What Is Social Networking?

Social Networking. . . It's the way the 21st century communicates today. Want to know what it really means?
Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences about cooking, golfing, gardening, developing friendships or professional alliances, finding employment, business-to-business marketing and even groups sharing information about the end of the Mayan calendar and the Great Shift to arrive December 21, 2012. The topics and interests are as varied and rich as the story of our universe.

When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them. The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity because the internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Denmark or India. Not only will you make new friends, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or new languages and learning is always a good thing. As mentioned, social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or organizations together. While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites without a main focus are often referred to as "traditional" social networking websites and usually have open memberships. This means that anyone can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create your own network of friends and eliminate members that do not share common interests or goals. As I'm sure you're aware, there are dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses, which are on the rise. The most prevalent danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists in the real world, too. Just like you're advised when meeting strangers at clubs and bars, school, or work -- you are also advised to proceed with caution online. By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. It will take many phone conversations to

get to know someone, but you really won't be able to make a clear judgment until you can meet each other in person. Just use common sense and listen to your inner voice; it will tell you when something doesn't feel right about the online conversations taking place. Once you are well informed and comfortable with your findings, you can begin your search from hundreds of networking communities to join. This can easily be done by performing a standard internet search. Your search will likely return a number of results, including MySpace, FriendWise, FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360, Facebook, Orkut, and Classmates

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Educational Benefits Of Social Networking Sites Uncovered ScienceDaily (June 21, 2008) In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered the educational benefits of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. The same study found that low-income students are in many ways just as technologically proficient as their counterparts, going against what results from previous studies have suggested.
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The study found that, of the students observed, 94 percent used the Internet, 82 percent go online at home and 77 percent had a profile on a social networking site. When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, being open to new or diverse views and communication skills. Data were collected over six months this year from students, ages 16 to 18, in thirteen urban high schools in the Midwest. Beyond the surveyed students, a follow-up, randomly selected subset were asked questions about their

Internet activity as they navigated MySpace, an online forum that provides users with e-mail, web communities and audio and video capabilities. "What we found was that students using social networking sites are actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills we want them to develop to be successful today," said Christine Greenhow, a learning technologies researcher in the university's College of Education and Human Development and principal investigator of the study. "Students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems, editing and customizing content and thinking about online design and layout. They're also sharing creative original work like poetry and film and practicing safe and responsible use of information and technology. The Web sites offer tremendous educational potential." Greenhow said that the study's results, while proving that social networking sites offer more than just social fulfillment or professional networking, also have implications for educators, who now have a vast opportunity to support what students are learning on the Web sites. "Now that we know what skills students are learning and what experiences they're being exposed to, we can help foster and extend those skills," said Greenhow. "As educators, we always want to know where our students are coming from and what they're interested in so we can build on that in our teaching. By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and where the as yet unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected and meaningful to kids." Interestingly, researchers found that very few students in the study were actually aware of the academic and professional networking opportunities that the Web sites provide. Making this opportunity more known to students, Greenhow said, is just one way that educators can work with students and their experiences on social networking sites. The study also goes against previous research from Pew in 2005 that suggests a "digital divide" where low-income students are technologically impoverished. That study found that Internet usage of teenagers from families earning $30,000 or below was limited to 73 percent, which is 21 percentage points below what the U of M research shows. The students participating in the U of M study were from families whose incomes were at or below the county median income (at or below $25,000) and were taking part in an after school program, Admission Possible, aimed at improving college access for low-income youth. Greenhow suggests that educators can help students realize even more benefits from their social network site use by working to deepen students' still emerging ideas about what it means to be a good digital citizen and leader online. Email or share this story: |More

Story Source: The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Minnesota.

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Top 14 Benefits of Social Media Marketing

02 2011 Sunday

13
By Wendy Suto in Featured

Theres a lot of fuss surrounding social media these days. If you still havent jumped on the bandwagon and arent sure why so many people are making such a big deal about it, here are 14 benefits of social media for your business and you from Success magazine. For Business:

Establish a Brand and Raise Awareness

Since the majority of the population is already visiting social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, getting your brand name all over those networks can help let people know that youre around. If you have yet to create a company image online, social networks are the place to do it. Create a fun YouTube video that entertains and informs. Funny videos tend to make their way around the Internet a lot faster than any other kind, so when making a video, keep in mind that you want it to be interesting enough for your target audience to want to share. Using Facebook and Twitter to create a fun online community that your customers will want to visit will boost brand loyalty and drive traffic to your Website, allowing you the chance to make more online sales.

Spy on the Competition

Follow your competitors on Twitter and Facebook and youll be able to see what they have up their sleeve. Just make sure to provide a better deal than whatever they have going on.

Pitch Products in a More Human, Interactive Way

Since people visit social media sites to get personal rather than be bombarded with ads, discuss your business in a fun way and engage your customers with questions. Ask their opinions and entice them to respond back. This way youre making a valuable connection that will help grow your number of return customers.

Bring Attention to Your Products

Featuring a product on a social media site is one of the fastest ways to bring attention to it. Offer a promotion along with it for your online community members and watch your sales skyrocket.

Increase Customer Loyalty And Trust

Speaking to your customers in a personal way will make them feel like they are talking to a friend, not a company. This will help build their trust in you, which will make them do business with you rather than your competition. It will also improve the chances of customer recommendations.

