Recently a close friend invited me to attend one of the Entrepreneurs Meet up Groups; “Minibar Monthly Meet-up”
It was more of a social get together rather than a formal meeting, where people with shared interests from different backgrounds and each with their own expertise gather to discuss web applications, start-ups, social Networks (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) investment and general Web 2.0 information.
As well as consuming the occasional Beer! 
I have now joined this group as I found the whole experience both rewarding in terms of the information I received and the friendliness of the people attending.
Ok moving on:
One of the topics brought up at the meeting was on “Social Networking “ and why we need it to promote our business, website, or blog that discussion led me to write this post ………
With the advent of the age of Information Technology, the way people do business has drastically changed. In today’s business world, every organization or concern has an online presence i.e. a website or blog. These websites or blogs are a platform for promoting your business on the internet.
Meanwhile also attracting customers and providing your target audiences information about your products and services.
Importance of Social Networks in Online Businesses:
Social Networks can act as your businesses brands’ ambassadors by promoting your products and services on different popular networking websites which are used by billions of people online every day. You should build a presence for your business – products and services both on these Social networks for the following reasons:
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Communication Platform:
Social Networks provide organizations a platform to communicate and interact with its target audiences. They also allow businesses to engage in a two way feedback with their customers.
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Customer Service Tool:
Social Networks serve as customer service tools for organization because therein, you are listening to the views, complaints and suggestion of your customers, which can help you in improving your products and services.
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Raising Brand awareness:
All Social Networks now have a sharing option via which you could distribute content pictures, articles, videos, etc. to external websites and blogs as well. Thus, giving a boost to your brand awareness as this information is shared among the masses online.
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Increasing Brand recall:
When you actively communicate at Social Networks your followers are tuned in, which puts your product in the ‘Top of the Mind’ category and increases its recall in comparison with competitors.
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Attracting prospective customers:
Social Networks are a medium for generating new potential customers who might want to try out your products because of your active campaigning, communication and display of your products and services online.
Marketing paradigm has shifted, more and more businesses are becoming highly customer-oriented, for that you need to be constantly in touch with your customers. That is where the Social Networks come in; they are a channel for real-time communication between your products and your customers.
Let’s look at some of the most significant Social Networks of today.
With over 500 million active users, Facebook is no doubt a powerful Social Network, which is rapidly growing in use and popularity still. You wouldn’t find anyone who is not a member of Facebook now. So just imagine what Facebook could do for your business with its influential conversation and advertising forums.
Benefits of using Facebook:
- It helps in massive new customer acquisitions.
- Facebook is a great platform for brand image building.
- Free of cost marketing via Facebook fan pages.
- Targeted advertising through CPM and CPC.
- You can engage in continuous customer interactivity and feedback
- Facebook offers increased visibility for your products and services.
Role of Facebook in promoting marketing your online business:
- Facebook helps in synchronized participation in events and conversations
- It is a medium to generate insights give continuous feedbacks.
- Facebook helps in marketing activities and campaigns.
- It is a great tool for public relationing.
- Facebook marketing supports your products and services online.
- It generates positive word of mouth and attracts customers.
Why you need to use Facebook in modern business world:
- It helps you sat head to head with your competition in online marketing campaigning.
- Facebook drives traffic to your corporate website.
- You can reach your precise target audiences through targeted ads.
- It helps you build beneficial relationships with your customers and prospects.
- Through Facebook you can launch innovative marketing campaigns.
There are about 190 million people who tweet on Twitter. It is one the fastest growing micro-blogging and data streaming sites. Twitter has high-profile users which makes it more popular among people, for they can follow their icons.
Benefits of using Twitter:
- Maximizing your brand awareness by tweets.
- You could gather intelligence on what your competitors are doing via Twitter.
- Twitter promotes multimedia embedded content.
- You could engage in question and answer sessions on Twitter, and provide useful information to your customers.
- Twitter works like a mini-press release for your latest developments in business.
- You could generate additional traffic for your website or Blog by publishing content with your website or blog link in tweets.
