Quantitative Signups vs Qualitative Networking

Social networking is becoming such a big thing but yet we are hearing endless complaints of negative yields. I attribute these complaints to the manner in which we applied social networking to our lives and work. I shudder whenever people around me praised aggressively a new social networking site that barely got itself up and running.

There are several questions that we need to explore before we plunge into the next big thing that comes along. They are essential questions, such that it will help you revitalize your decision-making process when deciding if you should pick up social networking.

  1. In what ways is social networking designed to help, and how can it help you?
  2. What are the current usage trends, and do those trends fit into your objectives?
  3. Which are the available social networking sites, and which of them should you adopt?
  4. What is the niche of these sites, and which is most appropriate for you?
  5. What are the activities going on in a certain site, and are those activities relevant to you?




Well, this is precisely the problem. Many people around me has this rush in signing up with almost every social sites and web tools they can get their hands on. Most identifiable, the Tech geeks. There is this nagging myth that you should join more social networking sites if you wish to expand your networking. If until today you have seen little progress in your social networking efforts, then it’s telling you the sweet picture your geeky friends painted for you isn’t really that sweet afterall.

In an environment where anyone and everyone is anywhere and everywhere, does joining more social networking sites necessary increase your network? Just imagine, if you’re a property agent and you are looking to network within the industry, what are the likely social sites that you will hope to participate in? A site;

Now, I am looking at various SMEs and entrepreneurs all over the world picking up on social networking. Some of their results are not what they hoped for. What has gone wrong? Are they networking with the right people? Have they failed to do their research before they took the plunge?

I am a member of various social networks, from Web 2.0 sites to the old school forums. If I am itching for my fishing hobby, the fishing community is where I turn to. If I am sniffing out new automobiles and performance discussion (another passion of mine), the car forum is where I will log into. If I need to gather information for my pet dog, the dog portal is where you will find me. It is their focus on a certain niche topic that led them to flourish. So unless you are thinking of forming casual friendships or mass marketing, generic social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook are not likely to deliver substantial results. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but unlikely in their current state. The lack of commercial activities adoption in these sites at this point, says quite a bit on their viability.

Maybe I am wrong, MySpace did create an accidental niche out of the entertainment industry. Again, the key is FOCUS.

Part of social networking “tips” is identifying, segment them and participate accordingly. Just think how you would socialize in your real world, you do not just socialize with every tom, dick or harry. You want your networking to serve a certain purpose by connecting you to others in a meaningful way. That is what’s not going on in most social networking sites. Of course, there is nothing wrong getting to know a complete stranger. But the purpose…?

So very possibly the more networking sites you signed up with, the lesser generation of values you are likely to see. Naturally, social networking becomes a hype.

This generic form of social networking is opening up doors for others, like Last.fm and LinkedIn. These are social sites without the useless super-poking and cater to the music and business communities. To top it off, The Washington Post revealed last year of how smaller social networking sites or communites are raking in more results than the big names. We’re also looking at local examples like E-Clubbing, dedicated to Singapore’s clubbers with a wealth of directories and latest club events.

I believe we are already getting tired of generic social networking sites that thrive on vast membership base and page-views. All these for a better sales profit, rather than the goodness of users. Smaller niche communities seemed better in showing the true qualities of social networking by focusing on a specific interest.

By Ed | June 27, 2008

Filed Under Social Networking

 


Comments

2 Responses to “Quantitative Signups vs Qualitative Networking”

  1. Patrick Tan on July 1st, 2008 1:07 pm

    Thank you for quoting e-Clubbing.com as an example in your thought-provoking post.

    [Reply]

    Ed replied on July 1st, 2008 4:36 pm:

    You’re welcome Patrick.

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply