Is it facebook time?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a LOT more interactionwith each other? With the whole R&D team?
Everyone on the team speaking their mind and supporting each other around coaching, and creating information products to automate their business?
I'm starting to get the web 2.0, online community itch.
QUESTIONS
Should SolutionBox set up a facebook group, or fan page?
Would MySpace or Ning be better?
How do you suggest we REALLY get a thriving community going on one of these online platforms?
Please post your answers here.
Thanks!
David
P.S. If you're already facebooked, you can also become a 'fan' and post on our trial page here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=8843671549
Labels: best-selling book
114 Comments:
I find many of my customers have myspace so I created a myspace page and have gotten many more leads.
myspace.com/goddess888
Thanks,
Kelley
Facebook or any other community is a great opportunity to share everyday experience and gather info from the users and network, it seems a good idea to me. Many people are launching sites under the 2.0 properties, it is a lot more dynamic.
How about creating region networks? since your page is mostly US based, I think it would be very helpful to direct some resources to Latin America, for example, where coaching is developing at a real fast pace, growing business with a touch of Latin flavor
I think lots of people use facebook.
MySpace seems better known. I have never heard of Ning.
Being Latin myself, I also like the idea of going international.
FACEBOOK ALL THE WAY. In my neck of the woods, Toronto, MySpace is old news face book is hot. Is there a benefit to doing both? Have different people administer each?
Any venue would be appropriate. Ning is classy, Facebook gets tons of traffic, MySpace is good for world-wide traffic and there is the Ryze network. Some place to collaborate is a great idea and gives a wonderful sense of community.
currently on Facebook, no time for maintaining two, but will depend on value...
I think a sharing cyber space is a great idea! I´m not such a fan of facebook though, as they sell your personal info to whomever they please. At least that´s what was in the news here in Sweden.
Maybe myspace it better but good to read their privacy policy anyway.
Look forward to future developments!
Melanie
How about LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is more about professional networks.
Cheers Yvette
Okay - I admit, I have not tried "my space" or "facebook." I would think any venue would be appropriate. We'd find each other once the connection is made.
Facebook all the way!!!
You would here from me more, thats for sure...
Many will follow what is considered a "fad" and Facebook is one of them. I am not thrilled on Facebook, because of personal inforamtion being published and open to the public. In business, confidentiality is one of the greatest values one must honour. Thus sharing information within the context of an R&D team should, in my opinion, be done in a "safe" containeer and not through a public forum. My suggestion is to start a blogger, where we need to "sign in" to discuss a specific purpose or topic on a weekly basis. The R&D team then will have a focus and certain objectives that we all can implement in our daily practice, if we choose to do so.
Roy
I am in love with myspace and ning. I get several leads from there. I heard that igroops was great as well.
Coach Brandi
www.liberationcoaching.com
www.myspace.com/godprop
www.southerndiva.ning.com
Yes That would be great! facebook is a great platform!
My feeling (not knowing) is that the public open forum facebook, myspace etc is less geared to real community as opposed to public positioning and psuedo relationships - If i am correct, is that what you would like to create?
I suggest MySpace... ;)
I think it can work. Why, in south africa we just initiated a same platform www.mygenius.com check it
Seems like a wonderful tool. Can be personalized to the point of allowing a lot of people a more comfortable way of being exposed to coaching.
The concept of facilitating more and effective interaction sounds good. It seems to me that Ning would work well.
Sam Langfitt
Trisel Executive Coaching
Transform. Transcend. Triumph.
Tel. (321) 749-4138
www.triselcoaching.com
I think networking this way is great, but not everyone enjoys being part of it, nor does everyone have the time to indulge (which is the fun of such a group).
I'm certainly keen to be part of an international network!
I would support it going on facebook, I think this is a good idea. But you should make it a secret group, I would prefer it not appearing on my profile which groups I am part of.
~Thanks,
SP
Hi,
I prefer Facebook, it is a great community. Also I think it is better known around Europe (I live in Belgium. I don't know Ning. Anything to get more communication goi,g is great (I don't even know what this 2.0 stuff is, shows you how 'connected' I am!) But I do know Facebook,
Harriët
I currently use Facebook, I am careful about what I post as I understand their policy. However, I would suggest LinkedIn if you want a more professional e-place. As far as Ning is concerned, I have heard that they have technical issues more often than the rest.
I agree with creating on-line communities. It is a direction that many are headed in for a reason. We will always crave interaction with other people, whether that interaction comes from face to face contact or contact on-line.
