I feel sort of like Alice puttering around in an LSD induced fog. Well, I've never dropped acid, so I don't really know what that feels like, but I know what it feels like to have lots and lots and lots of ideas and no idea where to begin. This year I want to write an e-book, try my hand at podcasts and video blogging, and of course, continue to build my writing business. I attended a webinar yesterday that really sparked my creativity. The webinar, hosted by John Souza of Social Media Magic, was called "Capitalizing on the Conversation" and presented by Greig Wells. They focused on using social media as a marketing tool. The insight they provided into the often confusing arena of social networking sites was priceless. They introduced attendees to the top eight PROFESSIONAL networking sites, some of which I had never heard of. They also explained how to use popular sites such as Twitter and Facebook to establish relationships, which then translates into more business.

I'm very excited to try these new marketing methods. I am going to follow their directions and set up a plan for utilizing social and professional networking sites, and then work it, baby! I've been watching Bob Parson's video blog on GoDaddy.com, and he offers some great advice about social networking as well. This is another guy who is just pure genius. I'm here to say I think social and professional networking sites are the ticket, especially for the nature of my business. I'm definitely in a business where I need to establish relationships with my clients, especially to keep them coming back. It's like I've tried to explain to the non-writers in my life: being a freelance writer is not like running a gas station. I have to handle every aspect of the business and the product: planning, conception, desingn, production, marketing, sales and customer service. In other words, I have to design the product, manufacture it (so to speak), market it, sell it, and then provide service during and after the sale.

When you basically have free, almost automated, advertising platforms placed before you, you would be a fool not to take advantage of them. Social networking sites provide endless opportunities to get new clients and build new professional relationships. This new digital world we live in requires the modern business owner to assume a broader array of tactics to promote themselves and their product or service. Social networking is a simple, economical way to market your business and establish professional connections with like minded individuals and companies.