Well to start the conversation, ONE of my favorite social networking sites is twitter, I have made so many business contacts, found friends and entertainment on twitter. Twitter has also exposed me to people and information in my industry that I otherwise would not have been.

I recently put up a myspace page for my business.  I have had two new clients as a result and it's fun to hear them say "you're a virtual friend to my virtual friend x".  I've also added many other businesses and newspaper publications to my "friends" and so I receive their posts and can keep up with events in the community and look for opportunities.  I can also post my specials and send event invitations for all my "friends" to receive.

Just wanted to add this post from Mediameme's blog that I think is good food for thought when marketing online.Communication is the essence of being human. The Internet is communication evolved.

The "online conversations" is developing a way to weed out the good from the bad in business.

Have you Googled your name or your company lately? What does it say about you? Does your online presence leave people wanting to know more about you and what you have to offer?

I do not believe that an online leader is any different from a leader in general. Some leaders are born and some are made, however, leading online is a new game.

So what makes up an online leader?

* Be a thought leader/what is your expertise?
* Confidence/People are attracted to it, do not be arrogant
* Be Positive!/Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm Ralph Waldo Emerson
* Be consistent
* Encourage feedback/Then talk back (remember communication is two way)

* Reality check/Do others see you as you see yourself
* Contribute for the good of your community or what you represent/It isn't all about you
* Share value/Is what your sharing or contributing something to talk about?
* Be authentic
* Don't be afraid of the competition/how are you different?

* Do what you say
* Know who you are
* The proof is in the pudding/People will respect if you live by your standards

* Step out of your comfort zone/That is where growth comes from
* Do not be afraid of issues/People like to know that you are real
* Live up to standards you want others to live up to
* Let go of control/Be a leader not a control freak

* Consider the end in mind/What is your purpose of your online presence/Know your goals
* Realize it is a learning process/Don't be afraid of being human
* Excellence is continual learning and new experiences,
* Greater the risk greater the reward/Don't be afraid to be yourself
* Build your community/Men do not attract that which they want but that which they are James Allen