Listen to Your Customers Opinion

Social media sites are an awesome way to see what your target audience is saying about your company or your products. Take their constructive criticism and use it to enhance your product to better meet their needs.

Conduct Market Research

Listen to what your customers say about your products and track what links they click on and youll begin to see what your customers like and respond to. People love to express their opinions on social media sites, which will allow you to hear the truth. Then you can use your new-found information to tweak your product or service to please them as well as continue to post more information and links that they will enjoy.

Strengthen Customer Service

Social media networks allow your company to answer your customers questions and concerns directly in a timely manner. This will improve customer satisfaction and also save you money on long distance customer service phone calls. For You:

Build Your Personal Reputation

Social networks allow you to get your name out to the world and talk about things that matter to you. This will help you build a good online reputation, which is critical nowadays if youre looking for a job or even a new business contact.

Display Your Resume

LinkedIn allows you to display your full resume online for any future employers or recruiters to see. This will help bring you new opportunities that never would have existed otherwise.

Find a Job
Jobs are posted every minute on social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter along with the links or information you need to apply for them.

Showcase Your Talents And Establish Yourself as an Expert

If youre passionate about a certain subject, whether its work-related or a hobby, the Internet is a great place to show off your knowledge. Soon people will be coming to you for the breaking information on that topic, and talking about you to friends.

Enhance Your Business Contacts and Enhance Personal Relationships

Through professional sites like LinkedIn, you can build your number of business contacts and enhance your reputation as an expert in your industry. You can also connect with those long-lost high school and college classmates, old colleagues, and out-of-town family members.

Share Information with Like-Minded People

Connect with other professionals in your field to share information. Where else would you be able to connect with industry professionals across the globe to swap stories and advice?

Wendy Suto, President and CEO of Search Circus, specializes in search engine optimization and search engine marketing including social media marketing for over 10 years. Certified in SEO, Wendy Suto only follows natural and organic search engine optimization guidelines with proven results. Tags: benefits of social media, social media marketing, social media networking, social networking

11 Responses to Top 14 Benefits of Social Media Marketing

Outstanding and informative article for businesses that do not have the knowledge or realize the importance of Social Media Marketing. Thanks for sharing this great information for everyone to benefit from.

Anthony Carlitto
February 14th, 2011

Thank you for your article it gives a lot of usefool info

Luki Dujmovic
February 14th, 2011

I found the article very informative and it is obvious that tying the loose ends together and presenting a whole combined package that makes the difference.

Mark Adkinson
February 17th, 2011

I completely agree with this. If people are involved with you on an emotional level, they will be much more likely to refer friends and family to your business, as well as talk positively about your brand.

Free Stuff
March 9th, 2011

Nice article on Social Media. It is a changing space and you make some valid points. We are trying to use it more and more on our sites. Thanks.

Alastair Dodwell
March 22nd, 2011

Social Media allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations in or around the content on the website.

Avenir
March 31st, 2011

Social Media is a great way to promote ones business online. Though Social Media is a lot beneficial, it has some disadvantages also. A wrong online brand strategy could put you at a viral social disadvantage due to a

negative word of mouth. Dissatisfied audience tend to share their experience more than the satisfied ones. Again, Social Media Marketing is more time consuming than companies expect. Its really hard to gather a targeted fan following. But Social Media efforts,if monitored carefully with a little bit of patience, it can deliver handsome results. Thanks for sharing this lovely piece of content Wendy. http://www.facebook.com/vizzmedia

Vizz Media
April 16th, 2011

Social Media Marketing is the one of the most trending topics in online marketing today. Companies can use social media channels as a way for increasing its goodwills and trustworthiness which may ultimately result in better branding.

White Label SEO

August 2nd, 2011

This is a great post that brings to light the positives of social media marketing! Social media is so useful to communicate with your customer base. Providing valuable content and interacting with your clients in a social way will not only establish the company as a subject matter expert, but will create customer loyalty as well!

Benefits of Social Networking Sites

DECEMBER 24, 2010

We all need a network to keep in touch with people and to get to know more people. Well, but where is the time for us to go personally and visit everyone . Its all possible now, just through these social networking sites.

Socail networking sites are important now for professionalists too. Managers earlier used to travel across country to attend various corporate events and seminars and

meet up different people from the industry. However, today it is different. There is a new twist in technology.

Social media participation has become an essential tool for networking with professional contacts, making new contacts, recruiting employees as well as keeping-in-touch with the world. Today, online networking websites provide an easy platform that lets you stay connected with the right people or group to explore your choice of opportunities.

Social networking website offers you the platform wherein you can directly interact with the CEO of your company on a one-on-one basis! They are also useful for tracking a persons career or even just keeping-intouch with colleagues from your ex-company.

These online platforms offer plenty of opportunities to individuals to market them selves better and in an extremely effective manner. They enable professionals to promote their skills. Employers are looking at creative, cost effective and efficient ways to recruit the best. And it is the career networking sites that attract career seekers from Generation Y to executive level.

This platform also provides an option for students to exchange notes on scripts, poets, content editing and customisation among others.These social networking sites are offering them education potential.

Networking sites are great and offer huge benefits to individuals, professionals and students.

View original article at Chaaps: Benefits of Social Networking Sites