More on Niche Social Networks

The Wall Street Journal Best of Business blog had a great piece recently on niche social networks. In it, the author provides concrete ideas and examples for business related social networks, noting that social networking has, in many ways, "grown up."

True, many of us think of social networks as those online forums that kids use to make new friends and talk to each other in incomprehensible language (R U there? LOL). But many businesses are beginning to understand the value of connecting like-minded people together in cyber-space (and, preferably, on an issue that relates to the product or services of the company). For example, Playboy Enterprises is setting up a social network open to just college students. Hmmm, I wonder what products and services they'll be selling... Or, you can look at the niche (OK, VERY niche) social network for my company, Advocacy Associates.

As the author notes, the point here is that adults don't necessarily just want to "meet people" (hey, I have enough friends). We still turn to the Internet for information and idea exchange on the issues we care about. That's where a niche social network for new mothers, diet coke drinkers, CIA spies (yes, there is one) or Playboy enthusiasts might grab (figuratively, not literally) our attention.

Now, I'd link you to that site but the WSJ does not like to share its information with non-subscribers (I wonder how long they'll be able to keep that up once Rupert Murdoch gets his hot little hands on the site). So, if you want to read the piece for yourself, go to Google News and search for "niche social networks". Once you find it you'll have to scroll down after the title about Cigna -- not that Cigna's not interesting :).