Taylor Ellwood

Holistic Business Coach
Portland, Oregon

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When does online social networking become too much?

It seems like everyday there is a new networking site or technology that is vital to maintaining an online presence for your business and social network, but when does it become too much?

Written Mar 14, 2009, read 2466 times since then.

The other day I was showing a client twitterfeed, one of the many twitter applications that can be used to automate a person's twitter account. Twitterfeed allows you to put the rss feed for your blogs into twitter so that every time you post it automatically sends that post to your twitter network. This is a useful functionality, but as I looked at the twitterfeed application, I realized the feed could also be sent to ping.fm, identica, and textme. I recall thinking at the time, "That's three more social networking applications I need to know so I can instruct my clients about them."

Fast forward to today. I finally got around to exploring these applications and quickly discovered that these applications were essentially a different form of twitter, done in different colors, but ultimately very redundant, and worse, much more complicated to get set up on, as compared to twitter. Text me, for example tries to get me to specify if I'm posting to family, friends, or colleagues and when I try to set my feed up on twitterfeed for it, I can't because I'm unable to provide that specification. Ping.FM requires an authentication code, which after searching for about fifteen minutes, I give up on finding, because I have better things to do with my day to spend it trying to figure out technology interfaces which are hopelessly complicated.

I have no doubt that if I spent a lot of time with these technologies I could figure them out and have an active profile on these social networking tools. I may even check back in a month or two in the hopes that the technology has been simplified. But in the meantime, I'm left asking a couple of questions:

When does online social networking become too much?

and

How many types of similar social networking sites do we need, before we recognize the redundancy of said sites?

The first question may draw gasps and cries of blasphemy, because online social networking is a pretty buzz heavy set of words for business marketing right now. I actually offer public presentations and teach classes on how to use online social networking to market and grow your business. However, while I do think online social networking is an important and viable way of marketing your business and acknowledge that it is important to keep up on the latest social networking technology, I also think there's a fine line between maintaining a viable online presence and spending too much time on online social networking sites, while ignoring other facets of your business.

The second question feeds directly into the first, because it asks the vital question of just how many sites do we need, before we recognize the redundancy of said sites. I have no doubt that text me and ping.fm have people utilizing their sites, but having looked at those sites today, what stood out to me, beyond the fact that the user interface was overly complicated was that I was essentially looking at another Twitter technology. I already spend a fair amount of time on twitter, but I'm not sure I could justify spending the same time on these other sites, which seem to provide the same service and yet likely can't offer the same simplicity that twitter offers.

As people who are seeking to do business with others we do need to incorporate online social networking tools and technology into our business toolboxes. The fact is that such technologies are becoming more and more relevant to a wide variety of potential clientele. Myspace, long thought to be the domain of teenagers and musical bands, is now becoming popular for the baby boomers. Facebook, linkedin, and Biznik are all relevant sites that can allow us to connect with people we might otherwise never meet.

But all of these sites are only as effective as the amount of business they generate. It's true that they are networking sites, but all that networking, at some point, needs to pay off. And if it doesn't then these sites just become another way for you to promote your hobby as opposed to your business.

Online social networking becomes too much when we spend more time trying to insure an online presence for our activities and end up neglecting the other equally important aspects of running a business. It becomes too much when we spend all our time on online forums answering questions, but not necessarily generating business from answering those questions. And it becomes too much when we can't effectively automate the technology enough so that we can maintain a presence, but also have enough time to focus on running our businesses and most importantly actually have time to live life.

Remember to keep a reasonable balance when it comes to online social networking. Don't get so caught up in the buzz that you forget to maintain a presence in your offline life as well. Use online social networking to make connections and do business, but use it as just one tool among many...not more important or better than any other tool you would use to help you sustain and run your business.

Learn more about the author, Taylor Ellwood.

Posted by Sue Turcotte, Vancouver, Washington | Mar 15, 2009

Excellent article, Taylor!
Posted by Zoe Johnson, Portland, Oregon | Mar 15, 2009

I do agree.

