Is Social Networking the New Antisocial?
Posted by lba on February 08 2010 15:48:50
Simon Walton (UWClub) considers the merits of a face to face and a spot of facebooking
What are the merits of social networking? I don’t know about you, but I just don’t have time to sit next to my computer all day, checking my entries on Digg, Bebo, and a dozen RSS feeds. However, that’s not necessarily what my clients think, nor is it how my competitors behave. Like it or not, the web is an avenue to market that cannot be ignored.
Extended News
Simon Walton (UWClub) considers the merits of a face to face and a spot of facebooking
What are the merits of social networking? I don’t know about you, but I just don’t have time to sit next to my computer all day, checking my entries on Digg, Bebo, and a dozen RSS feeds. However, that’s not necessarily what my clients think, nor is it how my competitors behave. Like it or not, the web is an avenue to market that cannot be ignored.
Many LBA members are already using the sophisticated newsletter services, provided by the likes of Constant Contact – in fact that’s how you’re getting this newsletter. There are plenty of services out there. I’ll not recommend which sites – it’s very much a matter of taste, and by the time you read this, there will be a new service to try. The important thing is that engaging with the web is vital, or you’ll simply be considered non-existent by a swathe of your potential market. Much of the foundation effort for my new creative consultancy – MEDIAfabrik – is down to getting the web and networking in place, before we even introduce ourselves to a client.
Poke Me
An aspect of our marketing involves LinkedIn, Plaxo and the like – the Facebook for grownups services. That, in fact, makes the distinction between social networking and professional networking. These sites tend to be more sober, and more market related. The nine-to-five of the net, as opposed to the after hours, tie-loosened Twitteratti. Then again – there’s a service that straddles the fence quite effectively.
With all being apparent on the internet, anything you may post to the web is, almost instantly, retrievable by anyone. So if, like me, you once listed yourself as a contract killer, just because it seemed like a fun thing at the time, be prepared to answer for it at a later date (though I still offer that permanent problem resolving service, by the way). I’ve no real choice – I once said online I do, and I will for ever more.
Clean Up Your Act
There are scrubbing programmes available out there, but their voracity and efficiency cannot be guaranteed. After all, if nothing short of dissolving your old laptop in acid will guarantee the demise of the date held upon it, you can be sure that the data about you, posted in the cloud, will outlive us all.
Don’t let this cynicism dissuade you though. The internet is a fun place, where anything goes. I would advocate some discretion – like the use of an alias or whimsical username for example, if you don’t really want your prospective clients and employers finding out just how lonely your heart is – and just what proclivity would most readily resolve that situation.
So, if your intention is more Grown Up Market Maker – than Adult Friend Finder – consider your options in the online conversation space. Remember though, it’s only a tool, and not a replacement. As was once said, in support of that outmoded method of communication – the phone – it’s good to talk. So pick up the phone and talk to me on 0800 083 4471. I’m really quite sociable.
Simon Walton provides money saving services on shopping, fuel, utilities, and communications. Visit www.telecomplus.org.uk/simon007 - or click on contract_killer_for_hire