Role of Twitter in promoting marketing your online business:
- Twitter allows efficient networking with large groups of people simultaneously.
- Through Twitter you can instantaneously interact and communicate with your customers and colleagues.
- Twitter provides a steady stream of ideas, contents, links and resources which can be very helpful in generating insights for your business.
Why you need to use Twitter in modern business world:
- You can target your online marketing campaigns at your target audiences effectively via Twitter.
- Twitter generates substantial amount of online traffic to your website or blog for free.
- With Twitter you can remain up-to-date on the latest trends, happenings and demands of the industry and your target market.
- You will find honest product reviews and service experiences on Twitter through which you can make the necessary changes or improve your current product offerings.
- Through Twitter you could conduct customer polls about your products and services and check how well they are faring in the markets, this can help you in your market research.
- You can link your tweets to promotional content to increase your potential sales.
- With timed tweets you can have maximized views of your product offerings.
YouTube
YouTube has over one billion users; with such a huge number of users it offers a platform with huge potential for businesses to target and promote themselves at.
Benefits of using YouTube:
- YouTube is the fourth most visited website on the internet, thus, creating a presence for your website or blog on YouTube means you will have access to a greater number of potential customers.
- YouTube provides you a unique way of promoting your businesses; previously product ads could only be watched on TV or a few websites but with the advent of YouTube you can broadcast your videos and ads, etc to be viewed by everyone and anyone.
- Google always list your YouTube page matching the search keyword in the top results.
- You could market your product promotion videos, instructional videos etc. on YouTube for free.
Role of YouTube in promoting marketing your online business:
- YouTube allows potential customers to view your product in detail before buying.
- YouTube provides an entertaining medium to check out information, brands, musicians, along with related products and services.
- YouTube like all other Social Networks provide interactive commenting and feedback from customers.
- If you belong to the entertainment industry then YouTube can help you greatly by promoting your videos, movies, songs, etc.
- Businesses and artists can create channels to broadcast their video to be viewed by the masses.
- You can link the content to YouTube which was previously on your website so as to provide faster browsing.
- You can upload your business presentations and material on YouTube to be viewed and used as convenient.
- With YouTube you have the option to upload and distribute informative and educational videos for your target audiences.
Why you need to use YouTube in modern business world:
- If you belong to the entertainment industry then YouTube can help you greatly by promoting your videos, movies, songs, etc.
- Businesses and artists can create channels to broadcast their video to be viewed by the masses.
- You can link the content to YouTube which was previously on your website so as to provide faster browsing.
- You can upload your business presentations and material on YouTube to be viewed and used as convenient.
- With YouTube you have the option to upload and distribute informative and educational videos for your target audiences.
LinkedIn is business networking website with around about 100 million users. Since LinkedIn is used by all professionals and business people, it is a great medium for getting in touch with your prospective business clients, as it is a huge B-to-B interactive portal; while also keeping a tab on your competition.
Benefits of using LinkedIn:
- Having a presence at LinkedIn improves your Google search result ranking.
- It helps you get genuine information via its reference checking tool.
- You could conduct a market research by holding polls and surveys on LinkedIn.
- When people will recommend you, your customers will know that you are a reliable and trustworthy business.
Role of LinkedIn in promoting marketing your online business:
- LinkedIn can be used as a promotional tool.
- By using LinkedIn you can answer the questions posed by your customers.
- LinkedIn helps you in business networking.
Why you need to use LinkedIn in modern business world:
- You can advertise on LinkedIn directly to you target market by buying Direct Ads.
- LinkedIn helps you find business clients, partners and service providers.
- A LinkedIn account increases your credibility by substantiating your presence in the professional world among so many business people.
- LinkedIn builds your business referrals and thus, your reliability.
- Through LinkedIn you can attract quality traffic to your corporate website.
Social Networks; Go On Get Connected
It’s All About Connectivity!
As you know I love hearing from you and reading your comments so please share your thoughts below:
If you use Twitter, Google’s +1 or Facebook please hit the button below and share it for me please!