Spending an hour or more of time daily updating social networking posts begs the question: Does this 'work' justify the time spent. It's a valid question to be asked and addressed, especially when the hope would be to spend LESS time on the computer and more time with potential or current clients.

The intent is building strong and purposeful face to face relationships. This is where we make our strongest connections.

Bonding online is a misnomer.

I agree wholeheartedly with your last paragraph! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades, Seattle, Washington | Mar 16, 2009

I admit I adore social networking. It helps me connect to others, build my business, be a resource for people, and more.

That said, I really relate to what you're saying here - how much is enough? I'm trying to evaluate that and sort of reign in the time I spend with online networking.

Thanks for a thoughtful piece.
Posted by Judith Orcutt, York, Pennsylvania | Mar 16, 2009

The article is very well written and thought out, Taylor. You have clarified things for me.
Posted by Zita Gustin, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 16, 2009

Taylor, your article does raise several very good points. Like you, I teach people how to make better use of their social networking time. Many of the folks that I talk with have little or no time to do the research to know which sites are better than others when it comes to allocating time. And, like you, I find a lot of redundancy between many of the sites out there.

Right now, I am recommending to my clients that they have complete profiles up on at least the following 3 sites: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Biznik. I'm also suggesting that they get comfortable with these 3 sites before they venture off into other social media sites.

There are so many people who are also trying to make sense of Twitter and whether or not it is useful to them in their businesses. Nevermind the wanna be sites that are similar to Twitter. About half of my clients find that Twitter is just too much noise while the other half have immersed themselves in the Twitter universe.

You are right to state that, in the end, we really do need to see results from our efforts online. And as you likely know, there is a huge debate on whether results can be measured or not.

For those who want to see measurable results from their online social networking efforts, I would suggest that they spend their online time focused on strengthening the relationships that they already have in the real world. Social media, when used that way, really can have an impact on the continued building of connections and goodwill that is the basis for top of mind awareness that leads to great word of mouth for a person's business.

And, when you see results from your efforts, it inspires you to do more connecting through online social media.

Thanks for the discussion on this very timely topic.

The ABC's of Networking ... Always Be Connecting!
Posted by Diana Bourgeois, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | Mar 16, 2009

Good article Taylor. You have to manage your social networks or they will consume you.
Posted by Julian Michael, Kirkland, Washington | Mar 16, 2009

Ditto Zita! -Julian
Posted by Jane Morrison, Elk River, Minnesota | Mar 16, 2009

Thanks Taylor, i often wonder if the social network sites are worth my time - just as in overkill- I beleive there is the danger of under-kill also - why have them if you don't use them routinely? Jane www.smartsavcysuccess.com Coaching women to prosperity
Posted by Chrystal Bougon, San Jose, California | Mar 16, 2009

Great article, Taylor. And, I love zita's comment as well. I love the MASTER A FEW concept when it ocmes to social networking. I think Zita is right on with Linked In, Fbook and Biznik.

I am going to share this article on Twitter though! LOL.

Thanks for sharing with all of us, Taylor.
Posted by Dave Hayden, Burleson, Texas | Mar 16, 2009

Great article. I have heard lately that reporters / editors are more likely to respond to a twiter PR lead than fax or email.

What is your experience.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 16, 2009

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the feedback!

I also focus teaching professionals an entrepreneurs about facebook, linkedin, and Biznik, but I also include twitter, because I think it is an absolutely essential technology to learn. There are ways to make twitter easier to use and understand, without having to sacrifice as lot of time.

I agree with Zita that using online social networking to strengthen your existing connections is a good way to go, but would also add that it can help you be more visible to other connections. For instance this article has made me visible to all of you.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 16, 2009

Hi Dave,

I haven't heard anything about that. Could be true...or it might not be.

Taylor http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Posted by Drew Graham, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

Nice post Taylor. It's right on the money...
Posted by Stephanie Breslin, Half Moon Bay, California | Mar 17, 2009

Was just discussing this with client today. Thanks Taylor!
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 17, 2009

Hi Stephanie,

What were you discussing specifically?

