Over the past two months I have attended four networking functions with groups such as the American Marketing Association and the Business Marketing Association with the headlining topic of social media. It’s the new business “buzz word” and becoming a major venue for people to communicate. A couple of the questions that keep coming up are “when does anyone have time to stay active on the social media sites?” and “which sites will be the most valuable to me?” Those are questions only each individual can answer. Needless to say if one wants to keep up there is a certain amount of social media interaction that is required. Check out this list of 50 social media networking sites to choose from.  And let me know which ones you’re keeping up with!

Sure, it has been around for what seems like forever (or at least since the first season of Project Runway, which seems like forever) but I never thought I’d say it:  I love what’s happening with mobile marketing.  I have resisted texting in my vote for favorite contestant on every Bravo show (they’re all my favorite), and even held my fingers back from seeing if my husband and I are compatible love mates if I text LOVE to 62253 (I don’t need to spend $1.99 to find out we’re obviously not compatible).

The great things I’m seeing ahead are blowing my mind – and I would have never guessed this was the future of mobile marketing back when my dad’s cell phone battery pack weighed 25 pounds and the only place it could fit was underneath the car seat.

At Mary J Blige’s Radio City Hall concert this year (yes, she was amazing), attendees could donate to her Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now all through a text that would bill cell-phone accounts.

WHAT?

While waiting for the curtain to rise at the new Broadway show, 13, I texted my raffle submission to win a back-stage tour and cast introduction.  Right after the show’s last number, I got a text that I didn’t win, but did get a discount coupon from the concession stand!

HUH?

And a company called Socialight has developed a platform that is like the three-way brainchild of TomTom, Facebook and Zagat.  Merging GPS with social-network and venue-review platforms, anyone can map where they are (restaurants, cafes, hot dog stands, park benches), leave comments about the place, and search, read comments and even connect with people who have visited locales anywhere.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AMERICA?

Will my cell-phone carrier become my new credit lender?  Will I become a bigger philanthropist through my LG?  Will I just have to text the cash register at Banana Republic with my Friends-and-family discount coupon?  Will I be able to find like-minded people who love Veselka’s chili just as much as I do?

Most of all, how do I break the news to my Dell Inspiron 1100 that I’m in love?

Social Networking sites are here for the long haul. There are so many out there to choose from (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Brightfuse…etc) and usage has gained tremendous popularity. Most people have historically used social networking sites for personal purposes…to stay in touch with friends, share photos, reviews, etc. But, it is also important to keep in mind that your web presence can sometimes be reviewed by potential employers.

I have heard that 22 percent of employers say they use social networking sites when evaluating job candidates, and an additional 9 percent intend to do the same soon. Yet, only 16 percent of workers with social networking profiles have modified their pages with potential employers in mind. Put yourself in the employers shoes. They are looking for candidates who not only fit the job criteria, but who also fit within their company culture. Social Networking sites are a great way for employers to tap into (what you think may be) your private life a bit gaining insight on your personality.

On the flip side, I have heard cases where candidates have deliberately offered access to, for instance, their Facebook pages in order to share details on who they are that may not have been a part of the previous traditional interview process. I suppose this can portray one as an “open book”, with “nothing to hide” or perhaps even proud of sharing who they are. It is up to you on how you decide to use Social Networking for your own personal needs.

Please read this CNN article for some great tips on Social Networking Do’s and Don’t’s: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/11/05/cb.social.networking/index.html