Two Sides To The Social Networking Coin

Which side of the coin are you on?
As with most things in life, there is a good side and a bad side when it comes to social networking. The door has been opened to a world where there are few limitations. Reaching out to other people across the globe has become normal, and has allowed for growth on both a personal and business level.

I would like to discuss the two sides of the coin. If you know how to manage both the good and the bad, then your time networking will be more successful. Although there are two sides of the coin, the good news is that the outcome is not left up to a chance toss. It is up to you! I will start off with the bad and finish with the good, because my glass is always half full.

The Bad:

  • Spammers: If you are online, you will eventually meet up with them. Think junk mail in your mailbox is bad? The spammers know how to try to ruin any good social networking site. I have found it is best to completely ignore them (and their one of a kind opportunity). It is pointless trying to actually communicate with them due to the fact that all of their responses will only be about how to make you an overnight millionaire.
  • Prowlers: Not of the robbery sort. These are the people that say “Wow, you are beautiful! Where do you live?”. Right, like I am going to answer that one! If you indulge this person in a conversation, inevitably they will ask for more personal information about you. Unless you are looking for this type of thing, once again, it is best to just ignore this communication.
  • The Naysayers: These people come out of the woodwork in droves sometimes on various social networks. If you have ever hit the front page of Digg, you know exactly what I am talking about. There is a great article about this called “One Rotten Apple Spoils the Whole Bunch… Baby!” which explores this situation. It seems that when certain people are online, they lose any sense of respect for others. The enjoy putting you down and telling you how very wrong you are. There is nothing wrong with giving an opinion, but the Naysayers do it in a very low-class way.
  • Social Networking Abyss: Have you ever painted a room in your house? Once it was painted, you quickly realized that the adjoining room needed to be painted now too. In other words, one thing leads to another. You join one social networking site, then you join three more. You receive invitations to join even more sites and before you know it, you find yourself involved in more communities than you can manage. The best thing you can do is narrow it down to at least five if possible. If you concentrate on just those sites, you will get more out of them than if you are spreading yourself too thin.

The Good:

  • Bloggers: I cannot even tell you how many wonderful people I have met in the blogging community. They have become friends, associates, teachers and supporters. Although some bloggers fall into one of the “bad” categories listed above, most bloggers are very community oriented. They are willing to help others by passing on useful knowledge and supporting their fellow blogger. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of Blog Catalog and have met some exceptional bloggers there. It is the epitome of the good side of the social networking coin.
  • Multi-site friends: When you are in the social networking scene, you are bound to run into the same people at different sites. This can be very useful if you have established a relationship with them. You can introduce each other to other helpful members and expand your resources. Often times, these people will come to your aid if one of the Naysayers come along to “boo” you. Once you have formed a good group that is interacting on several sites, you are truly networking.
  • Footprint: When you participate in online communities, you are leaving a footprint. Your trail can be followed and as long as you leave a good trail, it is a great thing! It helps to build your reputation and your online presence. This can lead you straight to the goal you have been aiming for all along. Always keep in mind that your online footprint can be followed and make sure what you put out there is your best.
  • The people: Despite whatever your goal is for social networking, I would bet that you have been surprised along the way by some of the great people you have met. Lord knows when I started out I had no idea of how many friends I would make during my journey. My online adventure started out for business reasons but I often turn to my favorite sites for personal reasons. The people make it very worthwhile and fulfilling.

I would like to compare social networking to being in a candy store. Most of what I try is very sweet and rewarding. Every now and again, I find a sour piece but that is not a big deal because I just spit it right back out. In this world (offline AND online), you get what you give. Make the most of your social networking and look past any of the bad stuff. The good side of the coin makes it well worth it! What side of the coin are you on?