WHAT IS SOCIAL NETWORKING?

A social network service focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people who share interests and/or activities. A social network service essentially consists of a user profile, his/her social links, and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact over the internet.

In general, social networking services allow users to create a profile for themselves, and can be broken down into two broad categories: internal social networking (ISN); and external social networking (ESN) sites such as Facebook, and Twitter  which are the most widely used worldwide; MySpace and LinkedIn being the most widely used in North America.

One popular use for this new technology is social networking between businesses. Companies have found that social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to build their brand image. There are five major uses for businesses and social media: to create brand awareness, as an online reputation management tool, for recruiting, to learn about new technologies and competitors, and as a lead generator to intercept potential prospects. These companies are able to drive traffic to their own online sites while encouraging their consumers and clients to have discussions on how to improve or change products or services.

Social networks connect people at low (or no) cost; this can be very beneficial for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to expand their contact bases. These networks often act as a customer relationship management tool for companies selling products and services. Companies can also use social networks for advertising in the form of banners and text ads. Since businesses operate globally, social networks can make it easier to keep in touch with contacts around the world.