Catch up soon
Filed under: Social Media and Networks
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Hi Ian,
Don’t you feel that Facebook and Twitter are already saturated with all kinds of ads and offers? I know Facebook has a strict spam policy and they have some real tough security, but some spammers still slip through the cracks and mix with the real advertisers.
How can the client differentiate between them? Where’s the trust?
Martin recently posted..Hazmat Practice Test
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Martin,
A warm welcome to my blog, thank you for visiting and leaving your comment, I really appreciate it.
The points you raise are a concern for a lot of people; a recent survey shows that 95% of people simply do not trust advertising! No matter what media is used for the advertisement.
More than half (58%) agrees with the statement “That businesses are only interested in selling products and services to me, not necessarily the product or service that is right for me!
BUT … Here’s a piece of data that is very interesting! According to the report those who are actively engaged in the use of Social Media (Tend) to be more positive towards companies in general (35%) and are more likely to have favourable perceptions about the companies they interact with online.
Spammers and Malware creators – what’s the solution?
Spammers and Malware creators are everywhere including Facebook and Twitter, and this has presented huge problems for these platforms, however the bad guys are in for a shock!
Over the last 2 years security researchers and vendors have really looked at this problem and both Twitter and Facebook have taken huge steps forward to combating this problem.
Twitter – Facebook
Twitter now routes all links through a filter that scans for Spamming and Malware and prevents sullied links from being posted. Also the “link shortening service” it created goes through filters and all links are now vetted.
It also now employs “OAuth” which allows users to authenticate credentials without providing their username or password, preventing user having their credentials hijacked.
Also the company “Barracuda” has made available for Free the “Profile Protector” which scans both Facebook and Twitter profiles and identifies any users / companies that are on the security watch lists!
Maybe I should write a follow up post on this subject!
Finally Martin I think as with anything you are considering buying online I would always carry out your Due Dilligence and buy from a trusted site, a bit of research can save a lot of heartache!
I look forward to your next visit, stay safe
Catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Taking Action – Specific Steps Leading to Your Goals
Hi Ian,
Thanks for taking the time to write so much! I understand now, solutions do exist to the problem, now they just need a little time for their effects to be seen.
Also, people need to be educated in buying online.
Martin recently posted..How to Start a Truck Driving Training School Business
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Martin
You are most welcome my friend, education is the key for us all!
Have a great weekend
Catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 3
Twitter: learn_to_blog
Hi Ian, great post, thanks for sharing your experience. I think these networking events are great places to learn and share, with an emphasis on sharing. It is important to be able to give as well as receive at these types of events otherwise they get saturated with newcomers who are unable to give anything because they have no experience. Sadly some people go just to glean some free information and one they have their answers they abandon the meets without contributing. Sounds like you got loads of really useful stuff from your meet.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy recently posted..Take Action To Achieve Your Goals!
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Mandy
Hope all is well with you … not working too hard!
Thanks for dropping in and commenting I really appreciate it. I really enjoyed your last post in the “Journey to Success series”
You know when I got the invite I wasn’t sure whether I would attend or not having attended a couple in the past which granted where more formal but I came away feeling it was an opportunity for some people (not all) when socialising to simply express how good they are!
That’s not for me; I want to be able to communicate with likeminded people who have a shared interest and are willing to chat with you no matter whether you are a newbie or a veteran online.
And … say “that’s interesting Ian, haven’t tried that” But … “here’s another way have you tried this”!
Not wanting to let my friend down I attended, and I am pleased to say I am glad I did, it was one of the best experience’s I have had. I learnt so much and had a great evening chatting to people with varied experience from different online fields.
I have now joined this meet-up and will be attending future events.
There is an old saying Mandy “Give and you shall receive” it is much more rewarding.
Still enjoying the journey!
