Is it really important to have a social network presence?

Question

People keep saying that you need to have a social network presence, and you have to be on places like Facebook and the like. My question is, is it really important to have a social network presence? If so, why? I think all it achieves is to show you that your old friends now have new friends and don't give a c**p about you anymore. Is it important to be on the social networks?

Answer 1

instead of having thousands of mean and selfish friends you should have 1 but true and honest friend.

Answer 2

I think it all depends on what the expected result of joining a social network is. Facebook and Myspace are great tools for staying in touch with acquaintances or broadcasting a 'push' message to a larger audience. LinkedIn is great for professionals in different geographies and professions to connect to conduct business. To me the really interesting social networking membership occurs around a specific interest, topic or goal...all the noise and clutter of people who aren't engaged or invested are removed so discussion and knowledge sharing is focused and collaboration has momentum. I work for a company called IGLOO (www.igloosoftware.com) that provides a suite of web 2.0 tools to associations, foundations, non-profits and corporations where action-based communities are utilized to engage its members in collaboration, dialogue and sharing of information & best practices, etc. In a corporation or business the communities are focused around a specific branch or department of the business so employees can better communicate to get work done. Multiple communities (branches or departments) then have their own agenda, brand and shared knowledge which can then connect into other communities without diluting the information that is important and relevant to them. The same is applicable to foundations, non-profits and associations only this is more of a marketplace social network. If you really think about it - Why would you dilute your information in a social network that is trying to be everything and anything to everyone when you can communicate and interact with a dedicated audience of like individuals who are working towards a common goal? Makes sense to me to connect with individuals that I want to connect with and not have my time wasted by all the noise and clutter of people who have nothing better to do than have a snowball fight on Facebook when I'm trying to get a report done for a customer or build awareness around a fundraising initiative for a great charity . Non?

Answer 3

Social networks is another channel to extend your brand and just like in the real world you have to decide if it fits your going forward strategy.  online presence comes in shape of blogs, message boards, news sites, social network and Virtual worlds.  you must decide where you want to commit your resources. When it is all done and dusted, only the local traffic matter.