There is a whole technological Ecosystem developing before our eyes, that we can either ignore; adapt to slowly at our own pace (recommended!); or race to embrace.  These new methods of network marketing provide us with everything from enhanced lead generation, to high level CRM (Customer Relationship Management).  Knowing that the spa industry is slow to move in the technological arena, I am confident that this "Snapshot" will be eye-opening to many of you!  
 
Our Top 5 Sites for Social Networking and Micro-Blogging
These are not just communication devices to chat from, they generate leads and help close sales by increasing exposure and developing relationships.  Another purpose they serve is to increase your organic ranking, as search engines are now sending traffic to your site based on these social networking "traffic sources".  Here are just a few to consider...
 
1.  LinkedIn - Use LinkedIn for business referrals and leads.  A great way to introduce men to spaaing. This business-orientated site is used for professional networking and has a primary demographic of males averaging 41 years of age. Your developed "connections" are people you know and trust in the business.  Your connections, connections & their connections (called second degree and third degree connections) allow you to be introduced to possible business opportunities.  You can join relevant alumni, industry, or professional groups of your choice.  Let's get some business women in here!

2.  Twitter - Use Twitter to notify your clients of present day and next day appointment openings; promotions and new business initiatives.  Demographic of 35-49 is biggest.  This "follow-me" site allows you to put in up to 140 characters which are displayed on your profile page and delivered to those who have subscribed to, or are following you.  You can restrict or allow open access to your "tweets".  It's free unless you use SMS (short message service). 6 million unique visitors monthly. Currently the fastest growing site in the Member Communities category for 2009.  Although discovered by the media, still under 7% of the population uses it, but growth over last year was a whopping 1,382%
 
3.  BizNik - Use BizNik to establish yourself as an expert in the spa industry through articles and content.  BizNik is for people building real businesses and is my favorite.  It's a good place to go to share conversation about your business and entrepreneurial endeavors.  The site is based on relationships, not referrals.  You can teach a seminar; post on the boards; download your articles; host an online event; attend an online event, etc.
 
4.  Facebook - Use Facebook to "tap into the fountain of youth". Join in by city; workplace; school, etc. You can choose your friends and use privacy settings which allow you to control what type of information is automatically shared.  The most popular application is the ability to upload unlimited photos.  You can now also send "gifts" for $1.00 with a personalized message to your friends; and post free classified ads to those in your network.  228% growth year over year, with the fastest growing demographic being those 25 years and older.
 
5.  MySpace - Use MySpace to recruit, educate, introduce and increase awareness of the spa industry.  One of the fastest growing websites of all time, with the primary user being 18 years of age and older. This interactive network is a user-submitted site of friends, groups, videos, musicians, photos, blogs, etc.  You can use "bulletins" to deliver your message; designated groups can share a common page and message board; full service classified listings are available; you can upload recordings, and much more.  
  
By Leslie Lyon, Spas2b.com www.spas2b.com