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 3
Hi Ian,
I’m glad you have found a group more ‘local’ to you to pop along to
Having other people to talk to can help so much… even just having them understand what you’re talking about…lol
I’m particularly fascintated with all the posts about social media these days… as the contrating views are filled with statistics that prove both to be positive and negative (so who knows which are more accurate)
Some say they get heaps of traffic from social media, where others are seeing a decline now that they are fully established?
Which does make one wonder if they will die a death in terms of using them for marketing – and revert to just a social site?… or whether new and more ingenius ways of getting those clicks will come to light?
I guess we’ll have to wait and see
Randy
RandySmith recently posted..Free Backlinks, Gifts, Video and Some Bargains
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Randy
Thanks for dropping in and your comment I really appreciate it.
I really enjoyed the whole experience; it was such a terrific evening. I met and spoke to some lovely people with varied experience of online marketing. Social Networks was just one of the topics of discussion that evening.
Plus … the beer was nice!
Like you Randy I have seen and heard conflicting idea’s regarding these platforms.
But …. I think something very interesting is going to happen with Twitter this year?
In December of last year Twitter announced its increased efforts to woo “Small Business” advertisers and stated it is worth several billion dollars more than the original figure of $4billion valuation!
Twitter was created in 2006 and only started working with Advertisers a year ago. This year they expect to generate $150 million in ad revenue, up from $45 million in 2010!
They expect the growth to come from a new “self service system” later this year which will allow small businesses to buy ads on Twitter similar to that of Google’s AdWords program.
Like you say it will be interesting to see what happens in the future, but when you are talking these sorts of numbers I can’t see it dying just yet!
Then again it just might!
Take care Randy, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 3
Twitter: barry_wells
Hi Ian, wow mate….. when we spoke on Skype last I could tell you were excited about the meet up you attended and having read the post I can see why.
They are definitely on my list for when I’m able to attend.
I do use Twitter and YouTube but am yet to get myself over to Facebook and Linkedin. Having now read this post I’ll make a point of getting over to Linkedin and put that one right
As for Facebook I’m still holding off on that front Ian. I want to get a series of products created so that when people land on my blog there are some high value offers in place to help me grow my list. I know that Sally Neill has been mentioning me on Facebook so you could say she’s warming it up for me
(thanks Sally).
I’ve just come from a post by igor Griffiths in which he mentions YouTubes T&C’s state that we’re not allowed to post our videos on our site if we have them monitised. Which is a little alarming but I’ll look into that.
Ian I have to congratulate you on simply the best post on social networking I have found online so far
On another note: I was surprised to see you have 3 cooments before mine and no tweets
I’ve put that right Ian but here’s a tip mate:
Go to the settings for the Tweetmeme plugin and click the check box to display top and bottom. Which will obviously add a button to the bottom of your post. The reason you want this mate is because most people will forget the top button once they’ve read the post. By placing it at the bottom as well they’re more likely to hit it
Catch up soon Ian,
Respect and regards, Barry
Barry Wells recently posted..Kindle Publishing Made Easy by Val Waldeck: My review
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Barry
How are things? Not working too hard I hope?
Thanks for dropping in mate I really appreciate it. Your comment and kind words really mean a lot thank you for your kind support.
Like I said in my response to Mandy above; I was not sure whether I should go or not, but I am so glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and learnt so much. Plus the beer was good too!
Regarding Facebook I have seen you mentioned a few times Barry. I know you are holding off at present as you are working on new products. I am using Facebook at present to attract more visitors to my blog to try and get them to interact with me through my posts.
I have had some success in building my list doing this from both Facebook and Twitter, but I know there is more work to be done.
It’s a little alarming what you say regarding YouTube’s T&C’s, I will be interested to know what happens there. If you find out anything further please let me know. (I will pop over and have a read Igor’s post)
While writing this post I have come across some very interesting discoveries regarding ad campaigns, security, and promotion from (Facebook and Twitter)
As Randy mentions above there are certainly some conflicting idea’s out there regarding this very subject, but in a way that’s good because it’s got people talking about it.
I think Twitters proposed new “self service system” that’s due later this year could prove very interesting! (Then again I could be wrong!)