Taylor
Posted by Gwynneth Anderson, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

Thank you for writing this article. I spend enough time keeping up with my website and blog (with LinkedIn and Biznik being the newest kids on my block).

I think I'd rather take the risk of under socializing, i.e., not being on Facebook or Twitter, in favor of getting some more writing done.

: ^)
Posted by Merilee Lovejoy Ph.D., Seattle, Washington | Mar 18, 2009

Thank you for your article Taylor- a well-balanced perspective on these tools we can add to our toolboxes.

I've been learning through trial-and-error with these attractive mediums: 1) that they can be time-eaters, and 2) that I need to be more intentional regarding how and why I am using the sites. Has using a site become no more than sharing about my hobbies and personality as you say? What is my purpose for creating an online presence?

I think many of us are learning about how these new technologies fit into our toolboxes through trial-and-error. It sure is interesting to hear how others are impacted by this online social networking phenomenon. I almost wish someone had given me a "heads-up" before I jumped on the band-wagon. I discovered all-too quickly, that this was a new ball game all-together. Sometimes I've had almost a love-hate relationship with these new technologies. Oh, the possssibilitiiieeees!, of getting the word out to so many people! Oh, how much time did spending time on the computer drain from my day? Were there any pay-offs for the time I spent? Any purpose?

As someone who hasn't yet begun twittering; it is helpful to hear insights from you about how you fit this tool into your toolbox, and keep perspective.

Merilee
Posted by Rashid Mahmood, New Delhi, New Delhi India | Mar 18, 2009

Taylor...thanks for such a nice article......but my take is different about social networking website.....Its more about Interest then about business or remaining in contacts with people...These days people have different interest, affliction, approach..based on these they find an inclination towards different social networking website.

people who are more technically sound they find more time at technical website(like Technorati or Mashable) then to the said site like linkedin or facebook..

These day people are more interested towards niche.kind of things
Posted by Ranjiv Bains, Sumner, Washington | Mar 18, 2009

Great article Taylor.....
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2009

Hi Rashid,

Thanks for commenting. I certainly agree that social networking can be slanted toward niche interests and is on sites such as squidoo...As someone interested in doing business with other people, my focus on it is less on a particular interest and more on meeting other people's needs through my services...but good point.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2009

Hi Merilee,

I fit Twitter in as a social networking tool which can help spread the word about workshops and writing projects I'm doing. I use it strictly for that and check it a couple times a day via tweetdeck, which is useful because I have it separated into feeds.

For me it's something I put a few minutes toward, which can pay when off I make connections from it, which I have done...but also because I made it manageable for me.

Taylor Ellwood http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Posted by Joan Coubarous, ARLINGTON, Texas | Mar 18, 2009

Thanks. I just ask that question the other day on my Facebook account. Generating business is the key. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Wesley LeFebvre, Seattle, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Hi Taylor, Thank you for addressing this -I'm sure this is the dilemma many face ever day. Here is what works for me, and I think it will work well for any business:

I'll put these in order of importance when social networking online for business, that is, as I see it:

1)Biznik - All in one place which allows you to connect with like-minded individuals as well as potential clients/customers. Enhances the online networking with local face-to-face networking. My #1 recommended social networking site for business. Recommendation = 30 min daily (reading at least 1 article and commenting on it) + 1 Weekly In-Person Event + 1 Written Article Monthly, and eventually hosting your own events.

2)Twitter - Great to stay connected with professionals in your industry. Since many people have thousands of connections, it is almost impossible to worry about what people are saying. However, it does allow me - at any given time - to glance over and see what the industry experts are up to across the nation. Recommendation = no more than 15 mins daily.

3)Facebook - Mostly for my family and close friends. Try to stay away from business related stuff on here, but it's okay to talk about what you are doing in business from time to time. Has a Twitter like feature which is great. Participation = Once in the morning, and once at night.