I think Facebook is better than MySPace for setting up groups - the only problem is privacy - if you are looking for a more secure venue where access is restricted, you may be better with google or Yahoo groups - on the downside they are neither of them user-friendly if you aren't familiar and Facebook/myspace are more visually appealing with options to put on pictures/videos etc.
Richard Simpson says YES it would be excellent
I don't trust, and wouldn't use, any of the social networks for any type of business related use.
I'm a member (inactive) of Linked In and even that 'professional' one has it's problems.
Much preferred for business use: a forum such as SowPub uses (can be private, or public if you prefer). Even a private blog would be preferable, IMHO.
Sandra
I have not used Facebook so don't know the advantages and disadvantages. I would be willing to try anything, but probably would require some specific instructions on how to use it.
Thanks,
Gail
I have only used MySpace and haven't tried Facebook. I'll give it a look.
Thanks,
Debbie
Marie at satvatove.com suggest that both MySpace and Face book are great networking places where we could all get to expend our networks. One Satvatove courses graduate created a page on MySpace and got 500 hits the second day of the creation of a MySpace Friend Of Satvatove
I have a personal attraction to Facebook, it seems funner.
By increasing each other's network we create a truly WIN/WIN situation.
Thanks for your initiative David.
With affection, Marie
Myspace
Facebook it is.
I am just starting to explore all those tools, I always worked more on face to face rather than facebook however it does feel that time are changing and opening up to new kinds of dealing and exchange so facebook sounds like a great idea definitely,\
There is a coaching community on ning based here in the US started by Rebekah Simpson, a life coach and personal friend. You might want to check it out to see what it looks like and how it 'feels'. It is super easy to use and follow. www.lifecoachvision.ning.com
Hope this is useful to you.
Kind regards,
Laura Barnes
I think MySpace is more interactive at the person's front page than Facebook is. Facebook is less intuitive and with more addons to irritate as you try to communicate through it. My husband and I are both mid 50s and love the technology.
I'm a beginner however have signed up at facebook, not yet looked at myspace. Am open to the vote of the team. Would like to connect with my Ozzie collegues for support in theirs and my endeavours.
I just joined facebook and finding it quite interesting.I have never heard of Ning.
Greetings,
I agree with Yvette in that I think Linkedin (www.linkedin.com) is definitely the way to go - it is a social network for businesses and individuals. I absolutely love it and have a great worldwide network set up that I hope to use professionally and personally. (If anyone wants to link up, please do not hestitate to contact me!) Respectfully, Susan (http://www.criticalS2.us)
Should SolutionBox set up a facebook group, or fan page?
I am not familiar with facebook or fan page. I use myspace.
Would MySpace or Ning be better?
Sure Myspace would be a good idea - I am not familiar with Ning.
How do you suggest we REALLY get a thriving community going on one of these online platforms?
You need to do something to keep the participants involved - whether it be monitored dialogue, like sending daily or weekly questions or interactive statements to keep us coming back or daily reminders to check out the forum, etc. If I don't receive a daily or weekly notice or inquiry to participate I often times forget to interact. Need to keep me interested and involved in order to participate in the community.
I don't know facebook. MySpace is great!
Thanks!
Marcelle
Personally I like Ning. It is more classy than facebook and myspace.
I think it s a great idea. i m not sure which of the 3 venues is more appropriate but i cetainly like the idea of creating regions network. Im french but I live in the states, and I travel a lot so I d love to be able to connect that way to other likeminded people wherever i am in the world.
I tend to agree that Facebook is more current/happening - MySpace is older and more contaminated with commercial presence.
DB
I prefer Myspace simply because I have a Myspace and no Facebook. ;)
I'm in the dark. I'm not familiar with either of them. Talking about being embarrassed.
thanks for the great comments guys. And 20 people have already jumped in at facebook and added themselves as fans.
lfredette - thanks for such a specific suggestion for how to keep things interactive and moving!
David
I've got a fantastic place - it's www.igroops.com. You can create a free groop and it's jam packed with cook applications. We could even do free video and audio meetings in there.
It's a new company started by a friend of mine and it's very, very cool.
I think it really depends on your objective for implementing web 2.0... Myspace is great and I have an account, but I don't use it regularly. It is mainly for past friends to find me as I've been able to connect with several people from my high school days. I'm not familiar with facebook and don't have any plans to join, due to privacy and other issues and I don't have the time or desire to do both. I'm not familiar with Ning or linkedin so I can't comment on those...
