The Top Social Media Sites You Have To Check Out

Social media is what you absolutely have to be in if you want to add an advantageous edge to your business. In fact that trend started quite some time ago but it is only recently that even small businesses got involved. So I put together a list of the top sites you will most probably love for your business.

1. Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/

Should we even explain why? Facebook is great for everyone but you are probably asking why for you. Well by using Facebook you will get to promote yourself as a business owner and we all know how important goodwill is for small businesses. You will also get to create a Fan Page bearing your companies name and increase your popularity by getting fans. You can even advertise by paying a relatively small fee or by paying per click. You can talk about the mission of your business or post pictures of your new products.

2. Twitter-http://twitter.com/login

Via short updates messages you can share a few words and include a link for your followers to hit if they want to know more. This is great since they don’t get bored by the view of things they judge uninteresting and instead get to choose. It is very easy and quick to get registered on Twitter and you will only need to concentrate on sharing good content.

3. Youtube-http://www.youtube.com/

Youtube is more than music, Youtube is videos. Post videos of you sharing marketing tips, of your team giving a conference or simply a thank you message to all your clients. You can also show your products with a nice tune playing in the background. People who like your content will add you as friend and subscribe to your channel.

4. LinkedIn-http://www.linkedin.com/

LinkedIn is very useful for people who want to connect with like-minded people. It offers many resources for entrepreneurs, such as groups, including the very popular “On Startups” group that has over 54,000 members.

As an entrepreneur, you should also be looking to participate in LinkedIn Answers, events and applications to boost up your profile and become a valuable member to your community.

5. Entrepreneur Connect-http://econnect.entrepreneur.com/

Entrepreneur Media, the company that produces Entrepreneur Magazine, started a social network over a year ago specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners called Entrepreneurs Connect. We can say they are right in the trend. Using Entrepreneurs Connect will give you the opportunity to create your own profile, explore the community, share ideas with other entrepreneurs and network. However it frowns upon too much self-promotion and applauds idea sharing, so only get in if you are in the mood to share.

You can use this network to connect to service providers, suppliers, advisers and colleagues. Just like LinkedIn and Facebook, there are professional groups that you can join or create. Another cool feature is that you are able to start your own blog and possibly have it appear on the main page if they like the content enough.

6. Young Entrepreneur-http://youngandsuccessful.com/

If you’re young, entrepreneurial and socially active, then this site is a great beginning point for you. This community is basically a discussion forum, with topics such as e-commerce, search engine optimization, marketing, IT & Internet and franchising. Aside from their main forum and threads, there is a popular blog and some great videos. Participate a lot and get yourself known.

7. StartUpNation-http://www.startupnation.com/

With articles, forums, blogs, on-demand seminars, and podcasts, entrepreneurs will find a wealth of information to help them in business.

There are a wide range of topics being discussed on StartupNation right now, including business planning, marketing and web-based business. The site also offers a series of competitions, such as a dorm-based 20 contest and an elevator pitch competition. If you’re an entrepreneur or hope to become one, this site is definitely one you can’t miss out on.

8. PartnerUp-http://www.partnerup.com/

PartnerUp is a social network for entrepreneurs who are searching for people and resources for business opportunities. Anyone can join, but business partners, co-founders, executives and board members will get the most out of this network. In this network, you can ask or offer advice, find commercial and real estate help and find service providers like accountants and marketers for your business.

The big differentiator with this social network is the commercial real estate “MoveUpSM” program that helps entrepreneurs who have experienced a hard time trying to find office space for their business. They also have a Resource Directory that allows small and mid-sized businesses to advertise their services.

9. Ecademy-http://www.ecademy.com/

Ecademy is a Social Network for Business People founded in 1998 now with over 300,000 users of the site each month. Ecademy is unique as business people connect both online on the web site and offline at networking events and 1-2-1 meetings.

Remember that business is like an ongoing adventure with new levels to hop or break through. So best of luck in this great adventure!