Just the other day the question of using social networks as a way to build a business came up in a discussion with my brother.  Now usually, he’s a pretty smart guy but he just doesn’t understand “this social networking thing.” For him being on Twitter or creating Fan Pages on Facebook was an enormous waste of time that his sales team could be using speaking directly to merchants.

So, that got me to thinking — if this usually forward thinking brother of mine is missing the point, how many others are saying the same thing? It seems a lot. While on the VA Networking Forum, I read one experience posted describing a “discussion” with an editor of a local newspaper. It seems he thinks the idea of a person being able to work without being watched by a supervisor is ludicrous and basically a scam. Wow!

So it seems that while people understand the entertainment potential of social networks, the idea of actually getting paid by using them is still a bit new. So, I’m working on collecting all the things I know about social media and putting them down in blog posts on a regular basis. There so much that can be accomplished by using these networks, if you do it correctly. Social networks make it possible to work and play at the same time.

Now, back to my brother. While I finally got it through my brother’s head that using tools such as Twitter and hash tags to do market research and even find people in the area that are looking for what you are selling, it did take a long time. I wish that I had known about this great free ebook that explains in a plain English how to use social networking to get a job, and in the case of entrepreneurs, secure clients.

The author, Chris Brogan, has made the ebook available on his website. If you’ve ever wondered what all the buzz is about, this is a great introduction to the social networking scene.  And while you’re waiting to download that PDF, why not check out the video “Social Networking in Plain English.”

Scott Fox is raising money for charity at 3 p.. EST at his 12 Days of Christmas Tweetathon.  He’s raising money for charity. 3p.m. EST Daily.

http://www.scottfox.com/scott-fox-show.html

Every time you tweet or post on Facebook about it and during the show any tips, he’ll donate $1.00 to help underprivileged kids get to college.  That’s awesome, but what is even more awesome is that for one hour a day, we get to pick this best seller author and one of the most respected internet marketer’s brain.  We get to ask questions and he answers them.  It’s like paying for his coaching program only better.  I encourage you to join us!  And tweet.  Oh yeah, he’s giving lots and lots of prizes too!  (Tell a friend!)

BTW, if you aren’t following me on Twitter, please do – www.twitter.com/CherylHenderson

Thanks Diana (from www.VirtualWordPublishing.com) for sharing this great opportunity to help others!