But for the most interactive way I have found that is simple and easy for everyone is Google Groups, I use them all the time. First it is free, second it has no advertising in your emails, the only advertising is PPC on the website when you are logged in and it is always very relevant. Third, it has places for files and alternate pages that can be set up and commented on and as an administrator you have a lot of control. The other great part is anyone can receive emails in whatever format they want or as little or often as they want and they don't have to log into the site frequently, unless it is for something specific, like a file or specific page. But the point is they are not required to log in just to interact.
Yes, I think having web 2.0 interactivity is very important, but again, what privacy options do you want and what are your end objectives of doing it??
i will say "facebook" is more effective for me for leads...
I just checked in google about facebook as I didn't know it well. It seems that it will become an extremely interesting site for business people soon.
But I just don't know if it is really suitable for the community.
So i think my comments about tech things are not very useful.
That might be different if David would ask about content.
What i really need to know is how to set up a internet and telephone coaching and therapy business.
I'm working as psychotherapist, coach, supervisor etc since nearly 25 years in Germany, have developed an unique approach which works extremely well.
But I have no clue about the technical stuff needed to work paid on phone or internet.
Blessings to all of you!
Thanks,
Lora Bilger
Germany
lorabilger @ gmx.com
Facebook or myspace....... I have both and both are good.....
Laura - thanks for the tip. I just went and joined that coaching group on Ning, and actually started my own network just for fun: www.getpaidforwhoyouare.ning.com
You're all welcome to join and we can try it out.
Badger - good info; thanks for the tip on google groups.
David
thought I'd post to clarify my objectives:
1) have coaches who get my info interact with each other; support each other. Really become a community
2) Generate lots of ideas, feedback and excitement around the book leading up to launch
3) Grow virally, bringing other people into our network, using the magic of thriving online communities.
My current thinking is to start a facebook AND a Ning community and see what takes off. People will be invited back to the blog, and to sign up for the R&D team and newsletter.
David
I'd say that whatever is most simple to use and offers the most privacy is best. I started using Facebook in the summer but didn't really get hooked- partly because it was not a huge priority for me at the time but also because I found it a bit confusing. I've also noticed other new users making the same observation- that it's a bit tricky at first to figure out here to post replies etc. I do like the idea of a blog for this reason and the idea of a forum in which to generate discussion and community. I noticed that someone else recommended using a format which would allow regional communities to identify each other easily and I think this would be particularly useful for those in the forum who live in proximity to establish opportunities to meet face to face as well- which would be nice. Looking forward to more developments! Angela
MySpace might be more exposure - to echo a few.
I like linkedin.com for the same reason's mentioned already. It's geared toward professionals.
definitely agree to this idea for more interactive discussion.
XING is the platform that I use and would recommend.
https://www.xing.com/profile/Kathy_Preston
Facebook would work for me. My space seems to attract a younger crowd. Here, in New York, it is mostly used by middle school and high school students. Facebook seems to attract more adults and college students, who are more of an audience for life coaching. I already have a facebook account and think that it is a great way to network. I would also like the idea of going international being that I am originally from Israel.
Thanks, Limor
Aloha David, Thank you for clarifying the objective. I agree that what you have chosen will serve the purpose that you desire to fulfill. I look forward to more information that you will have for us.
ENJOY!!!
Myspace is simply not a serious place to do business. While there is some potential, it's a mecca for drunken college students, out-of-control graphics that create opportunities for hackers, and a haven for some of the least desirable members of "web 2.0." Facebook is a far richer experience for networking and creating business connections. I also like a new community called We Are Teachers (www.weareteachers.com), on the Ning network (www.ning.com), which considers coaches to be teachers (and they are right). I'm a beta tester for their next generation interface. Check out bestcoach.ning.com if you want to see what this looks like.
i think an online community is a great idea. it does not matter to me which facility is used.
I vote facebook - myspace is too radical for me
I think it is a great idea to get on Facebook. I don't think for these purposes that the confidentiality of the R&D team is an issue. How many thousands of us were invited to be on the team. I view the publicity as just more pre-marketing for the sale of the book and exposure to other SolutionBox products.
i am not very familiar with either, MySpace seems easier to use tho.
Facebook has some great features, yet I really don't like how much info is available publicly. Europe uses it alot, getting quite popular in US...MySpace may be 'so last year', but I find it easier to access and use.
