.  They expect that the number of social network users will triple in the next two years and are preparing to capitalize on that surge of customers of the music industry.

How can you prepare to take advantage of the mainstream international marketplace being created? 

1.    Start building a loyal audience now.

2.    be willing to be creative and reach out to a growing consumer base.

3.    be flexible to the changes that are occurring right in social networks now.

4.    Master how to blend into the social network and gain credibility.

Social networking is setting up a global platform for internet marketing.  We always knew the internet was global but had no formal way of organizing it as a marketing platform.  The closest we came to in having a global market was ebay.  Get ready for the next wave of internet users.

So how do you capitalize on the international communities? [I'm glad you asked!] Call a social media expert…

Photo credit: Roberto D’angelo

Social Networking for Congressional Campaigns

College students are always scouring the many profiles on such places like Facebook and My Space.  These social networking sites have also become home to many who are running a congressional campaign.  These new forms of social media are proving to be more and more popular when it comes to political candidates.   a congressional campaign can reach more of the young voters with the social media platforms on the Internet than anywhere else.

a trend has been noticed by the congressional campaign managers.  People are starting to get involved.  They are showing up for more planned events than in the past.  The candidates are becoming more popular with the younger voters.  The voters are becoming involved in the policies affecting the nation.  There was a time when people were scratching their heads wondering how to reach the college sector of the voters.  Now it has become the going trend to have the full support of more and more college students.

Young people between the ages of 18 to 24 always have presented a problem for congressional campaigns.  The candidates never quite knew how to reach the younger sector.  They knew a large percentage of the constituents in this age range were not even registered to vote.  This has started to change dramatically.

Not only are the college kids registering to vote, they are becoming more actively involved in the congressional campaigns.  attending rallies and benefits, showing up for debates, and other social events has become popular.  The college students are helping with the congressional campaigns, as well.

With the information a candidate lists on his or her profile, the voters can get to know another side of the congressional campaign.  These young people can formulate opinions of the candidates from see what they are interested in.  One of the popular social networking sites lets members list what they are into, what television programs they watch, what music they listen to, and other personal trivia.  Young people who are interested in the same things can find a common ground.  This makes the candidates more popular.  It brings them down to a level the normal college student can relate with. 

Congressional campaign managers are finding the polls reflecting this popularity. The candidates utilizing the social media sites on the Internet are ranking higher in public support than those who are using the traditional forms of congressional campaign strategies. This has become a more grass roots campaign format, with positive results.

The congressional campaign using these social networking sites are finding the benefits amazing.  Donations are coming from these new sources.  Free advertising is being generated due to the ability to use RSS feeds to place the candidates blogs on other web sites.  banners and videos can be shared among the users.  The members can even place these videos on their own personal web spaces to show their support of the candidates who have congressional campaigns.  Social media formats in politics is becoming more and more popular.  The congressional campaigns are reaching new voters, younger voters, and more active voters.  The Internet has opened the doors to a whole new level of congressional campaigning.

Social Networking for Congressional Campaigns

College students are always scouring the many profiles on such places like Facebook and My Space.  These social networking sites have also become home to many who are running a congressional campaign.  These new forms of social media are proving to be more and more popular when it comes to political candidates.   a congressional campaign can reach more of the young voters with the social media platforms on the Internet than anywhere else.

a trend has been noticed by the congressional campaign managers.  People are starting to get involved.  They are showing up for more planned events than in the past.  The candidates are becoming more popular with the younger voters.  The voters are becoming involved in the policies affecting the nation.  There was a time when people were scratching their heads wondering how to reach the college sector of the voters.  Now it has become the going trend to have the full support of more and more college students.

Young people between the ages of 18 to 24 always have presented a problem for congressional campaigns.  The candidates never quite knew how to reach the younger sector.  They knew a large percentage of the constituents in this age range were not even registered to vote.  This has started to change dramatically.

Not only are the college kids registering to vote, they are becoming more actively involved in the congressional campaigns.  attending rallies and benefits, showing up for debates, and other social events has become popular.  The college students are helping with the congressional campaigns, as well.

With the information a candidate lists on his or her profile, the voters can get to know another side of the congressional campaign.  These young people can formulate opinions of the candidates from see what they are interested in.  One of the popular social networking sites lets members list what they are into, what television programs they watch, what music they listen to, and other personal trivia.  Young people who are interested in the same things can find a common ground.  This makes the candidates more popular.  It brings them down to a level the normal college student can relate with. 

Congressional campaign managers are finding the polls reflecting this popularity. The candidates utilizing the social media sites on the Internet are ranking higher in public support than those who are using the traditional forms of congressional campaign strategies. This has become a more grass roots campaign format, with positive results.

The congressional campaign using these social networking sites are finding the benefits amazing.  Donations are coming from these new sources.  Free advertising is being generated due to the ability to use RSS feeds to place the candidates blogs on other web sites.  banners and videos can be shared among the users.  The members can even place these videos on their own personal web spaces to show their support of the candidates who have congressional campaigns.  Social media formats in politics is becoming more and more popular.  The congressional campaigns are reaching new voters, younger voters, and more active voters.  The Internet has opened the doors to a whole new level of congressional campaigning.

