How to Start a Business

There has been lots of discussion about social media recently on this blog.  I am firmly in the camp that there are really only 4 important, must use social media sites.  They are: LinkedIn, YouTube, FaceBook, and Twitter.  MySpace is dying is not worth the effort for us entrepreneurs.  I have written negatively about Twitter, but still recommend it for people trying to build a business.

After the big 4, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other sites that can be useful for you to use.  But instead of using all of them, I will recommend a handful of second tier sites that can be of great value.  Listed alphabetically:

• APSense.com – An affiliate marketing website that allows you to create a new revenue stream by promoting products and sites on your site.
• Biznik.com – Provides access to local business communities and other local entrepreneurs.  After LinkedIn, a great way to learn about local events and seminars.
• FastPitchNetworking.com – For email marketing and virtual trade shows.
• Flock.com – Complete management software for all your other social media accounts.  Brings all your media onto one screen.
• FriendFeed.com – Gives you updates of all your friends social media sites.  Makes it easier to follow hundreds of people, all in one place.
• GoBigNetwork.com – Fast growth by helping find funding, employees, and advice.  Angel funding site!
• Konnects.com – A social media site just for local newspapers?
• Marzar.com – Connect with other business owners.
• Minggl.com – An add-on to Firefox and Internet Explorer that connects all your sites to give you updates and an integrated address book.
• Xing.com – A global site for business partners, opportunities, and contacts.

Related posts:

1. Guest Post – “What Social Media Marketing Gurus Don’t Want You to Know”
2. How to Use Social Media
3. Social Networking/Media Waste of time? Interesting Conversation
4. Free Social Media Speaking Event
5. Upcoming Social Media Seminar

2 Comments

1.   Michael   |  Friday, 12 February 2010 at 5:52 pm

   This is a helpful list, thanks. I hadn’t heard of any of the sites listed except for friendfeed but will definitely check them out.

   I think it’s interesting that you didn’t include Tumblr/Posterous or Ning- I use Posterous and Ning frequently (Posterous to publish content on several sites quickly, and Ning to engage our customer base). I’ve been really pleased with both.

   
2.   Lara Feltin   |  Thursday, 18 February 2010 at 3:00 pm

   Thank you for including Biznik in your list. I cofounded Biznik in 2005. I think you summed up our community well. We’re an online networking group that extends globally, but we believe in “relationship marketing” not referral marketing, and the way you’re going to exceed at that, is by stepping away from the computer every now and then, and meeting other micropreneurs just like you.

   The events calendar is packed in Seattle (where we started) but events are created by members, and there’s some great events popping up in LA, Austin, Chicago and NY. Hope to see you online!