I have a fantastic face book profile so this would be my prefered option. However, I wouldn't mind Myspace but just not as familiar with how to use it.
Emma
David,
I started a Mentoring community of a few select coaches to which I hope you will sign up :) This can be a powerful tool for new and experienced coaches to get started and get powerful referrals.
http://Mentoring.konnects.com
I started usaing facebook to locate my young cousin in Uni who wanted to return home ande we wanted to encourage her to stay. People who I lost contact with almost 7-8 years ago have turned up wanting to be a friend so it does create interaction and it would be nice to be able to interact with the group as such.
Facebook seems the way to go ... myspace is for kids ... i think facebook would definitely be an ideal place to kick off an online community ... let's do it!
Facebook group or a Myspace page....but for what it's worth, the myspacers tend to be moving towards facebook now that it's available to everyone.
Yes, I think there should be some kind of way for coaches to get together, virtually, to support each other. I am not in any kind of "community" yet, but will look at facebook as a possibility. I agree...I've never heard of Ning. Either facebook or myspace.
Thanks,
Glen
Facebook or Myspace. I've never heard of Ning. The concept is outstanding, though! Coaches meeting, virtually!!!
Thanks,
Glen
I like the idea of LinkedIn or Facebook. Not a Myspace fan.
Cecelia - right on the money.
Kathy - thanks, will check out Xing.
And I joined weareteachers, and created my own group within it, to see what that is like.
We've already started on facebook now, with 39 fans and growing. And I'm really liking Ning - so let's do both!
I'll be calling for community 'champions' soon, so stay tuned.
David
david,
facebook rocks and it is how everyone communicates theses days as well as myspace i say go for it dave.
it would be so cool to be able to communicate this way.
Facebook is best (market leader = easier)
Tony Corballis
www.corballis.com
I know next to nothing about facebook et al but have particapted in eforums before and think they are a brilliant idea as far as forming community and sharing ideas.
I use facebook and I think is great. You can also crate a group in yahoo! gropus.
You just gave me a push to start using Facebook....
I don't think sometbing like facebook is essential for SolutionBox. Please, focus on what you are doing - which is great!
Also use Linked.in and Ryze - worth a thought.
A
I'd prefer to use a non public community. A hosted version of Community Server would probably satisfy the needs of the RnD team.
There are some limitations to Facebook type tools that we'd need toconsider, If it's an open group, it won't be a good space for true R&D work. If it's a closed group,there wouldn't be publicity value. What about a Wiki? People could work collaboratively, chat and post files when they wanted to share larger pieces of information.
Facebook..............
Face Book, My Space, either one is fine, but if you REALLY want to create a SPACE, do it in Second Life! Does anyone else have a presence in Second Life?
JoLaine Jones
Why don't we have our own forum? that is the best way to run a community, you would have the link to your current website and this is how a lot of things could be done, such as answering questions, bringing in permanent tips for people, and people can also remain anonymous if they prefer to.
I think getting a connection with one antoher through the internet is a great idea. Not sure which one would be the best. I know a lot of people use blog's to keep their group informed and connected. But I think anyone of them would be great.
All good comments - and clearly a hot topic.
I've joined four online groups and am playing around with them.
Already seeing people connect with each other on facebook - 44 subscribers/fans to the group, and growing.
David
whichever one you're going to have the most fun with, of course!
yes ,lets go the facebook way.i'mall for it.
brgds
jamshed
I have both a Facebook page and a Myspace page. I use the F'book page regularly while rarely using the Myspace page. This is because more of my contacts are at F'book. I believe that either website could prove to be useful.
Thanks
Facebook works for me.
Ning looks simple and private, although I'd not heard of it before.
I use Linkedin but would like to keep it separate and not extend it to general use. I use myspace occasionally and find it handy for sharing photos. I won't use it's instant messaging as U have enough of those already. You could consider windows live http://home.services.spaces.live.com/ or FanBox http://www.fanbox.com/socnet/Default.aspx
Whatever you decide, I would consider three things
1. Privacy. Coaching can be personal.
2. Usability. It needs to be something that the majority are happy to use and find easy.
3. Popularity. I don't really want to use yet another social networking product.
Regards
Andrew
I'm not familiar with any sites. My biggest concern would be professionalism and credibility.
Tina
Facebook is good. I have a Facebook account; however, it is my opinion that MySpace is a tad better.
