Do You Have a Strategy For Joining Groups? No, Well You Should! - Part I
Social Networking Groups What is a Social Networking Group? Essentially it is a virtual club, organization or association.
We are all familiar with Rotary and Lions Clubs, the YMCA and YWCA, church groups and congregations, professional associations, etc.
Take those organizations to a virtual level and you have Social Networking Groups.
Social Networking groups typically do not have formal meetings, although they can.
There is no reason why a group cannot organize a conference call or even a face-to-face meeting of their members.
There is no limit on what you can do.
Unlike your local clubs, organizations, and associations; virtual groups can become International immediately with little or no work.
In traditional clubs, organizations, and associations you have local chapters, Regional groupings, National, and ultimately International.
Social Networking Groups can go from zero to 60 instantly.
If you have a topic of International interest or appeal your virtual membership can cross boundaries at the speed of light.
This is both an advantage and disadvantage depending upon the purpose that you are trying to achieve.
That, however, is for another article.
Types of Social Networking Groups The types of Social Networking Groups are as varied as your ideas.
There are groups based upon interests, vocations, avocations, hobbies, technology, professional issues and discussions, products, types of services, etc.
There are groups with all practitioners, users of specific products and services, customers of particular companies, non-competing vendors, and countless other options.
Essentially if you can think of it; there are groups for it, and, in most cases, several groups.
If by chance you find something without a group; then you can start your own group very easily.
Who Should Join a Social Networking Group? There are many reasons to join Social Networking Groups, but there are no reasons not to join Groups.
That does not mean that you would join all groups or that you would not avoid specific groups.
What it means is if you are going to be on the Internet and participate in Internet activities and conversations; membership in groups is a virtual requirement.
If you are trying to establish a brand for yourself, your company, or your products; group membership is a necessity.
Why Are Groups So Important? Groups are important because groups constitute your audience.
Groups are a means of extending your sphere of influence.
Groups allow you to talk to many people simultaneously.
Can you imagine how long it would take to establish a brand if you could only talk to one person at a time? How extensive would your sphere of influence be if you could only talk to those you know in your network? Obviously it would take a tremendous amount of time to gain credibility and establish a trust relationship with a large audience; if you could ever do it.
Watch for my next article on What to Look for in a Group and How to Select Your Groups.
We are all familiar with Rotary and Lions Clubs, the YMCA and YWCA, church groups and congregations, professional associations, etc.
Take those organizations to a virtual level and you have Social Networking Groups.
Social Networking groups typically do not have formal meetings, although they can.
There is no reason why a group cannot organize a conference call or even a face-to-face meeting of their members.
There is no limit on what you can do.
Unlike your local clubs, organizations, and associations; virtual groups can become International immediately with little or no work.
In traditional clubs, organizations, and associations you have local chapters, Regional groupings, National, and ultimately International.
Social Networking Groups can go from zero to 60 instantly.
If you have a topic of International interest or appeal your virtual membership can cross boundaries at the speed of light.
This is both an advantage and disadvantage depending upon the purpose that you are trying to achieve.
That, however, is for another article.
Types of Social Networking Groups The types of Social Networking Groups are as varied as your ideas.
There are groups based upon interests, vocations, avocations, hobbies, technology, professional issues and discussions, products, types of services, etc.
There are groups with all practitioners, users of specific products and services, customers of particular companies, non-competing vendors, and countless other options.
Essentially if you can think of it; there are groups for it, and, in most cases, several groups.
If by chance you find something without a group; then you can start your own group very easily.
Who Should Join a Social Networking Group? There are many reasons to join Social Networking Groups, but there are no reasons not to join Groups.
That does not mean that you would join all groups or that you would not avoid specific groups.
What it means is if you are going to be on the Internet and participate in Internet activities and conversations; membership in groups is a virtual requirement.
If you are trying to establish a brand for yourself, your company, or your products; group membership is a necessity.
Why Are Groups So Important? Groups are important because groups constitute your audience.
Groups are a means of extending your sphere of influence.
Groups allow you to talk to many people simultaneously.
Can you imagine how long it would take to establish a brand if you could only talk to one person at a time? How extensive would your sphere of influence be if you could only talk to those you know in your network? Obviously it would take a tremendous amount of time to gain credibility and establish a trust relationship with a large audience; if you could ever do it.
Watch for my next article on What to Look for in a Group and How to Select Your Groups.