We will discuss ways authors and small to midsize businesses can build brand recognition and generate new business by utilizing social media platforms in addition to Facebook and Twitter. Discussion will cover LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 65 million members. MySpace one of the pioneers of social networking is will be covered as well as several other important platforms including: YouTube, Digg, Flicker, Foursquare and others. Areas of discussion: How to optimize and raise the visibility of your LinkedIn profile; a description of the different types of social media platforms; understanding the Pros and Cons of various social media platforms; researching to customize your social media conversation.

1. Social Media Beyond Facebook and Twitter (Workshop IV) Publishing YOU-niversity

2. Blogging A platform where an individual posts personal information, commentary, often including as graphics, video & audio Popular platforms: Wordpress, Blogger, Typepad One of the easiest ways to establish web presence Can be used to drive traffic to existing website and social media platforms

3. Common Feature of Social Networks User Profile Community of users with shared interest Facilitates communication to other users in network Provide ancillary services directly and via 3rd parties Push to & Pull content (share) from other networks Participation is incentivized Contribute quality posts and responses demonstrating thought leadership and open dialog, not a monologue. Be personal and personable.

4. LinkedIn 70 million users, launched May 2003 Profile summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments Helps journalists & other professionals to find experts Q&A section enables questions to be presented to the network. Responses from a wide range of people. Join as many of the "right” groups as possible (50 max) Connect with quality people in related group. LinkedIn Business costs $24.95/month

5. MySpace “MySpace is an online community that lets you meet your friends' friends” Founded in 2003, once the most popular social network Popular among musicians, skews younger More control over your profile page

6. Other Recommended Social Networks youtube.com (videos) slideshare.net(slide shows) flickr.com (Photography) foursquare.com (Geotagging) digg.com (Content Sharing) Shelfari.com (network for book lovers) blackplanet.com (Black affinity network)