4)Linkedin - I don't personally see any need to participate daily here if you are already participating on Biznik; which in my opinion is much better. However, you definitely should create a profile on LinkedIn, and thoroughly fill out your information. Your public profile will show similar to an online resume which will most likely be viewed by the major corporation if you are ever being interviewed for a job. SO BE SURE TO FILL IN YOUR INFORMATION COMPLETELY - or not at all. Update Your Profile Monthly.

5)Individual Business Blog - Allows you do say what you want when you want, with no restrictions. Let’s face it - sometimes we all need a few less restrictions! :) Recommendation = 1 post weekly.

Everyone has their own routine, but I've found any more than this is too much. And even this maybe a little overwhelming if you just don’t have the time. Well, since you’re reading this article, you’re already in the right place - my recommended #1 social networking site. If you do nothing else, participate regularly on Biznik and you’ll be doing just fine.
Posted by Biznik Community Tech Support, Seattle, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

I think what the underlying message of all these comments is that whatever social media tools you choose to use, you need to use them with integrity.

Having a basic profile on every single social media site that you access/update infrequently is not providing any value for anyone. Not you, your readers/followers, or the site providing the service is benefiting from your participation.

This is just cheap, crass commercialism. A transparent attempt to look current, which actually backfires and just makes you look like a bandwagon jumper.

However, if you have only ONE social media presence and you maintain it with sincerity and integrity, you will benefit directly from it.

Consistently provide your audience with value, and they will want to share that value with others. THIS is the power of social media... the ease of which other people can connect their friends to you.

Integrity is key. And, at the end of the day, it really is all you have, so protect it.

[This former staff is no longer part of the team.]
Posted by Dina Lydia Johnson, Seattle, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Christian, You make a very good point. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the ubiquitous advice: "Work it, work it, work it, baby!" at all of these networking sites and technologies.

I am one who cringes at the idea of becoming an online spammer and relentless self-promoter, even if it does result in a few jobs. Still struggling with that conflict.

I'd rather concentrate on quality content on one or two sites, as you say, and feel relieved that someone shares my thoughts on that.

I don't even have a cellphone and sure am not going to invest in one just to become involved in Twitter.

I became very active politically 6 years ago. I use Facebook mostly to keep up with political friends and aquaintances... a bit reluctantly, because I've had to hide, delete or ignore a lot of blather and useless contacts - it's too much info and noise. Plus I spend several hours a day on political websites, informing myself and networking with local and national activists.

I realize something has to give, and I'm cutting down my time with those to focus on my business.

This is a very timely article.
Posted by Pinkiy Walker, Portland, Oregon | Mar 19, 2009

Nicely done Taylor! The article really mirrored my own thoughts on social networking.
Posted by Wesley LeFebvre, Seattle, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Christian's point is similar to the one I was also trying to make. For the typical business owner, finding one site social networking site, and participating in it regularly, with integrity, will be the best use of your time.

For instance, to me this site is the best for most small to medium sized business owners.

If you are social networking with the hopes that you will also be getting business from your efforts, just be sure you are putting your time and energy in the right place.

For instance if you are a REALTOR, you might think ActiveRain.com is a great site, after all, it is a site filled will REALTOR's, Mortgage Lenders and the like. However, don't bet on getting any business from this site, because typically business flows from the REALTOR to the mortgage lenders and title companies, etc. Not the other way around. On the other hand, this is a fantastic site to "earn" business with your expertise if you are a Mortgage lender or title rep.

As a REALTOR, ActiveRain.com should be considered more of a Resource tool to share ideas, and expertise, or simply just fun social networking; not a place where you should expect to receive any business.
Posted by Len Rosen, Toronto, Ontario Canada | Mar 19, 2009

Hi Taylor, Just got around to reading your social networking commentary. I have stayed away from Twitter after checking it out. I use social networking in my business and I advise my clients to be cognizant of the market that these large public "virtual communities" represent. I am still trying to shape my Facebook message to see if I can create business from that site. LinkedIn and Xing have both led to consulting engagements from people who visited my profile. I am also helping a client who has created an application suite of private social networking tools so that organizations can setup social networks within firewalls. But Twitter has yet to get me excited about its applicability. Maybe you can enlighten me to its value.
Posted by Leah Oviedo, Encinitas, California | Mar 19, 2009

I've stopped signing up for every network I come across. Instead I am focusing all my energy on just a few.