I was able to use my networking skills via MySpace to find a printing/publisher to get my first book published (FIND A WAY to MAKE A WAY! - Available on Amazon.com), and also via networking on MySpace I may very well be signing a book deal with a publishing house for my second project.
My opinion as a memeber of both the Facebook and MySpace communities ... MySpace is the way to go!
Take Care & God Bless,
H.S. Reed, Jr.
Investor in the Human Spirit
E-Mail: HRJR@HRJR-Enterprises.com
hi david.i think my space sounds good but a never really heard of ning or facebook,ups.which ever i dont mind the main think is you can communicate with others and share the views and experience.....beata
thanks :)
Hi David
Definately agree - being a user of Facebook and MySpace - whilst I don't use them all the time - they are good for keeping in touch. Had to be a bit mindful tho about making my profile public as some people I know have been "hit" by people they wouldn't necessarily have chosen! But being able to "invite" people to join is great.
There is also another site I use called linkedin.......maybe worth a look. I haven't heard of Ning - so will check that out? (Is that available in the UK?)Take care.
Deb
Facebook seems to be the most popular community with my friends and colleagues in UK at the moment. Will it remain so?
Always ask yourself the obvious questions . . . what do you want to achieve? How would Facebook help you achieve that? What could you do that you cannot already? What other options are there? What's your gut instinct?
I think myspace is more popular and well-known, but I've never personally used any of them.
I personally use facebook and would love to see it on there
Why not both MySpace & Facebook? It seems that my older friends have only MySpace - the younger people seem to have both. I am not familiar with Ning.
Facebook/MySpace...not busines collaboration tools...kind of kids stuff. Lots of viruses, lots of junk.
Facebook/MySpace...not busines collaboration tools...kind of kids stuff. Lots of viruses, lots of junk.
Xanga is another possibility...may offer a different "feel" than myspace. Just a thought...
Debra
I would chose LinkedIn. It's more professional and it's actually fun.
I'm kind of leery with FaceBook and MySpace. It's too "in", too "hyped". We need a giant water cooler more than anything.
I think Facebook is really the way to go. However, I do agree with Roy that confidentiality is of utmost importance in this and many industries. A sign-in blog would probably make this easier to control.
I would also propose a time schedule for R &D team blogs. This might stimulate conversation and keep it going longer and more dynamically, since everyone will be participating at the same time.
a lot of discussion has been generated about this mode of medium and communication but i think the bottom line is we need to use the information highway to serve our purposes..
Myspace is a lot more trendy, bright and inviting Facebook tends to be more conservative and business like cant jazz up the pages very much.I don't know if that is much of an issue or not??
Anyway i am excited David that you are out there and wanting to try new things it is to your credit i think you are a legend anyway.
My experience is that Facebook is too accessible. I am involved in a couple of different forums where they are based on the providers platform as opposed to a public space. This keeps the content relevant to the audience.
Best wishes.
Because of lack of censorship of its content, myspace is banned in some regions. Facebook may be easier to use and more accessible. I would like to know that my privacy is assured is I were to participate. What are your objectives for the forum? How would using these websites best help you achieve those objectives? Define the criteria, meet it, and you're good to go.
Great idea to build relationships, as long ans they are healthy, professional ones.
Thanks,
Nancy
Hi David
Facebook is definatley more interactive and would draw more people to the site.
Its also easier to forward marketing.
Myspace is good, but most people have moved over to facebook here in the UK.
I am on both facebook and myspace. I find that most people utilize these services as glorified email accounts so "community building" is challenging within the platform. I have found success in building community through a group called "Christianity Unplugged" on tribe.net (http://tribes.tribe.net/unplugged) and I think that is primarily because it is structured around forums. Just my 2 cents.
Eric Canaday
myspace.com/ericcanaday
I read what Cheers Yvette wrote. It nakes sense that since mosr clients come from a professional background it nakes sense to use a blog service geared toward and used by professionals. I would watch out for the popular networks since a high percentage of those that use them would never consider coaching. Then, again, if you actually get into networking rather than having a static blog those networks can be of great value. Overall, it is important to seek out people who are interested in being coached so you kind of have to get in the mud and read the other blogs to see where your base will lie.
Myspace is the best. I have received coaching contacts from Myspace.
myspace.com/charminmoore
Like Kelley, I too have a MySpace page, myspace.com/bluemountainlifecoaching
so I think MySpace would work for me. And I think it's a great idea to have facebook for the R&D team! Yeah!
Coach Helen
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