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I'd like to also note that social niche networks do work but I believe they work only if people are truly engaged in them and not just using them to spam people. Relevant info and good comments as well as a two-way communication and helpful tips for all will automatically get people to network with one another. If I share a freelancing tip with another writer, that writer is more likely to check out my sites and how I am doing . I am likely to do that if someone is equally open with me. Friendships and connections build but they are often (as you note) in specific niches. Time is a factor.
I think you're right in your view that the community won't adapt to the platform. I am a member of a social network that is built around an interest and a group of people that are very much online and social. They have built a huge following in a very short period of time. Sadly, I do not see much corporate interaction there, either -- there are some savvy companies that are using the site in very smart ways, but those tend to be small, independent, and very nimble companies.
I'd very much like to take a look at what you are building. Best of luck -- I will be watching.
Ann what is the social network you're talking about?
The problem is that the majority of people in all markets don't realize that we as businesses must marry the audience to OUR platforms. too many companies make the mistake of thinking this centers around tapping into the online communities when in reality it isn't enough. That'd be like trying to train the audience to use the television by only trying to do so via the television. It takes a different effort.
I believe the only reason why anybody is going to the sites that ARE working is because publishers/owners know how to marry an audience to their platforms, even if its a very limited audience like you are seeing with a lot of small social start ups at the moment.
I think people are thinking way, way too much about the wrong things in the market at the moment.
Just do me ONE favor and make sure that you don't emulate a certain micro-blogging platform when it comes to dealing with the complaints of your user community! There is *nothing* that kills a community site faster than feeling like no one is listening! :)
You rock Jim - I'm sure the community & platform will too!!
Thanks very much too for your Tweets that are always interesting, humorous, and personal.
George, I'll DM you some deets. :)
praying too for traveling mercies...
And playing off of Ann's point, I think it can be much more beneficial both to a company and its customers to engage people where they are (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) rather than to try to drag people where they don't want to go (a corporate social network).
Deloitte does not get social media.
http://www.retheauditors.com/2008/07/deloitte-a...
Happy travels.
Great post and couldn't agree with you more that a community needs to adapt to the needs of its users while both anticipating future needs and innovating to stay one step ahead of its user base. I love following your adventures on Twitter...would love to take a peak at your advance beta.
I worked with BET's first website back in 1997 in helping to try to build a web community but we had NO IDEA & NO CLUE of what we were doing. After we received our first TOS (terms of service) violation for hmm spamming email addresses, that is when I realized oh, we are doing something WRONG. But we had no clue of how to community build then. I had to leave only b/c I was realizing I needed a little more education to tackle online world so I went to law school?! [why?! I did that to myself I don't know?! Not practicing at the current moment]
Since I have been more active in social media for the past 2 years, I have created my own communities (they are kinda disconnected but I have them) too that is something that I cherish tremendously! However, I cannot get everyone to join the social community tools I use each day [re: twitter/myspace and sometimes plurk, rejaw, etc.]! It can be a real test of my patience trying to get someone to join twitter or even set up a blog but they still find me online somehow and want to talk!
I appreciate reading what you do on twitter and thank you so much for sharing! 8) I am excited to be a part of your community too!
I'm here because I clicked on your link in your Bio in your Twitter page. Mmmm, glad I did.
I agree with Patricia, the platform as long as it is easy to use - is irrelevant - what counts is the type of people you initially attract into the site. This will determine (initially) the direction, intellect and dynamics of the site.
I feel business can very successfully play a subliminal part in selling their products whilst creating the group dynamic and leading the way for the group to interact with each other.
The psychology of online interaction is fascinating and I have been studying in depth for the last 4 years. There is a lot to creating success in Social Networking - and I don't think its that difficult - just needs some planning and strategies to keep it authentic - or it will just degenerate to nothing more than a forum.
I would be delighted to see your beta site - if you are so inclined to invite me.
Smiles to you and I look forward to connecting with you more.
Excellent graph and article that is thought provoking. We are seeing more hiring managers and companies searching social media sites and blogs for talent. The days of the Web 1.0 resume are beginning to fade. According to a Cornell University report "Approximately 80% of the available jobs are never advertised." Consequently jobseekers must force themselves to create an online presence within the social media construct--but how?
Our firm Inner Architect has spotted what we believe to be the next big trend in job search; we call it "Blogging to Employment."
This job search strategy combines direct marketing principles and blogging. We teach jobseekers to strategically target the hiring managers and companies they wish to work for, identify their own value and expertise message, then deliver their message through their own blog.
The blog then becomes the "hub" or centerpiece in which the jobseeker can then create profiles on social media (business niche) sites pointing back to their blog. Sites like Linkedin, Facebook, and twitter will help the job seeker deliver their value while networking with people in their chosen industry.
I love your idea of the "psychology of online interaction" because in the case of jobseekers they are often trying to "undo" or unlearn old world rules.
Thanks for the excellent article. I am now following you on twitter.
Dean Guadagni
Business Director
Inner Architect
http://innerarchitect.com
Thanks.
Tom Martin
The error that I've seen corporate social networks make is the same error that they've been making since the earliest days of the Internets. You can't just put up at site/social network/ picture of your cat and expect millions of people to view/use your site.
It still comes down to usability, content, and community. If you don't offer these three things no one cares.
You raise some excellent points. We also agree that any effort to engage an online community needs to focus on -- and respond to -- the needs of the target audience. We'd appreciate a glimpse of your beta effort and enjoy following you on Twitter.
Hope your new platform engages... and encourages others to "think about" and "act upon" their individual passions. Learning is interesting...doing is fulfilling.
All the best...
It's a kind of web 2.0 TV. Kind because no onde knows how tv is going to be.
This is a proposition:
www.iSofa.tv
Can you give me your veredict afterwords? Greetings,
Bruno.
I'd love to take a look at your beta.
Julianne
Great insights. Would love to take a look at the Beta.
You sir seem like an interesting dude!
Will burn a feed and keep my eye on you!
I'd love to take a look.
I'd love to take a look. I'm a part of another social network that in the beginning was difficult to navigate around. It was the community and content that kept me coming back for more.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/arts/televisi...
Includes your pal David Gregory.
How about updating your content here, Bro?