There's a lot of buzz around the internet about Web 2.0. & Social Networking. You may be wondering what it's all about and how it will help your business. Here's a primer.

What is Web 2.0 anyway?

The term "Web 2.0" holds a variety of connotations. Firstly, it was referred to in 2004 as the heralding of the next generation of the internet. There's a new way of thinking about the internet, website design, and interaction using the web that is moving away from a collection of independent websites to using the internet as a community building resource.

How does social networking fit into Web 2.0?

Social networking is at the very heart of this new wave of internet. Social networking creates community, user generated content, and even, some say, a way to clique our selves into groups, like in the high school cafeteria.

Isn't it just a big waste of time?

It certainly can be, especially if you tend to throw yourself into new things with wild abandon! And honestly, when I get busy, it is the first task category that I let slip. In my case, though, it can be just because I'm a very social creature.

Why should I use it for my business?

Social Networking helps business owners, executives, and even employees connect with each other for support, camaraderie, and collaboration. Social Networks help businesses spread the word about what they have to offer.

That sounds too simple. What's the catch?

The catch is, they are not always secure. (Even direct "tweets" are seen by twitter followers.) The second catch, particularly for anyone marketing a business is to not go overboard with offers, even with folks who have opted to receive messages from you. This is permission based & that's a great way to lose permission!

There are so many!

Don't sweat it. Instead of trying to have an account on every service, when you're first starting out, just do a few, and visit them a couple times per week. It's better to build a name and your community on a few sites, than to be a ghost on many.

Hey Meg! Can we get some recommendations?

Sure! Linked In is great for professional networking, Twitter helps you learn how to be concise with messages. Friend Feed allows you to parse all the Web 2.0, social networking stuff you do all over the web, and collect it into one feed. You can also search for services that are specific to your industry.

If you would like to see what my Friend Feed looks like & subscribe for yourself, so you can always get the first tip-off to what I'm up to (and what I can do for your business) - check this out: http://friendfeed.com/megmeyer