Many agree that social networking sites like twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn can be resourceful tools in communication. In this part of the 21st century, institutions and individuals have embraced and harnessed the power of the social networking media where anyone can create a free account and share information, attract clients and create a network of followers that in turn become clients, partners, stakeholders or critics. This has substantially revolutionized the concept of socializing and doing business.
Everyone therefore has an opportunity to exploit this kind of resource in the following ways;
Everyone therefore has an opportunity to exploit this kind of resource in the following ways;
Have a Twitter and/or Facebook page: these two sites have been some of the most popular social networking sites in the world that have given its subscribers the freedom to write about their social lives through sharing pictures and videos, as well as engaging in serious policy and political debate. The sites have acted as means of expression of many that would otherwise be unheard in the traditional way of communication. They have facilitated the creation of networks both social and professional amongst people of all races and made it easier for people to live and share their lives defeating the barriers of physical meetings. Imagine having 5000 friends that you share lives with and communicate to daily, it’s awesome!
Businesses and Institutions that provide service to people have taken advantage of these networking forums to advertise and mobilize followers that in turn feed into their improving numbers of clients, stakeholders, funders, investors and critics that help to improve performance and enhance public relations.
Create a YouTube Account – YouTube provides an opportunity for people and institutions to upload videos for the public to view. These videos can be of advertising nature, presentations, speeches or even simple documentaries about products, services and activities of any business, organization or institution. YouTube can also be linked to the other sites like Facebook where people can read and view the video at the same time. The interoperability of these forums makes it even more interesting and an adventure that none must miss!
Join Linkedin – This is a resource the links professionals and professional bodies together and provides opportunity for debate on technical issues in various sectors including ICT, Science and Technology among others. Many CEOs, Consultants, Technicians, Employers and other professionals have joined LinkedIn in a bid to share knowledge about topical issues, specific technical areas, or even source for human capital / technical competences for certain specialized assignments.
There are many other networks like MySpace, net log, hi5, tagged among others and all these social networking sites are at no cost, one only needs an internet connection on a laptop, desktop or even mobile phone.
Leaders like President Kagame of Rwanda, Barrack Obama of USA, Benjamin Netenyahu of Israel and Good luck Jonathan of Nigeria have exploited the power of these forums to engage and communicate to the public world over on issues that affect people both domestically and internationally, this has improved their public relations and also helped on the service delivery of their governments.
It is a fact that each of the big journalism houses in the world like BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, SABC among others have special reporters that analyze issues on social networking sites and the impact of social networking media on society and as such social networks have been a source of news and information for media houses.
Memories are fresh all over the World and Africa in particular about the contribution of Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to the Egyptian, Tunisia and Algeria Revolutions where the people organized and effected change in their governments.
It’s therefore important to note that responsible use of social networking forums can create opportunities not only for individuals but also for organizations. Social networking forums have brought people closer to each other, services closer to the people and Business closer to Businesses. The 21st century must not skip us as it has come with technologies to make the world a ‘smaller village’ than ever before, with lots of fun!
It’s therefore important to note that responsible use of social networking forums can create opportunities not only for individuals but also for organizations. Social networking forums have brought people closer to each other, services closer to the people and Business closer to Businesses. The 21st century must not skip us as it has come with technologies to make the world a ‘smaller village’ than ever before, with lots of fun!
