Social networking provides opportunity for stakeholders to connect with one another and discuss your organizations reputation. Creating a social network , or building a profile, allows conversation. Different types of networking platforms, and the best way to engage them, can lay a foundation that builds a positive reputation of your organization.

Whenever you build a social networking profile, you're creating web content that is highly focused on your organizations brand. Unlike other forms of social media, social networks rely heavily on community participation. Social networks allow an organization to build emotional ties to the people in the community. These social networks are an important part of any reputation management or brand building effort. Wherever communities are formed, the opportunity for conversations about your brand exists.

The bedrock of a social networking profile is the presentation of key information about your organization and your brand. An online identity builds reputation. A networking profile for the organization, and / or its members can allow for both private and public areas of publication. They may include status updaters and streaming feeds, images, video and a whole host of interactive multimedia content. Building a network of associates build your organizations reputation by creating a following of brand advocates.

SOCIAL CONVERSATIONS

Social conversations represent a two-way conversation in a social networking environment. Although not quite real time - these conversations are still your best opportunity to engage your stakeholders and address them directly. These social conversations allow your stakeholders to create their own declarations or questions, and afford you the opportunity to respond.

Group Conversations take place in a variety of different formats. Forums and message boards are classic examples of social conversations. Someone starts a message thread and others join in, adding their thoughts and observations to the thread.

Topics that assist in building your reputation and brand -

• Share valuable industry news "in the know"
• Stay connected during conferences, trade shows, and industry conferences.
• Broadcast urgent announcements

For associations, social conversations are an opportunity to answer the questions posed by your membership and partners. These key stakeholders are likely to use an online forum to seek information about the reliability of the organization. They will seek answers as to whether the organization is a good fit for their needs. These early conversations bring together those who share a common interest and provide a platform for them to discuss their passions, fears, likes and dislikes. This interaction typically fosters a long-term engagement of sharing business interests and connecting with other member's partners and affiliates surrounding the association.