Maybe fuss isn't the right word here but it seems that every marketing newsletter and publication I think about there is an article about social networking websites. If you're not totally familiar you may have at least heard of Facebook and MySpace.

Natalie Kendall did a great article for us on this topic for our Feb/March 08 issue. And, she touches upon how this phenomenon can help a brand. The stuff I am reading is suggesting companies are not harnessing the power of social networking sites.

It's sorta like getting a cat into the carrier to take to vet. While there may be only a handful of big, influential social networking sites at this time, to do this right you need somebody monitoring all this stuff and posting to a corporate page. It's a big job and you know you should do it, but you dread it. I don't know about you... but most people I talk to in marketing are stretched pretty thin already.

If you have an idea that you might want to explore this world. Here's a thought. In March F+W Publications (publisher of Scrapbook Retailer) launched a new social networking site called MyCraftivity.com.

This is a social networking site for crafters so essentially anyone who visits your page there is a potential customer. There are so many ways you can use this. You can start a personal page or create one for your store. You can put info in about special sales, promotions, classes etc.

This will make your info available  to the world. Plus it gives your customers a place to look for info on your business. Maybe you want to start your own thread or group about a topic you are interested.

Check it out or come by the booth at the CHA Summer Show and register. It's free and we call all learn about this phenomenon and grow together!

Beth