Here’s a free tool for checking your profile for spammers and hackers Barry “Profile Protector” which scans both Facebook and Twitter profiles and identifies any users / companies that are on the security watch lists!
Thanks for the RT and heads-up regarding Tweetmeme mate appreciate it.
Once again thanks for the kind words mate, Skype chat this week?
Take care buddy, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Social Networks in contemporary business scenarios
Twitter: adriennesmith40
Wow Ian, great post. Talk about chalked full of awesome information. You really did get a lot out of that meeting. Bravo my friend.
I just now started connecting to some events through MeetUp.com but unfortunately for me, there has only been one that was actually scheduled and nothing on the agenda yet for the rest. But I did end up meeting an awesome contact there and we are now doing business so it all worked out great. I recommend attending more of those if for nothing else but networking. You never know who you will meet and what you will learn. This is a perfect example.
Thanks again for sharing all of this. I have absolutely nothing else to contribute. You’ve said it all.
Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..5 Reasons Why People Won’t Comment On Your Blog
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Adrienne
Apologies for the late reply, these last few days I have had my head down getting stuck inot my new product.
Thanks so much for dropping in and leaving your comment, I really do appreciate it.
I loved the meeting that much I have now actually signed up with the group! It was an awesome meeting and the people where so friendly and could not wait to share stories and information.
It’s like Mandy said in her recent comment; it’s all about sharing and helping one another, that’s why I also love the blogging community I am lucky to be associated with.
I will definitely be attending more of these meetings, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting meet ups, networking is an important part of blogging.
Take care Adrienne, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Social Networks in contemporary business scenarios
Twitter: kathydobson
Hi Ian…
You are so right attending these meet ups. I have to locate and get connected with some US marketers because all the meetings I want to attend are in the UK!
Thanks for this extensive list of social markets. You certainly covered them in detail and covered the most important ones.
I am just now warming to Facebook…but I have realized for a long time it’s value to business.
Twitter was all the rage two years ago…Facebook had not quite reached it’s pinnacle…but honestly Twitter is for a certain group I guess because although I do “tweet” for others…I never really got into following it myself.
But, social networks are here to stay so if we plan on being successful online we must learn to utilize them.
This is a great invaluable list…thanks for posting it!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Join the Creative Fun…Not 1 but 2 Winners!
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Kathy
Hope you’re having a good weekend?
Thanks for visiting and for your comment I really appreciate it.
When I initially got the invite Kathy as I said to Mandy I was not sure I was going to attend! I have to admit I am glad I did.
The meeting was excellent and I got a lot from it. The people where great and willing to share and divulge their experiences and information! They where also eager to hear what you had to say as well which is always a good sign.
Facebook and Twitter are really pushing the boat out this year to woo small businesses and increase revenue on business advertising… it’s now estimated to be worth several billion dollars this year!
I believe that we are going to see some really big changes in Social Marketing over the next year from all the players (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google +1, LinkedIn)
Question is “Social Marketing” here to stay? Who knows, but with the sort of revenue being forecast I cannot see it dying just yet … can you?
Glad you liked the post Kathy
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Social Networks in contemporary business scenarios
Twitter: Dawn_Kay
Hey Ian
Sounds like you really got a lot out of going to that meeting and good on you for taking the plunge and diving in there mate.
It’s soooooo good to be able to get together with people in the flesh and share ideas and mull over what works and what doesn’t.
Randy Smith holds a meet up every month in North Allerton that I go to and I know you would benefit a lot from it if you could attend.
It’s always the first Saturday of the month and all the details are on his blog if your interested.
Maybe we can car share when you move back near me lol
Take care
Dawn
Dawn Kay recently posted..Mandy Allen – What Would You Do Differently And Why?
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Dawn
Hope all is well with you?
Thanks for dropping in your comments are always appreciated.
I visited your blog today and I must say Dawn the “What would you do differently“ series of posts is fantastic. It’s great to be able to share the experiences of other people, and what they would change if they had to do it all over again. Looking forward to Jacinta’s!