It is less stressful now and I feel like I am making better connections.

Seems the underlying message is Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin!
Posted by John E. Smith, Maryland Heights, Missouri | Mar 19, 2009

Hi, Taylor - great article.

I like your two questions, especially since they are similar to ones I've been asking myself for some time now.

"When does online social networking become too much?"

When it gets in the way of doing what needs to be done. Several of your other respondents hit the nail on the head with their counsel to focus on a few sites and build your presence there.

Be aware of what else is out there, but don't try to cover the entire waterfront - just do well whatever you do.

"How many types of similar social networking sites do we need, before we recognize the redundancy of said sites?"

The market sometimes moves slowly and other times with lightning speed, but the market will always ultimately answer this question.

While many of us are currently overwhelmed by the onslaught of new sites, those sites can disappear just as quickly as they appeared. I have been through this with several sites, where you log on one day and the "closed" sign is on the home page or you just can't get to it anymore.

This is really not too different from on-ground commerce.

Thanks again for an intelligent and well-written article.

John
Posted by Debra Chandler, Alachua, Florida | Mar 19, 2009

Hi, I just read this post. Very interesting. I like your client-centered approach very much. As a techie who has yet to figure out a way to earn any money with my vast knowledge, I will venture out on a limb here.

I am not interested in face to face contacts. I am only interested in internet relationships and then perhaps some phone calls, and, of course, my personal friends, most of whom are doing the same things that I am doing online.

I believe there is an overload of social media options on the internet right now. I am trying to go with one "suite" like option, although that is not the term.

For instance, on vodpod, which I use to post videos to my blog on Wordpress, Twitter and Facebook with one application, there are other options. Those include MySpace (which I do not like at all), Tumblr (which I do not use) and TypePad or eBlogger (which I do not need).

I love wordpress. facebook, twitter. Stumbler does not work well with my 64 bit OS on some of my computers, so, unfortunately, I have yet to use it.

Also, lastly, I am "shy" about my presence online and have found Twitwall a wonderful solution for me because it is like a twitter blog, so I do not have to worry about blogging on wordpress anymore, I just use my blog there for videos.

That is me.

I am in the process of developing elearning and virtual "offices" so that I can eventually make money, however, for the time being I am stuck with ebay and etsy, both incredibly limiting and disheartening. Thanks for the post. BTW I don't like NING too much either.
Posted by Debra Chandler, Alachua, Florida | Mar 19, 2009

Hi, I just read this post. Very interesting. I like your client-centered approach very much. As a techie who has yet to figure out a way to earn any money with my vast knowledge, I will venture out on a limb here.

I am not interested in face to face contacts. I am only interested in internet relationships and then perhaps some phone calls, and, of course, my personal friends, most of whom are doing the same things that I am doing online.

I believe there is an overload of social media options on the internet right now. I am trying to go with one "suite" like option, although that is not the term.

For instance, on vodpod, which I use to post videos to my blog on Wordpress, Twitter and Facebook with one application, there are other options. Those include MySpace (which I do not like at all), Tumblr (which I do not use) and TypePad or eBlogger (which I do not need).

I love wordpress. facebook, twitter. Stumbler does not work well with my 64 bit OS on some of my computers, so, unfortunately, I have yet to use it.

Also, lastly, I am "shy" about my presence online and have found Twitwall a wonderful solution for me because it is like a twitter blog, so I do not have to worry about blogging on wordpress anymore, I just use my blog there for videos.

That is me.

