Realtors or Business: "If you're not social networking, you're not on the Internet"

I read a quote some time back that said: "If you're not social networking, you're not on the Internet" That seems pretty straight forward and blunt, however as I continue to grow into these various sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, it appears they are on a continuous climb in membership, improvements and applications. As a businessperson you may ask, how is this going to improve my business? Let me give you a short list of the benefits that hear most often:

1. Branding

2. Relationships

3. Top of mind awareness

4. Community fellowship

5. an opportunity to contribute

These are only five of many reasons you could be involved with social networking. Web.2 as it is called, is not a fad; it is a fundamental way in which we communicate. As a result of Facebook and Twitter being an active part of my week, I had an opportunity to attend a Tweet Meet last week held at Biggby's Coffee at the East Lansing Towne Center. More than 40 people showed up to this event sponsored and promoted by a group called LifeInLansing.com. Our host was Biggby Bob, who is also very active on Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites. This was an opportunity to put a face and personality to the written conversations each of us may have been following online.

Another example of social networking allowing you to expand your networking capabilities is a group called Ignite Lansing, who are holding an event on April 17th, 2009 in the East Lansing Technology Center, in downtown East Lansing. This is already sold out, (no wonder it's free), however, it goes to show that networking, sharing and community collaboration are where business people need to be in today's world.

These are just two examples of the many wonderful groups that are meeting around the State of Michigan to inform, encourage, and support each other for there desired goals, dreams and inspirations.

If you're not LinkedIn, face booking, or Twittering yet, I encourage you to start. You never know, you may end up meeting that long lost friend, your next client, or just become more acquainted with your own family as a result. You can follow me on Twitter at MIrealestate.