Do You Need to Join the Conversation? Yes, No or Maybe.

There are many Social Networking groups. These groups can bog you down and distract your daily plans if you don't manage them properly. I decided after finishing the book Groundswell: winning in a world transformed by social technologies that I would take a look at a few groups. My focus when evaluating them is to determine how they may help you grow your business.

But first, a few comments about the book.

It is geared to those who work in mid to large companies that may be feeling the need to enter the Social Media world. It has very good case studies and basic steps to move from little to no Social Media to joining the conversation whether it be internally or externally. The strongest point it makes is that Social Media is "about person-to-person" activity, not technology and software. It is valuable if you don't know about social media or are trying to convince yourself or someone you work for that it is a necessity. It is a quick read too.

So, here is my snap shot view on three Social Networking groups.

Facebook - If your business is a B2C it will help you find out what others are saying about the products or services you have. You can meet people and dialogue with those who may become your customers someday. A word of warning don't join just to start promoting your business - that is not what it is about.

MySpace - If your business sells to a younger audience (a high percentage of members) you can use this as a research tool to find out what they are thinking, saying and using.

LinkedIn - This is geared to people in the business world. If you are a B2B or a B2C this will allow you to connect to other business people, reconnect with former colleagues, join specific network groups within LinkedIn, ask and answer questions in your field of expertise.

Of the three I determined my strategy would be to join LinkedIn and focus my networking time there. Since then I have reconnected with former colleagues, strengthened my networking with people I have met in person and joined specific groups in my field and target market.

In further posts I will discuss other Social Networking and Media tools.

For now, I am interested in hearing from you what groups you have joined and have they helped you at all? What do you like and dislike about them? How do you manage your time when using them?