I am in the process of developing elearning and virtual "offices" so that I can eventually make money, however, for the time being I am stuck with ebay and etsy, both incredibly limiting and disheartening. Thanks for the post. BTW I don't like NING too much either.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 19, 2009

Hi all,

Wow! Lots of comments. Thank you so much.

I like how Wesley has broken down how he spends his online networking time. That's actually fairly accurate to what I do as well.

I agree with Christian's comment about integrity. Focus on a few sites and keep your message and presence consistent.

It really comes down to choosing the sites which best reflect and represent your interests and staying active on those sites.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 19, 2009

Hi all,

Wow! Lots of comments. Thank you so much.

I like how Wesley has broken down how he spends his online networking time. That's actually fairly accurate to what I do as well.

I agree with Christian's comment about integrity. Focus on a few sites and keep your message and presence consistent.

It really comes down to choosing the sites which best reflect and represent your interests and staying active on those sites.
Posted by Dave Hayden, Burleson, Texas | Mar 19, 2009

This article really took off. Congratulations.
Posted by Joe Vissichelli, Valley Stream, New York | Mar 19, 2009

My question is, when does "the internet community" (or whomever decides we need these things in the first place) suddenly decide we've reached SMN oversaturation and replace it with the next best thing? Is it next week and all this is for naught?

I hope Web 3.0 is a quicker read and a shorter learning curve than 2.0. It took a while for me to figure out and I'm still a Twitter fence sitter.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 19, 2009

Sadly, from my experience as a technical writer, I can say that it's not a case of when oversaturation is reached so much as it's a case of someone deciding to offer something new without fully thinking out how to explain or demonstrate the use of that new technology. Then someone else needs to actually explore said technology and explain it to other people who then decide if it's worth their time to explore or not.

Taylor Ellwood http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Posted by Cindy Ross, Kent, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

What a timely article. I just upgraded my phone so I can facebook and twitter on the road. I don't twitter yet...was reluctant to start. I definitely need to lessen my time on the social networking groups.

One thing I'm working on is doing videos for my industry. My industry (scuba) is a bit behind when it comes to any form of marketing.

I think that in my case, a morning/evening facebook visit, daily visit to Biznik and a LinkedIn would work well.

Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed by the 20 sites my peers are using.
Posted by Debra Chandler, Alachua, Florida | Mar 20, 2009

Hello again,

I am new to Biznik, but I am loving this discussion. Very inspiring and refreshing. So many of the discussions elsewhere are written by geeks for their own fame barometers.

UGH!

I highly recommend twitter. I will write an article on twitter next week, too, so you all can get my take on it. I am a social scientist, so I look at things a little differently, perhaps, than most, but at least I will be able to discuss Twitter with you directly.

But here is a little run down.

1) hashtags begin with # and are used for searches, so let's say you are in the scuba industry and you want to find what is being said about it:

go to search.twitter.com or monitter.com and search #scuba then you can visit that person's profile and perhaps follow him or her

It helps you keep abreast of what is going on with your interests and who is tweeting at that moment.

Just @reply anyone on twitter who uses a hashtag that you do not understand and you'll get a @reply back.

DMs are private, but only between two twitter users who are following one another.

Try twitter and let me know how it goes!

http://twitwall.com/view/?who=profchandler

here is my Twitwall
Posted by Debra Chandler, Alachua, Florida | Mar 20, 2009

Hello again,

I am new to Biznik, but I am loving this discussion. Very inspiring and refreshing. So many of the discussions elsewhere are written by geeks for their own fame barometers.

UGH!

I highly recommend twitter. I will write an article on twitter next week, too, so you all can get my take on it. I am a social scientist, so I look at things a little differently, perhaps, than most, but at least I will be able to discuss Twitter with you directly.

But here is a little run down.

1) hashtags begin with # and are used for searches, so let's say you are in the scuba industry and you want to find what is being said about it:

go to search.twitter.com or monitter.com and search #scuba then you can visit that person's profile and perhaps follow him or her

It helps you keep abreast of what is going on with your interests and who is tweeting at that moment.

