It seems like every time I turn around, there is chatter going on about social networking. His space, her book, dog book—It’s crazy! While there are plenty of users out there, there are even more who either just don’t understand or are frightened by it.

Social networking is a very powerful and effective means of communicating with not only our family and friends, but with colleagues and prospective friends as well. It provides us with an opportunity to establish an online presence and promote ourselves on both a personal and professional level.

The world of online social networking is much like networking in person, but easier if you ask me. If you’re not very social, then online social networking is a great way to break out of your shell. Best of all, the more often you do it, the more skilled you will become.

Being in social situations and meeting new people never really has been my forte, but with a little professional help and guidance from Jason, I would have to say that I actually like meeting new people.

It used to be that we had just a few moments to make an impression, whether it be on our way to class, in an elevator from the first to second floor (joke… sort of), or at a networking event such as the monthly Connections Mixer that I regularly attend (put on by the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce).

When getting started with social networking, you must first determine which network is right for you. For me, I started using social networks back in January 2005 with MySpace. At the time I didn’t really know what MySpace was, but I remember using it to stalk someone. When I started going to UT-Arlington in the spring of 2006, I began to build my friends list as I met people in classes. It quickly became a means of coordinating projects and scheduling meetings.

MySpace is probably my favorite social network because it seems that everyone and their momma is on there. Although there is much criticism out there on how elementary MySpace is with regards to Web 2.0, I think it rocks. You can personalize MySpace quite easily, add all sorts of bling, advertise your favorite song, and post all sorts of pointless questionnaires as bulletins. It’s especially fun to friend strangers and then run into them while at the bars. (Although usually they recognize me because I hardly remember who’s who.)

Facebook is a great network for newbies who don’t know where to start. Once just for college students, Facebook has since opened up to the general public and has been well received. It contains few SPAM profiles (unlike MySpace) and very useful applications for connecting and staying up-to-date with what your friends are doing. You can easily post links to interesting things you find on the Web, integrate your blogs through RSS feeds, and electronically poke people to let them know that you exist. (Too bad you can’t also pinch people, otherwise they’d owe you a Coke!)

If you’re interested in business networking or looking for a new job, I would highly recommend you get on LinkedIn. It is a great way to connect with business contacts and, like many networks, get introduced to new people along the way. Your LinkedIn profile will also be picked up by search engines, helping with establishing your online presence.

If you’re into blogging, then try micro blogging with Twitter. Basically, the service allows you to post status updates of where you’re at and what you’re doing. You can post tweets (that’s what they’re called) from practically anywhere! From the Web, an instant messaging client, via text message, an iPhone application, and more. Best of all, you can also syndicate your feed to a Web site or service like Plaxo via RSS.

Speaking of Plaxo, if you’re looking for a way to link together many of your social networking profiles, this is the service for you. Not only can your Plaxo profile pull in your blog entries, tweets, Facebook notes, and more, but it also securely keeps your address book up-to-date. You can see who’s doing what all over the Web, all in one place.

The number one key to establishing yourself with online social networks is having a good photo. It doesn’t have to be a Glamour Shot or professional photograph, just one that best represents your personality. That way, if you choose to friend someone who may not be too familiar with your name, they will at least be able to recognize you by your photograph. If you’re vain like me, then make sure you run your photo through Photoshop prior to posting. Can anyone say, “brand management”?

If you’re not too familiar with all the above network sites, look into them. You’ll discover how fun and natural they will all feel to you. If you’re worried about not having any friends, you can start by adding me (see below)!

Online social networking isn’t just for personal use. It’s becoming a viable tactic to promote your business or organization. For more information on integrated social networking, click here. Of course, you can always contact me at work and I will be happy to discuss how you can leverage social media to achieve bottom line results.

Connect with Me!

MySpace | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Plaxo