Social Networking

I was thinking, reading and thinking more about the impact social networking has in business and every other aspect of our lives. Suddenly people from all around the world are able to share their activities, interests, pictures, comments, products and everything else with anybody in the world.

Ok, so this is already known. But only recently i've started watching real social networks being built up based on biographical points of view. A biographical point of view is basically a field of interest. For example, tech geeks like me are in social networks as MIX or any others. This empowers people from all the world to share their common interests and point of views giving a enriching experience and also a good way for businesses to reach the niches of marketing they want. Most people in a social network will be willing to recieve publicity if they are interested in that advertisment. For example if you are in a women dedicated social network it will be definitely possible that the participants will discuss the latest fashion trends and products or in a Discussion like MIX people will discuss about the new iPhone 3G, share the ad video and even make more ads themselves.

Finally its a way to get non annoying publicity. That is definetly a point in favor. Another thing that is really cool is that social networks now allow for businesses to interact with their costumers know them better and fullfil their needs. So all of us win, costumers get a nice product, service or whatever they demand and businesses get to make the sales.

Now, this are the most "simple" ways of using social networking for business or any other purpose. But the last one i've discovered is extremely cool. Social networking now allows us to find other people with similar interests and together form businesses to serve a market of people like us. For example, let's say i'm on Twitter and i tweet that i need a web developer, then maybe some web developers will answer @ my tweet and i'll make business with them. The creation of business parterships is one of the new ways. But you can find new friends with the same interestes, new teachers willing to teach you some skills you're interested in and even some Gurus in the making (or already established as Tara Hunt) that want to share their experience with you.

No matter for what you use the social networks you will end up winning some experience, knowledge, entertainment, fun times, friends, business partners. Of course there is a risk, but in order to get the benefits you need to be decided to take some risks, that's how life works.

I like Ning for making Social Networks, if you know of another tools please share them.