What is the functional value of Social Networking? Social Network helps level the playing field for businesses. No longer will businesses be constrained by large marketing budgets to keep their visibility. Though traditional advertising has its place and will be utilized for years to come, social media today is growing and is expected to increase by 21% into 2014 according to Forrester Interactive, "US Interactive Marketing Forecast, 2009 To 2014"

The value of Social Media is threefold for any size business.

1.Increase traffic to the company web site by back linking.

2.Promote awareness of your company and products.

3.Control of Branding for your company and products.

Creating a buzz about your company takes creative and diligent work. You will be rewarded for your efforts by increasing your web traffic and hopefully directing customers to your front door. Posting on a consistent basis takes time and forethought. The more active you are the more you will be noticed. But there is certain etiquette posting, do not over post your message and do not insist on being heard, friended or fanned. Gentle persuasion is often more effective then insistence. Posting free product advice can be very effective. Create a dialog; interacting with clients is essential to having them involved in your product. I personally feel it is a mistake to not allow postings on to your page and to keep the dialog one sided. I have seen this happen before and until recently noticed that was how my professional Facebook page was set up. It has been changed very recently. We all learn by trial and error. But this is a personal decision you have to make of how you want to interact with your readers. The beauty of Social Media is involvement, getting to know your clients and what their needs are, that entails listening.

All Social Media when used properly will help brand who you are and what you represent. Today having a web site is not enough; discussions in Social Media and blogging is essential today to let people know your level of expertise in your product and service. If your product or service is business-to-business Linkedin is where you should be. This networking site is for serious business contacts and offers a wealth of opportunities to spotlight your expertise on your services. I suggest you open a group discussion on Linkedin, share your knowledge in your product or service and get noticed. Having people turn to you for advice or information is valuable when competition is high, so work to set yourself apart. Consumer based products have a place in Facebook and Twitter. It is a sure way to quickly get you noticed; the site is growing daily and easy to use for getting your word out and posting pictures and videos. Keep your postings professional. This is not the place to post pictures that may deem you as unprofessional; I think you know what I mean. Always put your best foot forward be personable but professional, and most of all interact.

By keeping your postings professional you are spotlighting your business to the world. Keep some fun and hints of who you are by posting personable information. Remember personality is important; posting personal is not. Here is a Facebook posting I just added: "I am sitting here in my office listening to the hum of the computer as I type my latest blog post, mmm sipping on my morning coffee. It’s nice to work from home." Sounds better than a posting, "Writing my latest blog post." Showing hints of your personality will still let you focus on the product and will let you relate to your clients, fans and or friends as to who you are. Try to keep things positive and upbeat, but do not over exaggerate your success, lie or knock down your competitor. Everything you print is public. Eventually everything comes out. You are in control as long as you make the decision to keep it professional and on a positive note. How you come across, as an ethical, positive businessperson is essential in branding whom you are. Your personality is all a part of branding.

There is so much to Social Media and impossible to cover in this posting. It is an effective way of growing your network and businesses so I suggest you get your feet wet and create your buzz. Get more traffic to your site and through your door!