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This week is Social Media Week .... so here at Networking Mummies HQ we thought we would share some hints and tips! This article is from the lovely Sam at The Social Sardine and first appeared on joannedewberry.co.uk .

Social networking is people having conversations online. The way we communicate and network is changing. The old way was with relatives, schoolmates, co-workers, family. And very much dictated by genetics or geography or our job.

Now, with the Internet, we have new tools and ways to gather people to us. They involve a different mindset. We can communicate with anyone in the world in a matter of seconds.

You only need to look at your kids and how they are using Facebook. I was speaking to a client last week who has an 11 and 14 year old. I asked how they communicated with him. His answer: ‘…text and Facebook’. ‘What about email?’, I asked. ‘Only when they have to and then it’s full of abbreviations for as many words as possible, that I don’t understand!’, he replied.

The 18 year old of today is your potential client of tomorrow. They communicate in a way that is quick, immediate and on a social network. They will email or Facebook, they won’t necessarily go to Google; they will ask for a recommendation via their social networks or search Facebook and expect to find a business page for your company.

Something I talk about in my workshops is Social Networking vs. social networking. When you got to a physical networking event, is what you are doing social? Is what you are doing networking? Yes! There are a lot of similarities between ‘real’ world and virtual world networking. But there are also some great bits about social networking that you don’t get with physical networking. For example, if you are in the comfort of your own home networking online, you:

1. Don’t get stuck with people!
2. Can watch your kids and not get a sitter.
3. Don’t have to go out in the rain and wind.
4. Don’t have to stand up in front of a roomful of strangers.

BUT I am absolutely NOT saying don’t do physical networking, it’s been brilliant for my business and I still do it. But social networking can work in tandem or in parallel with the face to face meetings. And act as another channel or channels to spread the word about your business.

For some great tips on using Facebook to build online relationships that result in
business offline, you can visit our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/TheSocialSardine or visit our website: www.thesocialsardine.com

As you may or may not be aware Joanne Dewberry is pregnant with her 3rd child due in May.  When we first organised our 2nd Party we had no reason to think this would be an issue.  Sadly at 20 weeks it was noticed that there is a problem with the growth of Joanne's baby.  Although healthy she is very very small.  Joanne has been monitored since then and is more than likely to deliver her daughter in March.  Over the last few days Joanne has had to undergo a few medical tests, nothing serious but she is incredibly tired and we have taken the decision that a long drive to and from Newbury coupled with a full day hosting the Bigger Picture event only weeks before her next big scan is possibly to much for even our supermummy!  

It is with regret we feel that we should cancel the event.  All attendees have been refunded and we will aim to hold one once baby and Joanne are more settled and well. If you are interested in finding out more about the franchise packet then please email mail@networkingmummies.com .

There is still an opportunity to promote your business in 10,000 copies of the NEW Bigger Picture Networking Mummies Magazine.

Thank you