Networks are connections or groups that make things happen, from a network of roads to a network of people.

Have you ever been speaking to a friend about finding a job, and they reply by saying they know someone whose company is hiring? Have you ever wanted to see a movie, and one of your friends heard from another of their friends that the movie was really bad?  This is an example of a social network. Social Networks allow groups of people to interact and share information on a wade variety of things. However, how do you know about information within this network unless you ask?

Online Social Networks allow you to see other peoples connections, their interests and allow you the opportunity to join such a group.

Social Media on the other hand, is the ability to communicate with those within your social network online, using technology,  social interaction and content.

What is the difference?

You may have a social network you interact with via Facebook (your friends) that is different to a social network you have within Linkedin (your work colleagues and other professionals). In this example, Facebook and Linkedin are the social media, or sites that allow you to publish, blog, converse and share content online with members of your social network. Other examples of Social Media websites include twitter and MySpace.

Case Study: Twitter? What’s that?

Twitter is an example of social media. Twitter is based on the simple principle – people are interested in ‘what you are doing’. It’s about speaking directly to an audience who are invested in you and / or your work using short, sharp messages (140 characters). It would be like sending a text message to everyone in your mobile phone contact list.

Why would anyone care?

Here’s an example: You’re an artist who is a vegan and likes 80s music. You may have people who follow you on twitter to get ‘first glimpses’ of your work (e.g. sketches, photographs of unfinished work etc), to receive your latest gluten-free, dairy-free salad and to hear you opinion on the recent Roxette concert.

How can you use twitter?

1. Post something of value:

- Have you read / seen / watched an article that others may be interested in?
- Are you trying something new and want to know what others think?
- Are you sharing your opinion on a topic?
- Are you selling items and are offering a discount for the next 5 hours?
- Do you want immediate feedback on one of your products?

2. Remember to interact with your network

Think of your own, real-world social (friend) group – What happens when you don’t stay in touch with them?

Be Sociable, Share!

•