Social Networking basics

Social Networking is all about making connections, both the personal kind and the professional variety. 

And while using Social Networking sites is a great way to connect with potential customers, there are factors to take into consideration. As I’ve stated in other posts, social networking sites are NOT created to be a "set it and forget it" marketing tool. 

The "free" aspect of social networking sites hold great appeal for bootstrapping entrepreneurs.  However, it’s important to remember that using social networks for marketing require a large investment of time and effort on your part.

Ben Yoskovitz at the Instigator Blog says:

But There’s Gold In Them Thar Social Networks

On the positive side, business opportunities abound on social networks, even if they weren’t designed for business. It’s simple. You put people together bound by common interests and get them hooked on participating with one another, and presto, business opportunities emerge.

The key term is "get the hooked on participating".  If you get "hooked" by a social networking site then it’s probably a GREAT place for you to lower your anchor and fish for a while.  Take some time and learn the lay of the land before you begin your "customer mining" operation though.