using social networks to find business opportunities 23 posts by 9 users

Posted: 02/12/2008 at 02:34PM

You're currently using one, so everyone on here is using social networks to build their business!

I recommend replacing the generic AVATAR with an image of your choice, filling in your profile with more information that you'd want people to find out about you, and then networking with other folks on the site!

Posted: 02/14/2008 at 08:46PM

Interesting take on things. So are you saying that it is better for business to connect with people you allready know, and have varying interests from? I'll have to argue that networking with people you may not know, but who share a similar business interest or involvement is a much more effective use of your time.

Posted: 02/20/2008 at 06:58PM

I've had some success with social network marketing. It's important that you be an actual person who owns a business rather than just a business on a social network.

Tim

Posted: 02/21/2008 at 08:00AM

Facebook is pretty good for meeting people with common interest.

As Josh touched on earlier in the thread the online social networks let you find more people who share a common focus compared to the social networks that are based on your local community. It depends on what you do and how you do it as to what model works best. Better to work the models than worry about the best model. Change keeps happening.

LinkedIn works well for some others in fields other than REI.

MeetUp is a good way to meet people locally who have the same interest. It is all about physical meetings for specific topics.

Social networks can be a problem when the value is more of a trend rather than a sustainable relationship. The Google idea that you should be able to take your community with you to other networks is a good one. Most people have multiple networks or interests. It is good to be able to like or traverse the various networks.

There is an element of trust expected with any social network. Why invest in one if you will be cut off from it. Long term relationships have to adapt over time as people have changes in their lives. It is best to have multiple ways to connect the same person so that you can adapt to the changes.

A critical feature of a good social network (platform?) is the ability to manage your communication. Include and exclude discussions. Post your interest, filter by interests, maybe block info from certain people who have interests that do not match well. People have limited time. A social network is a tool or platform. People want to use it as such to make their lives richer (personally and financially).

Posted: 02/23/2008 at 11:30AM

One thing that I like about Facebook it how fast it evolves. If you want to observe and find the newest ideas in social networking Facebook is definitely one place to look.

There is a lot of stuff that might end up being more junk than anything else. Still you rarely will miss a social networking trend by watching Facebook.

Posted: 02/23/2008 at 01:40PM

Questions:

I just read this on facebook:

# More than 65 million active users
# An average of 250,000 new registrations per day since Jan. 2007

Is this correct?

Observation and I invite feedback:

The interface (homepage) etc. look very simple and basic. The result of using the site looks like it links everyone together in everyones personal business as I see it? Could be good for twenty somethings, but I would hesitate. Although I do see privacy settings. What could be possible on that site seems to require more time than I have.

My colleagues have said that that site is loosing traction, so is that true? As compared to linked in say? Seems that most business folks are using Linked in?

BTW_ I dis sign up to facebook TWICE and it said I would get a confirmation e-mail, which after an hour I still don't have?? Will I go back and re submit for a 3rd time? Probably not.

Posted: 02/23/2008 at 05:37PM

Interesting take? I don't know enough about either. I just know that more often I get invites to linkedin these days.