Just @reply anyone on twitter who uses a hashtag that you do not understand and you'll get a @reply back.

DMs are private, but only between two twitter users who are following one another.

Try twitter and let me know how it goes!

http://twitwall.com/view/?who=profchandler

here is my Twitwall
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 20, 2009

Good advice on Twitter Debra. Thanks!
Posted by Stephanie Baldwin, Vancouver, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

I enjoyed your article, and I thank you for sparing me from testing out TextMe or Ping.FM. Your mini reviews of those sites was helpful because there are sooo many of these social networking sites popping up. It can be difficult to decide where to spend your time online.
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 20, 2009

Hi Stephanie, glad I could be of service!

Taylor Ellwood http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Posted by Patricia Kor, San Diego, California | Mar 20, 2009

Great article Taylor! You helped me to understand that I need to pick few sites, stick to them and grow and enrich my network. Thanks!

Patricia
Posted by Patricia Kor, San Diego, California | Mar 20, 2009

Great article Taylor! You helped me to understand that I need to pick few sites, stick to them and grow and enrich my network. Thanks!

Patricia
Posted by Ed Sanchez, San Diego , California | Mar 22, 2009

Good article. I would have to take the other side. Do not limit your social networking or influence on social media. Rather, become more efficient with it. Most people have not truly recognized the marketing power of online networks and social media.

My Tip: Use an aggregate site. I use http://ping.fm this allows you to update almost all of your sites in one easy messaging format. The more networks, the more leads, the more leads the more business.

Besides the main social networking sites are great but are quickly diluted with business messaging.

Hope this helps.

Ed Sanchez www.eesagency.com ees1103@gmail.com
Posted by Taylor Ellwood, Portland, Oregon | Mar 22, 2009

Hi Ed,

I agree it's important to become efficient with it...however at some point there is only so many sites a person can be on. Having tried to use Ping.FM, what stood out to me was how needlessly complicated it was to access the features of the site. Will I use it at some point? Undoubtedly, if it gets easier to use, but even though it may offer all that wonderful automation the fact that it is hard to find my authentication code turned me off to it.

I certainly welcome more leads, but I also think there's something to be said for developing the relationships that come with those leads.

Taylor Ellwood http://www.imagineyourreality.com
Posted by Jill Heisterkamp, Independence, Missouri | Mar 22, 2009

THANK YOU! I was just commenting to someone about this earlier this week. Part of me wishes technology would either slow down and give me time to catch up or make more hours in the day.

Unfortunately, I have to say that all social media I've used so far has been productive for my business, so I can't say I won't use others. But so far, LinkedIn and Twitter have been the best for me.

Keep up the great writing! Jill
Posted by Mark MacKay, Seattle, Washington | Mar 22, 2009

Your article arrived at just the right time. I'm working on my blog, streamlining my FB page and starting to Tweet. Oh and then there's Linkedin, Biznik, email and all of my RSS feeds.

I've started to get up early to go for a walk. It gives me time to think. When I get back I give myself one hour to do my Social Networking and end that hour with a TO DO list for the day.

Social Networking is seductive. When I'm doing it without a time limit I often convince myself that I'm making money. I need to remember that I used to make money without online Social Networking.

During the day I shut off my browser and focus on my TO DO list. Things get done and Social Networking becomes I tool I can use - not a tool that's using me.
Posted by Susie Cheng, Sydney, New South Wales Australia | Mar 22, 2009

Dear Taylor,

This is great article. I totally agree that we have spent som much time on social media lately.

Thanks for sharing the information, I am very much appreciated.

Besr regards,

Susie Cheng http://www.twitter.com/susiecheng
Posted by Ranjini Charley, Belize City, Belize Belize | Mar 31, 2009

Great article. Personally, I think that while an online presence in the social networks is a good thing, spending too much time online maintaining said presence could be detrimental for you if you are running an offline business. Myself, it's vital that I maintain an online presence in the social networks I participate in since my business is online. Nonetheless, great points brought out in this article. God bless...

Miss J (aka MJ)