The Social Media Marketing Network

[Dave A]

I am not sure if it was on this forum that we discussed the subject of friends vs business environments and the definitions of a friend.

I remember this discussion on terminology when vBulletin introduced the social networking functionality - we never really resolved that one in the end

And then there was a discussion on some aspects of common MLM practices, particularly the starting with family and friends part - but that's proving a little more elusive to find.

My opinion is there's little doubt that "social networking" done wrong not only looks fugly, I suspect it's actually counter-productive.

It really does comes down to intent and much as Marq suggests, appropriate behaviour for the environment you're in. Aggressive networking chasing sales in a social environment doesn't create a good impression. And even in a business environment, trying too hard doesn't look that slick either.

You don't want to be a wallflower, but coming on like gangbusters pitching for the sale doesn't fly either. Can I suggest - just be yourself? And hopefully that's someone that's helpful and clearly the goto person to solve that particular little challenge you're dealing with.

Obviously for this to work people need to know what business you're in, but you don't need flashing neon signs. Honey works.

Just my opinion.

[BrandSmit]

There's a pretty decent ebook called "Social Media For Small Business." It's sponsored by Microsoft (it says on the front page) and I found it during a regular search, so I don't think it's a paid product:

http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/soc...orbusiness.pdf.

Social media (and social media marketing) is too large a topic, with too many applications to be able to say it's not relevant for small businesses. Having said that, small business in SA is not the same as small business in, say, the US, in terms of potential clients who hang around social media sites.

[DonovanBanks]

There's a pretty decent ebook called "Social Media For Small Business." It's sponsored by Microsoft (it says on the front page) and I found it during a regular search, so I don't think it's a paid product:

thanks for this, I'm going to give it a read.