Global Markets in Social Networking

Social networking has seen a dramatic increase in users over the past year.  To add to that, the number of social networking sites increase monthly as newer and improved versions of old sites emerge.  The reality is that social networking is a global phenomenon that will be here to stay – it’s not just another fad.  Social networks just keep growing and growing.  as a result, internet marketers and online businesses are adapting to incorporate these sites into their marketing plans as many more people are headed to the internet in the near future.

On the internet, current business practices and marketing techniques have primarily remained localized within a geographic region.  With the onset of social networking, the number of people reached will expand to encompass global audiences that previously, were not reached.  We’ve always thought of the internet being global, but it wasn’t really organized that way.  Social networks essentially have the power to break the walls between continents and may actually be paving a road for an international marketplace.

We’re still seeing a geographic separation within the social networks.  MySpace, LinkedIn, Plaxo Pulse, and Facebook are popular in North america, Orkut in Latin america, bebo in Europe and Friendster in asia.  What’s interesting is that while there is separation, all of the sites mentioned have users in the other geographic locations as well.  as businesses bring their products and services into the social market place, you’ll see an international market emerge.  Yahoo’s real estate groups are already on this bandwagon.  International property listings and new developments are already posted in one place.  Now, if only the realtors had an organized way to formalize internet sales, they might just see some profit come out of this.

Can this be a bridge to create a global marketing base?  You bet it can!  Companies like Sonific are already tapping into the global market through social networking.  They expect that the number of social network users will triple in the next two years and are preparing to capitalize on that surge of customers of the music industry.

How can you prepare to take advantage of the mainstream international marketplace being created? 

Start building a loyal audience now.

be willing to be creative and reach out to a growing consumer base.

be flexible to the changes that are occurring right in social networks.

Photo credit: Ellyssa

Global Markets in Social Networking

Social networking has seen a dramatic increase in users over the past year.  To add to that, the number of social networking sites increase monthly as newer and improved versions of old sites emerge.  The reality is that social networking is a global phenomenon that will be here to stay – it’s not just another fad.  Social networks just keep growing and growing.  as a result, internet marketers and online businesses are adapting to incorporate these sites into their marketing plans as many more people are headed to the internet in the near future.

On the internet, current business practices and marketing techniques have primarily remained localized within a geographic region.  With the onset of social networking, the number of people reached will expand to encompass global audiences that previously, were not reached.  We’ve always thought of the internet being global, but it wasn’t really organized that way.  Social networks essentially have the power to break the walls between continents and may actually be paving a road for an international marketplace.

We’re still seeing a geographic separation within the social networks.  MySpace, LinkedIn, Plaxo Pulse, and Facebook are popular in North america, Orkut in Latin america, bebo in Europe and Friendster in asia.  What’s interesting is that while there is separation, all of the sites mentioned have users in the other geographic locations as well.  as businesses bring their products and services into the social market place, you’ll see an international market emerge.  Yahoo’s real estate groups are already on this bandwagon.  International property listings and new developments are already posted in one place.  Now, if only the realtors had an organized way to formalize internet sales, they might just see some profit come out of this.

Can this be a bridge to create a global marketing base?  You bet it can!  Companies like Sonific are already tapping into the global market through social networking.  They expect that the number of social network users will triple in the next two years and are preparing to capitalize on that surge of customers of the music industry.

How can you prepare to take advantage of the mainstream international marketplace being created? 

Start building a loyal audience now.

be willing to be creative and reach out to a growing consumer base.

be flexible to the changes that are occurring right in social networks.

Photo credit: Ellyssa

History of Social Networking Sites and the effects it has on New Media

Never in the history of mankind has there been an opportunity for individuals to be connected and communicate in such a dynamic fashion.  There are many benefits of this new way of communicating, although the most prolific benefit is through the ability for people to experience the world through the comfort of their computer.  This New Media has allowed individuals chances to speak with people from across the world, and learn information that they otherwise wouldn’t be aware of.  However, one of the top resources within the New Media movement is social networking sites. 

These types of sites have been around for many years; however, it isn’t until recently that they are completely overtaking the Internet, as well as society.  It’s no secret that many people use social networking sites on a daily basis, and why not, it is a great way to interact with their friends that live across town, to all the way across the globe.  However, what is the history of social networking sites, and what are their benefits within New Media?

The history of social networking sites stems all the way back to the meager beginnings of the Internet.  Since its first introduction within homes, there have been sites that are dedicated to allowing individuals an opportunity to speak with one another.  These types of sites started off as simple chat rooms.  If you remember the simplistic forms of chat rooms, it is quite amazing to see how socializing on the Internet has grown and deepened.  My career goes back over a decade in community building. I used to build out community sites for fortune 1000's behind the firewall on Microsoft platforms like Site Server and its predecessors. However, it wasn’t until the past several years that social networking sites became sexy and began to make its mark on the media scene.

