When you get into Social Media for the first time it can be rather overwhelming. Blogging, twitter, forums, Facebook, Linked In, Flickr, Stumbleupon, Food Buzz, Ning, Myspace, and the list goes on. It just all seems to be a bit much; especially when you are new to the Social Media game.

How does one find their place in the realm of Social Media?

Easy! You need to get in where you fit in, determining what your goals are, know where your audience is, and learn how to use your chosen platforms effectively. And get this, you don’t have to be all over the place to saturate your name on the internet. All you need to do it hook up with a group of like-minded people who are all about connections, helping others, love what your business represents and word about your business will spread like wildfire.

Let’s look at the keys I mentioned more closely.

1. Get in where you fit in. The bottom line is that not every social media platform is for you. Some people love Myspace and swear that is works for them. Others love Facebook or Twitter and make that same die hard statement about their chosen platform working for them. You know why is works for them? Because they found a place that fits their goals for using Social Media that also works with their personality. So, in essence you have to find a place that fits you. There is no other way to say it.
2. What are your goals? You have to determine why you need or want to get into Social Media and Networking. If you are doing it for business, marketing, or ministry purposes you need to be very strategic. Just remember in being strategic you still need to be relational. The new marketing strategy is all about relating to your audience. So sit down determine what your goals are and how you plan to use Social Media to help you with increasing your bottom line.
3. Know where your audience is. In discovering your audience you must first know your target. What is your bull’s eye? You cannot join Twitter looking for homeschoolers and follow only Internet Marketers. I am not saying that you should not follow people outside of your chosen niche, but you do need to make sure that you are hitting your target in your social networking efforts.
4. Learn to use your chosen platforms. With most Social Media platforms, there is no way to mess it up unless you hit “delete my profile”. The most you will do is use an application wrong. Now if you have a blog and you want to play with code, please be careful because you can mess that up big time. Find a professional to help you with that if you are not familiar with it. For the most part you can play with Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and others to see how they work. But if you feel uncomfortable walking uncharted territory just find a Social Media Consultant/VA to help you on your way.

These four keys are very important in your Social Media journey. I for one only use a few chosen platforms: Stumbleupon, Twitter, blogging, podcast, Facebook (sparingly as I am still trying to get it), and Ning. I just don’t have the time to be all over the place and it really does not increase my bottom line at all.

Take the time to map out your ideas with a Social Media Consultant/VA or on your own by studying the various platforms available.You will find that by going forward with a plan will help your endeavors all the more.