The Pope is Hip to New Media — Are You?

5 Facts You Should Know about Social Networking Sites

At this point we’ve all heard about Facebook and Twitter and all the other social networking websites out there. But aren’t they for all those youngsters that are strangely comfortable making and expanding their friendships over the internet? You know, the same ones that tap tap tap on their cell phones at record speed texting one another? Those Gen X’s (or Generation Y’s). Aren’t those the ones hip to new media? Well, yes, them — and oh yeah, the Pope. What’s that you say? The Pope is hip to new media? That’s right. The Pope announced last week that he will be using YouTube to transmit his masses, to well, the masses. The new YouTube channel, which is slated to be updated daily, will offer video and audio clips of Pope Benedict XVI’s addresses, along with news about thePontiff. And this is not the only foray the Vatican has made into the world wide web. The Catholic News Services has a Facebook page which includes messages from the Pope. Not to mention, the Vatican launched its own website over 14 years ago. The Pope as well as many other visible people in our society, including the Queen of England and our new president, Barak Obama, are using blogs, online newsletters, video, and social networking to reach out to their audience. And they aren’t alone. Professionals and leaders of all backgrounds are learning to use social networking tools and new media to gain exposure, learn more about their market and spread their messaging. Artists use new media channels to solicit feedback from readers about their work, writers blog about their upcoming projects and create stir of excitement before they release their new titles, and hundreds of smaller businesses are learningto use Facebook and other social sites to get inquiries and bid. And there are plenty of social networking sites to choose from – worldwide there are nearly 150 active major social networking sites with some of the bigger ones having a membership of over 120 million registered users. Now that is a lot of exposure. So where does your business fit in? Here are 5 Quick Tips on Getting Acquainted with the Social Networking World:

1. Review your choices before you choose a site. With over 150 active social networking sites, it is important to do a bit of research to see where your key audience is.

2. Keep your professional profile professional. That’s right. Show your character but remember that some more personal facts don’t need to be shared with potential customers.

3. Promote yourself and your business modestly. Most new media coaches agree that being tactful is much more effective than being pushy on networking sites.

4. Use your online manners. This is common sense, but it is amazing how much people forget to be courteous online.

5. Stay Interesting. Want to keep people’s attention on you and your business messaging? Keep it current and keep it interesting.