Social Networking Tools for Speakers

Published: May 11, 2010, 12:19 a.m.

b'Social Media Alive and Well\\nSocial Networking Tools have inundated the internet. They have also taken us along in their abyss. Social Networks can easily become (and have) to many of us, a HUGE time sinkhole. FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ are the most common. As much as the internet is invaluable, it\'s also taken us into forays of networking wasted time and productivity, that is, if not managed properly.\\n\\nNo doubt social networks are another leap into mankinds quest to be connected, social and be good at networking. I am talking about mankinds foray into the social media realm. What is it? You\'ve heard about it. Personal websites and blogs are other examples. Like anything "computer", social networks are another test of how well we can manage our time. Because if you look at the offerings, and dare to get involved, social media could easily consume every breathing moment of your day.\\n\\nI found some social networks are more social than others. And social networks are an irony in itself. Because it is virtual ... really. In 99% of these social networks, you really do NOT get together. For example, how many times have we seen friends or family, at a restaurant or coffee shop, sitting inches away from each other with heads bowed, looking down and typing on their smart phones. They rarely say a word to each other.\\n\\nTrue irony isn\'t it? Only 1 that I know about and used - MeetUp.com - has the sole purpose of bringing people together, face-to-face and in person. It could be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Some MeetUP groups I joined, never ever had a meeting or got off the ground. So what\'s the point, right?\\n\\nIn this show I talk about several of the more productive social networking tools toastmasters can use to go about their speaking business. Hope you enjoy listening !'