LaunchPad - INW

Spokane Regional Networking, Social Media, Professional and Business Development

Stop the Social Networking Madness!

Don't get me wrong, I like some of the benefits derived from using social networking sites. I helped start a social networking site called LaunchPadinw.com but even I get burned out by being online way too much.

I don't know about you but I am getting deluged with invites to sites I never use like Branchout, BeKnown, Plaxo on top of the invites I already get from LinkedIn, LaunchPad, Twitter, and Facebook. So now Google+ is taking a serious run at it and frankly, I am getting OVERWHELMED!

What do you think about the state of social networking?

Feeling as overwhelmed as I am?

Would you like to do more offline networking than online?

I still think face to face networking as a way to build relationships is more valuable but that's just me.

Tell me what you think and check out this video parody I found, it promotes Google+ but it has some funny lines in the song that made me laugh. Oh and sorry about the brief trailer video, I do not endorse whatever it is they are selling:)

6 members like this

Comment by Bill Kalivas on August 15, 2011 at 8:51am: Sorry about the weird video at the end...

Comment by The Bearing Project on August 15, 2011 at 9:07am: I think face to face meetings are very important, and being on line can have diminishing returns. Also, I personally need time to work in my art studio and attend to other business. One has to balance all of these out.

Comment by Ted Matsumura on August 15, 2011 at 9:11am: Hi Bill, I think both online and in person networking are good. Online is good for keeping up with friends, family, and colleagues that are out of town. In person networking is great for keeping up with local folks, events and local opportunities.

Comment by Bruce Shaw on August 15, 2011 at 9:15am: I much prefer to meet F2F. Can't build relationships with out the cues that come from body language and eye contact. Might just be me but the actions of the body and eyes tell me if I want to know you better or due business with you.

Bruce Shaw

Comment by David McCauley on August 15, 2011 at 9:18am: I didn't want to be the first to comment - I didn't want others to think that I only network online... ;-)

Comment by Jeff Gish on August 15, 2011 at 9:19am: I don't see any added benefit to the existing networking sites. We'll see if it takes off. I was a laggard with FB too. Didn't join until mid-2008. Did you see the "hang out" portion of the video? That's a hilarious feature. Google plus is just another revenue stream for Google.

I'm on FB because it is the standard (I'm still trying to figure out the benefits of the FB platform). I'm on LinkedIn because it connects me with similar business professionals nationally. I'm on LaunchPad because it connects me with local professionals. I wholeheartedly agree that face-to-face interaction is a superior way to meet. Thanks for posting the funny video.

Comment by Katy Brown on August 15, 2011 at 9:19am: I know I am usually a minority, but I don't have time for Facebook and LaunchPad is great and I can keep up via email and checking events. I like offline networking because I can put it in my calendar and get to talk to new people and catch up with professional friends.

There are too many sites out there but it is nice to have something local with only local people commenting.

Comment by Shawn West on August 15, 2011 at 10:36am: They are just tools. The trick is knowing when & how to use them.

Comment by Patricia Carpenter on August 15, 2011 at 11:00am: I personally enjoy "one-on-one" myself. Thanks Bill

Pat C.

Comment by Dan Grady on August 15, 2011 at 11:17am: I use FB for friends and family only, Linkedin for my professional relationships only, and Launchpad for my local networking and more.

I see Google+ as a tool I will use in the management of my business for coordinating efforts with employees, reps, and other affiliates. It seems a lot more suited for actual business than FB, which, even after using for years, I still don't 'get'.

939-4268 (Scott @ CB)