by Leanne Boyd
Over the past year or so, social networks have changed my life at 1WebDiva.com. The things I envisioned in 1989 when I entered the computer world, and later in 2000-01 brought to pass by writing university courses and teaching at online university – have come to pass. And in a much larger way than I saw, back then.
One of the courses I wrote was for Art Institute Online – a sophomore level course for implementing one’s art portfolio online. A big part of an artist’s success, either online or brick-and-mortar is NETWORKING. How to create both a support group as well as your client group. Even in 2001, few of us could have foreseen our Web world today, with all of the social networks available for literally any interest.
This article has very sound advice overall. Using today’s social networks can be a profoundly useful tool for networking. In fact, that is the very nature of the genre. Building this network then becomes a global scenario, with much-widened horizons.
Of the social sites mentioned, such as LinkedIn, MySpace, and Facebook… I personally think that Twitter should have been included. Twitter has been a main focus of mine for several months. I now have a very excellent group, increasing every day, of artists in every category from hands-on studio artists, to every description of digital art. The main item of importance to me is the creative mindthink that goes on… whatever you need, you can find it. And if not, just ASK. What a tremendous resource!
The beauty of the social networks is the ‘real time’ aspect, especially for Twitter. Conversation happens with very little lag, which means you can cast out a comment or a question, and have feedback come back in from your group almost immediately. Try THAT with Email!
I am in complete agreement with the author of this article. Pick your primary social platforms carefully. Keep it to just a few and really fine-hone your Internet presence for those sites. Keep it manageable because, I’m here to tell you, it can whack you over the head.
I would add to that, however… Do go to each site that is either important to you now, or you see that it will be essential in the future. And visit as many as you can… linking sites, video sites, images, shopping, etc. AND SNAG AN ACCOUNT. Claim your name NOW. For, within a short time, you may find that your name has been taken. Do it now. Choose an Avatar – your photo or your logo – and set up the basic account. This is the beginning of “your brand” online. You may not use many of the sites, now or ever. However, you’ve preserved your identity.
Taking this a bit farther, also go snag your name as a YourDomainName.com. Again, you might just park it for awhile with no Web site or Blog, but you HAVE it so that nobody else can swoop in and take it. The purpose both right now and for the future is to build your global identity. No matter your business, your name and visible logo/photo will begin to be recognized around the scope of all the social sites. Consider using the trademark symbol for any slogan you have, and never forget to place copyright statements on all of your pages online. The business element at most social sites is probably above average, ethically. But always take the steps to protect you and your business identity.
More information on branding, Web building, blogging, and art topics at my blog:
1WebDiva.com – http://www.1webdiva.com/blog
Posted via web from pre’posterous by Leanne
Tags: Branding, Connect with your readers, Creative, Earn Their Trust, Freelance, Freelancing, Internet Presence, Networking, site promotion, Social Networking, Social Networks, support group, Twitter, Your Brand, YouTube
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