Leveraging Niche Social Networks in the Business World

While general social networks, like Facebook and MySpace, seem to be the only worthwhile platforms, there are hundreds of invaluable niche networks lying under the radar. These niche social networks are significantly smaller in size, but are incredibly larger in the value they offer members.

Ning is a web 2.0 platform, which allows members to create their own niche social networks and populate them with likeminded individuals. In May of 2008 there were 1,500 new networks created everyday and over 70% of these niche networks are active, which means a member had used it within the last 30 days. This exponential growth shows how social network users enjoy and find value in becoming a member of these highly focused communities. While a majority of these members are also members on Facebook, MySpace and/or LinkedIn, they are finding several unique points of value through their membership on niche social networks.

Following is a list of benefits from the utilization of niche social networks:

1. Find and connect with likeminded professionals, who are utilizing the social network for the same purpose.
2. Increase your knowledge of a certain topic within a specific industry by connecting with an expert and beginning a knowledge sharing relationship.
3. Share your knowledge and experience with a network of people who understand and genuinely care about your blog and profile page.
4. See trends and opportunities in your industry and market and take action by connecting with the right people and/or blogging about it to demonstrate your expertise.
5. Your actions and connections hold significantly more value than those on Facebook or MySpace.
6. Niche Networks have a highly active and dedicated user base, which means that the content on the network is well written, highly valuable and frequently refreshed/updated.
7. You have a much greater chance of standing out on your niche network, which will lead to prominent exposure to the right people and an increase in business and opportunities.
8. Along the same lines as being a big fish in a small pond, you have a much greater chance of establishing authority through your blog and profile (to the right people again).
9. These networks typically offer valuable tools and functionalities specific to the needs of the community.

The commonality linking the above benefits is the quality and mindset of each member. Professionals who join their respective industry social network show more diligence and professionalism in the creation of their profile, writing of their blogs and interaction with other members and connections. Your membership in your industry social network should be a direct extension of your job, as proper utilization of the network can become an incredibly valuable tool and you will leverage this value on a daily business.

About the Author:

A specialty holdings firm based in Atlanta GA, Four Elements is comprised of young and talented individuals boasting a variety of skill sets in business development, creative design, and social media and marketing promotions. Founded by Maxwell Finn, Zeshan Muhammedi and Taylor Pemberton, Four Elements believes that every thriving entrepreneur and business deserves dedicated persons focused on building a sustainable business without having to visit a variety of companies. By bringing top tier management and growth strategies, Four Elements will increase the quality and consistency of your business's results in a global, technology-driven economy.

Four Elements serve as a one-stop source for developing businesses that need competent support, but do not have the time, personnel, or inclination to search out and manage multiple resources across different business disciplines.