by Dan Weingrod

Last week Facebook announced a number of changes to its platform. While many had expected to see an overhaul of the site’s design, the announcement focused on some seemingly smaller enhancements. However, one of these, a new structure for Facebook Groups, could become a breakthrough in building deeper loyalty, ubiquity and real world utility for the biggest social platform of all.

What’s different about Facebook Groups is that its new structure and approach may solve what Mark Zuckerberg called: “the biggest problem in Social Networking”. The problem is actually very critical for any social network: How can you easily and seamlessly build or replicate real world relationships you have with groups of friends? Think about it, when you want to get together with friends in person you don’t want your Mom or Uncle suddenly popping into the discussion. You want to get together and share in a way that is relevant to the group. Up to now though this type of activity lived on the Wall or News Feed for everyone to see and comment on. For many people this was fine and it was critical in growing many friend networks and Facebook adoption. But for many more was overwhelming and brought up the same question: What if you didn’t want EVERYBODY to see your wall posts?

Facebook has tried a number of ways to solve this problem. There has long been the option to create lists, but it was too much effort. As Zuckerberg noted, “The most we’ve gotten is 5% of people to make a list”. Another option explored was algorithmic, but in the end they arrived at a solution by considering basic user activity.

Apparently 95% of Facebook users are tagged in photos. Tagging is a relatively simple task, initiated by the “tagger” and one that essentially brings the “tagee” into a group sphere. The core of the new Groups concept is that, like tagging, membership begins with the group organizer who invites members by simply typing their name. The new Group structure adds one more critical feature: The option to make new groups private or public. These combination of these features are what will lead to Facebook Groups’ success.

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By Patrick Ambron

Believe it or not, twitter is more than just a place to tell the world what you had for lunch. With over 60 million current users and growing, it’s a perfect place to take your job hunt. By adding to the conversation, twitter can help you:

1. Gain credibility in your field
2. Build meaningful professional networks quickly and effectively
3. Introduce new opportunities and land a job

However just like LinkedIn, simply joining twitter will get you nowhere. You need to develop a well-defined strategy catered specifically to your needs. Here are four easy steps that will get you well on your way and the tools that will help you get there.

1) Create a focused, targeted profile

The first step is creating your presence on twitter. Everything about twitter is short and concise. Your profile needs to say everything important  about you in the time it takes to read half a sentence.

Dan utilizes the background to include more info about him.

#1) Claim your twitter handle. Your goal is to get noticed so use your real name. If your name is taken, use some variation with a professional spin. (example: PR_PeggySue)

#2) Upload a professional head shot. Twitter is about meeting new people who share your passions and interests. Nobody wants to share with a default graphic.  (Tip: use the same profile picture across all your social networks).

#3) Write a professional, targeted bio. You only have 160 characters, so make them count. Strip away all the fluff and  pinpoint your most important qualities. Why are you on twitter and what are you passionate or knowledgeable about? Include keywords in your profile to help others find and connect with you. (Tip: Don’t forget to link to your personal website or Linkedin profile)

#4) Create your custom background. If you keep your background as default, you are wasting prime real estate. Use TwitterImage to promote your other sites and profiles. The whole point is connecting, so direct your audience to other places where they can actually connect. (example: Dan Schawbel’s profile here http://twitter.com/danschawbel).

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By Debbie Hemley

Almost anyone these days can throw together 140 characters and call it a tweet. But to use Twitter for maximum business impact there are many tried and true content sources ready to be used.

In this post I’ll introduce practical ways to use good content for your tweets, everything from A to Z.

#1: Answers

Think about the questions your customers and prospects asked you this past week. Or maybe there are the repeat questions you’ve already answered on the FAQ page of your website.

To get started, create a list of questions, and answer them in your tweets one by one—paying particular attention to the most relevant at this time. For example, focus on seasonal questions, current rates and discounts, promotions and sales or commonly asked how-to’s in your business and industry. Save the list and add to it as you go along. What you don’t use this week may make even more sense a few weeks from now.

#2: Behind the Scenes

Anne Handley refers to this type of content sharing as the “insider’s view of your company,” where you have the opportunity to share updates about the projects and work you’re currently involved in. You can also use behind the scenes as an opportunity to welcome a new client or feature any other newsy development. Give readers or followers an inside look at your company.

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