Social Networking Intro For Idiots

I like to keep social networking ideas really simple. This is probably NOT the article for those of you who embrace and understand the nuances to how the www-dot-marketing world of today really works. This means those of you who have already finished reading, “My Space in Outer Space, ” or something like that, or who have taken sixteen webinars on creating exciting ezines.

But for those of us who hear social networking and wonder if there’s a vaccine for it, I have a few words of advice. Number one: There is a virtual world out there, and if you already have a profile on LinkedIn, Facebook or Myspace, you’re on your way.

And that’s a good thing, because social networking is not going away. It is a big deal, it is very inexpensive and it works. So at the very least, put up a page on the three biggest players at the virtual game. Be sure to include a bio, a picture and your contact information.

Then block out three hours every single week to accept new “friends” or “links” and to respond to people who discover (or rediscover) you. (Don’t worry, it’s more likely to be your high school gym teacher or your first boss than The Cable Guy).

With the two hours left over, take the tutorials for each community. Learn the basics of how to build your network and send announcements to your own friends.

Whether you want to promote your business or just participate with like-minded people about your religion, your politics or who remembers that place you used to vacation when you were a kid (Far Rockaway Beach anybody?), remember that the virtual world is virtually unbeatable.