How I Utilize Social Networking17Apr08

As I was leaving work today and heading home on a rainy Tuesday evening, anxious for the moment I could get back on Twitter (yes, addicted), I thought to write up more than just how twitter changed me, but how I utilize social networks on a daily basis.

Throughout the day, I remain up-to-date with news, conversations and happenings going on in the social media world through various networks. There are many mediums out there but about a handful that I actively peruse on a daily basis:

Digg is one of the largest user-generated aggregation sites out. I head over here to see what the word is from various categories, from technology to world news. It’s a ‘one stop shop’ where I’m able to absorb an immense amount of information, aggregated in one place. Digg profile.

Sphinn is another aggregation site (like Digg) that I frequent. The difference, though, lies within the niche that they’re targeting, Online Marketing. All of their submissions are directed towards the internet marketing industry with categories relating to search engine marketing, social media, and search engine optimization. As a social media marketer, I’m able to stay current on new blog posts and news articles relevant to my everyday functions. Sphinn profile.

Twitter, as you may have already read, is one of the more influential and frequently used social networks in my arsenal. The industry professionals I’ve become acquainted with and the conversations I’ve had do not match any other social networking experience of mine on the internet. It does, however, take effort to find, follow and communicate with people that fit your niche. But once you’ve become acclimated with the system and build your network, you’ll soon realize the true importance and benefit of conversation. Twitter profile.

Facebook is one of the ‘old school’ (if you can call it that) social sites I’ve been on since my college days back in 2002. I’ve used it mainly to keep in touch with friends from across the U.S. As Facebook has evolved past college-only use and into professional networks, I’ve now been able to connect with colleagues from work as well as other business professionals. I’m sometimes reluctant to add colleagues because it’s changed my personal free-flowing network of friends, into a professional clique that I have to keep tabs of. This is the case for most of us as we now have to be aware and monitor our web presence as it is easily accessible to anyone on the internet. Nonetheless, Facebook has helped increase my network, personally and professionally. It’s organized, it’s clean, and it’s easy to use; exactly what I look for in a site, design and functionality wise. Facebook profile.

LinkedIN is the social network for those career oriented folks. Well, let me just point out that I haven’t necessarily found a job through them. I’m not sure of the percentage of people that really do, but I’d be curious to find out. What I have been able to utilize this social medium for though, is staying in touch with co-workers as well as professional contacts I’ve become acquainted with throughout my professional career. LinkedIN profile.

Pownce - now I love the functionality of this site, as it’s very fluid and allows linking to videos, files and events; however, I admittedly haven’t utilized it to its full potential. Well, let me rephrase, I haven’t really found a solid use for it other than cross-posting my Tweets through the use of Twhirl and further building my online presence. Give me your feedback on Pownce and what you personally utilize it for. Maybe you can shine some light on it for me! Pownce profile.

So there you have it, you now know where to find/friend/follow/contact/stalk me online. If you haven’t noticed, I’m very open to making new friends and contacts so feel free to add me and I’ll do the same!