As I’ve already mentioned above Dawn I was really not sure if I was going, but I did not want to let my friend down as he very kindly invited me. Boy! Was I glad that I went.
The meeting was great, I am now hoping that they will all be like that. I learnt a great deal and had some great conversations. Plus the beer was good .. Mentioned that above as well!
Regarding Randy’s meet up every month; I was aware of it as Randy has mentioned it to me before, when I eventually move back up North I am looking forward to attending.
The move back North shouldn’t be too long now, definitely within the next 2 months, and yes we can car share no problem … who’s the chauffeur?
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Social Networks in contemporary business scenarios
Social media nowadays are very important in tool relaying information to the public. In order for you to be connected to the other marketeres and earn more profit you must utilize these social networks. Basing this experience networking events are great places to learn new knowledge. I was also amaze with all social media these days that there more positive feedbacks based on statistics than the negative one. Thanks!
Samantha recently posted..Treating Teeth Grinding with Hypnosis
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Samantha
Welcome back!
Hope all is well with you?
Thanks for dropping in and for your comment, I really appreciate it.
You are so right Samantha, networking events are a great place to socialize and mix with like-minded people and share information. As you know I recently attended a great meeting and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.
Social Media; There are certainly some conflicting idea’s out there regarding this very subject, but in a way that’s good because it’s got people talking about it. Social Media sites are the talk of the town of late and I think there are major developments ahead.
What with Twitter’s announcement to increase its efforts to woo “Small Business” advertisers, then there’s the proposed new “self service system” later this year which will allow small businesses to buy ads on Twitter similar to that of Google’s AdWords program.
Glad you liked the post Samantha, stay tuned for the next one “Hacking, Security & Spamming Issues on Social Networks – How to combat them” should be posted this week!
I’ll pop over to your site later!
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..Learning As You Go – The Internet Marketing Scene
If the self service system will push through, no doubt about its success for sure! I was able to read your recent post hacking, security and spamming issues! The post is very timely, especially that I’m seeing lots of spam posts created anywhere, especially on FB.
Samantha recently posted..Millions of Americans Suffer from Destructive Teeth Grinding
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Samantha
Thanks for popping in and leaving your comment I appreciate it!:)
The platforms are definitely becoming more security conscious what with Barracuda’s new free Profile Protector for both Twitter and Facebook.
There have been tremendous improvements to these sights over the last 2 years.
“Social Marketing” is here to stay, and I think we are going to see some further really big changes to Social Marketing within the next 12 months.
Hope you have a great week!
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR “Private Label Rights” Part 1
Twitter: deeannrice
Ian,
Great post and really full of information.
I keep looking for meet ups in my area but there really are none. It is great that you can get together with others even for an informal social time. Obviously you got a lot out of the meet up.
I am just getting into the social networks. I have been on them for a long time but have never really done anything with them. So I found your post really interesting.
Thanks for all the great information.
Dee Ann Rice
Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Google + / Google+ / Google Plus
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Dee Ann
Apologies for the delay in my reply, but for some reason your comment slipped through the net and I have only just noticed it … sorry!
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it.
I am glad you liked the post Dee Ann, I really enjoyed the experience, and it’s one I am definitely going to repeat.
I met some really interesting people from varying backgrounds, and it was great sharing and hearing information in different fields. What made the experience more pleasurable was the informal social environment, a terrific venue and was an all-round great meeting with like-minded people!
Thanks again for dropping in Dee Ann, look forward to seeing you again soon…
Take care, catch up soon
Ian
Ian Ieba recently posted..PLR – Private Label Rights Part 4
Hi Ian,
Today if you want to get your business out there, you are definitely leaving a stone unturned if you aren’t utilizing social networks.
Having a blog and being on social networks is a very good way of getting yourself out there.
As you know Ian, Sally Neill showed us how to debunk the myth that joining social networks will take up a lot of time.
Great post introducing social networks, it’s more like a report. This post will help anyone who wants to know what it’s all about.
Keep on keeping on Ian,
Terry Conti
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