There has been a lot of discussion on the Internet recently about social networking and its proper use. The Most important thing is to first define what social networking is. I use the term social networking in a broad sense. Any time you interact with other people using technology, I consider it social networking. For example using Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, posting comments on blogs or news sites, interacting with others through online gaming and chat are all forms of social networking in my opinion.

There is not a right way or wrong way to use social networking. What is important about social networking is that you get something out of it. Some people have found ways to use social networking to make money, to become experts in their field, to learn new things, or to meet new people. All of these forms of interaction are useful and valuable. Do not let anyone define for you the way that you should use social networking. If you receive any benefit at all from your interaction with other people through a network environment, you are using social networking in a proper manner.

This blog is an example of using social networking. I place my ideas out on the Internet for other people to read, digest, and comment on. I broadcast the new blog post on my twitter and Facebook accounts so that others can read my thoughts. I share my interests, I respond to current events, and I provide advice. My personal blog is not-for-profit. I am not trying to sell anything with this medium, and I am not required to adhere to a set schedule. I use my blog as a way to communicate more information about my interests and myself.

I encourage everyone to find a method of social networking that they are comfortable with. Do not allow an expert to tell you that you are not properly using social media. It can be a great marketing tool, if used properly, but if you are not willing to devote the time and attention to use social media as a marketing means, you will fail. If you try to force yourself to use it in a similar way that has been successful for others in driving business, but you are not comfortable in the process, it will not be meaningful.

Using Twitter, Facebook, or even LinkedIn, to simply update friends and family on your daily activities is perfectly acceptable. Using these services to follow updates of others is also an acceptable means of interaction. Social media can be a tool for following current events, for learning gossip, for educating yourself, for marketing yourself (or your brand), or to simply distract you from the rigors of daily life.

The important thing to remember is to enjoy what you are doing. Do not be concerned with the number of friends, followers, or responses that you receive. If your life is enriched in any way in the manner that you are using social networking, it is beneficial to you. If you consider it a chore to use social networking services, they are not beneficial to you. If you want to expand your brand through social media, but it is unnatural to you, find someone else to do it for you.

Social media/social networking are just means that have been created to communicate with others through technology. In the same way that vehicles, telephones, e-mail, cellular phones, and text messaging have changed social interaction, social media is doing the same. Social media represents a natural progression of the electronic universe to take advantage of technology to interact with other people. It will not be the last change in interaction that we have, but it is an important one. Embrace the forms of social media that enrich your life, and ignore those means that do not. Find individuals on social media that you enjoy interacting with, and mimic the way that they communicate to you develop your own style.

Please share your thoughts on social networking in the comments section below. I look forward to continuing to interact with all my readers through comments, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other means that develop.

Share on Facebook