It seems as though a new, online social network is launched every week. Because joining every single one that pops up is not a workable solution for anyone, how do you keep up without losing your sanity? Well, it’s important to understand your objectives. I’ve found it best to classify each of your networks into two groups: a personal network or a mass-communication network. A personal network revolves around your inner circle of friends and family, whereas a mass- communication network allows you to publish one message to hundreds or thousands of people who are interested in hearing what you have to say. Here are my guidelines for each classification:
Personal network
Facebook: Most people use their profiles to keep in touch with people who they know directly and don’t normally accept random friend requests.
Google Buzz: Google’s latest social networking feature, “Buzz,” is a service for sharing thoughts, multimedia and your social-media feeds with your friends through your Gmail account.
E-mail and instant messaging: These tried and true mediums connect one to one, instead of one to many.
Mass-communication network
Facebook fan page: Instead of blocking people who want to be your friends, forward them to a separate professional fan page on Facebook.
Twitter: Each tweet you publish will be distributed publicly to everyone who follows you.
Blogs: One of the main objects of a blog is to gain subscribers and to communicate posts consistently to them.
LinkedIn: You should accept all requests so that your network expands exponentially, from first- to third-degree contacts.
—Dan Schawbel is the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y and author of “Me 2.0.” Follow him on Twitter @DanSchawbel.
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