Business Networking Strategy

The last two questions from the recent article in The Sun newspaper Isn’t Facebook just for kids, can I network there? Since Facebook opened membership to the public, people have looked at the business networking potential of social networks, with mixed success. Facebook have started ‘brand’ pages where people can become a ‘Fan’ of your business. Facebook is ‘viral’ by nature, meaning that you can spread your message. But you have to understand how to do so and your business needs to be a good fit. Why would a bunch of strangers want to help me?

A new group on Facebook has been launched to promote 'The Dudes', a new cartoon series which is described as the UK's alternative to 'The Simpsons'. The creators are trying to launch 'The Dude revolution' by building a big enough following on Facebook to convince programmers to screen their production. As an incentive, they are offering the chance for two of the group members to be turned into a 'Dude' and provide a voiceover for the first full episode.

Eager to engage with new technology, I have just established a group on the social network Facebook for people to discuss their business networking and public speaking challenges, ideas and tips. Please come and join the '...and Death Came Third!' Networking and Speaking in Public group and share your stories and questions.

I had an interesting meeting with a group of policy makers and a press officer from Northern Ireland’s Department for Employment and Learning (DELNI) last month. I have been talking to the team there for a couple of months about their pilot to become the first Government Department to have a Facebook presence.

I have been interviewed for this Yorkshire Post article following Microsoft's purchase of a stake in Facebook. Is the money being spent on social networks reaching unsustainable levels?