Over the last several months I have been discussing the issue of social networking with colleagues and associates.
Quite a few have personal accounts on social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace and Twitter.
I have asked "What have you gained by participating in these networks?" Most state that they have only used the site for strictly personal reasons or for news items.
In our conversations, I have posed an additional idea to them to use the social networks to spread the word about the products or services they render.
With that concept in mind, most find it difficult to promote their business through this medium.
I am continually encouraging them to "transition" from a "personal social network" (fun) to a "personal business social network" (business).
The reason you use social networks is to build relationships, whether they are personal (fun) or for business.
The end result of the existing and new relationships will be a greater base of clients or potential clients.
Transitioning or integrating this concept takes a plan or continuous planning or tweaking, it also requires a great deal of effort to consistently work toward the end goal you have in mind for your business.
My personal goal for my business is to bring together every individual or business that participates in the construction of a project into one network.
Place a picture of the project in a web page with a list of every participant in the network, below the picture list every participant and give a link back to each ones home domain.
That is my goal for my network.
I am sure that with persistence and your evolving plan in place, any business model can see increased traffic or interest from participation in social networks.
(PS The site has increased its membership since I have transformed my plan)