Social networking sites were created to allow individuals to gather together with others who share similar interests, or friends.  This is a great way for individuals to discuss politics, music or even science homework.  However, it wasn’t until the widely popular social networking site, MySpace came onto the scene these types of sites began to change the outlook on media and entertainment.  If you have a MySpace profile, than you are away of everything that you can do within this site, you can find your favorite musician, search through thousands of unknown musicians and you can even find your favorite standup comedian. 

Social networking sites are one of the main reasons why New Media is becoming so involved in our everyday lives.  This is because within these sites, media outlets are able to direct Internet users to their specific websites, as well as being able to advertise in a more dynamic and interactive manner.  Social networking sites are also the main reasons behind the new phenomenon of internet celebrities.  It is easy to say that without social networking sites, New Media wouldn’t be as involved in our everyday lives as it is today.  New Media is an ever evolving method, and with the introduction of social networking sites into our daily online lives, media is now beginning to transform once more.  It seems that with every new online innovation, the way the media reaches out to its public changes, and this is true with social networking sites.

Photo credit: schipulites

History of Social Networking Sites and the effects it has on New Media

Never in the history of mankind has there been an opportunity for individuals to be connected and communicate in such a dynamic fashion.  There are many benefits of this new way of communicating, although the most prolific benefit is through the ability for people to experience the world through the comfort of their computer.  This New Media has allowed individuals chances to speak with people from across the world, and learn information that they otherwise wouldn’t be aware of.  However, one of the top resources within the New Media movement is social networking sites. 

These types of sites have been around for many years; however, it isn’t until recently that they are completely overtaking the Internet, as well as society.  It’s no secret that many people use social networking sites on a daily basis, and why not, it is a great way to interact with their friends that live across town, to all the way across the globe.  However, what is the history of social networking sites, and what are their benefits within New Media?

The history of social networking sites stems all the way back to the meager beginnings of the Internet.  Since its first introduction within homes, there have been sites that are dedicated to allowing individuals an opportunity to speak with one another.  These types of sites started off as simple chat rooms.  If you remember the simplistic forms of chat rooms, it is quite amazing to see how socializing on the Internet has grown and deepened.  My career goes back over a decade in community building. I used to build out community sites for fortune 1000’s behind the firewall on Microsoft platforms like Site Server and its predecessors. However, it wasn’t until the past several years that social networking sites became sexy and began to make its mark on the media scene.

Social networking sites were created to allow individuals to gather together with others who share similar interests, or friends.  This is a great way for individuals to discuss politics, music or even science homework.  However, it wasn’t until the widely popular social networking site, MySpace came onto the scene these types of sites began to change the outlook on media and entertainment.  If you have a MySpace profile, than you are away of everything that you can do within this site, you can find your favorite musician, search through thousands of unknown musicians and you can even find your favorite standup comedian. 

Social networking sites are one of the main reasons why New Media is becoming so involved in our everyday lives.  This is because within these sites, media outlets are able to direct Internet users to their specific websites, as well as being able to advertise in a more dynamic and interactive manner.  Social networking sites are also the main reasons behind the new phenomenon of internet celebrities.  It is easy to say that without social networking sites, New Media wouldn’t be as involved in our everyday lives as it is today.  New Media is an ever evolving method, and with the introduction of social networking sites into our daily online lives, media is now beginning to transform once more.  It seems that with every new online innovation, the way the media reaches out to its public changes, and this is true with social networking sites.

Photo credit: schipulites

Targeting Your Niche in Social Networks

Targeted, qualified audience members are what you want.  To make you social marketing efforts even more profitable, you will have to define what who your target audience is and who it is not.  anyone is not a qualified niche audience.  One thing you might consider as well is that a visit to your site does not necessarily qualify this person as “your audience”.  They have to do something on your site – purchase something or participate / interact with you in order to be considered your niche audience. 

There is a lot of refinement that a list has to go through before you develop the people who are your true leads.  You’ll use your social networking approach to fine tune your visitors.  as they download your podcast or embed their video on your site, you’ll refine that lead with added commitment or interaction requests.  The goal of your target audience is to produce loyalty in some form to your business.

You’ll want to use social networking strategies that pre-qualify your audience member.  a general “shout out” probably won’t produce the kind of targeted response you want.  If the range of customers you approach is too broad, you may find yourself frustrated by wasted time and resources. 

Once you get your prospect to respond make sure you can deliver your product.  Your offer should always inspire your prospect to get in touch with you and once they get in touch with you, what happens next?

1. Have a method to handle your social networking audience.
2. Deliver on your promises fast.
3. Start interacting with them.

as you go through this process you will find your true audience.  Sometimes you may find that one of your “seemingly audience” members spend a lot of time on your site.  They’ll make comments but don’t really convert.  The truth is that everyone is an audience member no matter where they are at in your business.  You’ll want to treat them with respect not because they need it but because you never know what can happen down the line.  In social networks, many people are masked behind the computer images and you don’t know what they are really thinking even when they seem to say what they are thinking.  Protect yourself and your business and don’t get caught in the negative audience members.

Take time to review your efforts.  Did you gauge the prospect accurately?  Was there anything that you could have said better?  How can you improve upon your content or outreach activities?  Self assessment will keep you on check to make sure you reach your target audience.