I'm just wondering if anyone is participating in any new or unknown social networks that you think will be making a bigger impact on the social media scene in the new year?

I've heard of Quora but know very little about it... what else is out there?

Is anyone using Pinterest? Do you think it has applications for business?

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Hi Tess,

I've been trying Manta.com, and I actually like it a lot! It has a great community forum; it's not as cluttered and overwhelming (yet!) as the other Social media sites, and people seem very friendly and interactive.

If you check it out, let me know what you think.

Lisa

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Lisa Salem
Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC

I have been using Pinterest for months and am in LOVE with it. For me it is my source for creative inspiration, crafty projects, home ideas, funny geeky things and more. Lots of pretty stuff to look at too. As far as using it for business, I think the best use of it for a "business angle" would be as another way for people to connect with you, get an insight to your likes, personality, and interests.

Some people in biz have gotten a little creative with it to use it in conjunction with their business, without overtly promoting their services or products. Some real estate pros for example... they post pictures of their favorite spots in their neighborhoods or cities they serve or photos of interesting local architecture, or some dream home features. I have a friend who is a flower and event designer and she posts wedding ideas, themes, colors, inspiration, etc. Both scenarios are kind of business related without beating their networks over the head with their business services.

I think the Pinterest community does not take too kindly to people getting in there with the intent to promote their products and services incessantly. I believe a few artists and etsy vendors have gotten a few hand slaps for constantly promoting their products and wares for sale.

I think people should be careful to jump into any new social network like Pinterest, with the angle to use it for business. I've started out with it as a fun diversion and a way to connect with other like-minded people. That is how most of us started in Facebook many years ago, right?

It's funny, as I was just remarking to my Facebook friends the other day about how much I love Pinterest, but am not looking forward to the day when brands, marketers, etc. get in there to "use it for business" and ruin it for the rest of us. LOL

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Megan Barber - www.BarberVASolutions.com
www.REVAAcademy.com - A New Real Estate VA Training Program

Using Pintrest although not a great deal... Quora kind of been there, done that, it seemed to die a bit of a death.

I love Twylah, it's a novel way of sharing your tweets.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

Google+ for me. I am sticking with the ones that I am participating in now as I am already on information overload. No need to add anymore at this time.

I looked at Pinterest but just don't see how it will help me at this point.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I am not using Pintrest yet, but a friend of mine does. Among other things, she uses it with her clients when developing websites- a visual way to get a feel for what the person likes/dislikes.

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I think Pinterest will be a must-have, especially for those businesses that target women. How to leverage it properly? We shall see. If it's a local biz, there were some great ideas in this Search Engine Land post a few weeks back.

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The Work at Home Wife ~ The Everything Home Business Blog

Interesting feedback, thanks everyone!
I'm looking forward to reading even more replies to this thread and especially looking forward to see how the social network scene develops in the coming year.

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I have never heard of Pinterest but I have it on my to do list for Jan. Heading over now to check it out.

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Jodie :daisy:
www.virtuallyorganised.com.au

Originally Posted by Busy Fingers

I have never heard of Pinterest but I have it on my to do list for Jan. Heading over now to check it out.

I just received the following email from Pinterest. I wonder how long I have to wait?



Hi!
Thanks for joining the Pinterest waiting list. We'll be sure to send you an invite soon.
In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter. You can also explore a few pins.
We're excited to get you pinning soon!
- Ben and the Pinterest Team

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Jodie :daisy:
www.virtuallyorganised.com.au