What are the top 5 social networking sites for businesses?

[Ryan]

Aside from the basic Facebook and Twitter and MySpace, what are the lesser known sites that businesses can use to connect with potential customers?

[Edward Fox]

You don't seem to understand the meaning of social networking. It is the exact opposite of business networking. Social networking is something to do in their private late and it has nothing to do with business. Why do you think so many workplaces actually block Facebook, MySpace etc. on office computers? It is because these sites have no business use

[Steve]

Business Exchange is pretty good.
http://bx.businessweek.com/

Digg is now more social, but it hasn't really caught on yet.
digg.com

Stumblupon.com is good, but they're nazis about promoting too many of your articles there.

I guess I only have three recommendations. It takes a lot of work to be effective in each. You have to make friends and contribute content other than your own promotional efforts.

[Mike Perk]

You'd have to go with:

1) Facebook
Create a Facebook fan page and build a community online
Here's a post on how Facebook ads can help you build a community online: http://www.heavychef.com/can-you-use-fac...community/

2) Twitter
Once again, create a community online, but also syndicate content and create brand awareness
Here's a link on ow to use Twitter for business: http://www.heavychef.com/how-i-use-twitt...-business/

3) LinkedIn
It's great for legitimizing your company online and creating a good company profile online
Here's and article talking about the importance of LinkedIn for entrepreneurs and their businesses: http://www.ideate.co.za/2010/06/08/the-n...-linkedin/

4) Blog
Create one! Updating regular content on your blog will let your customers know that you are real and legit. They will also know that you are knowledgeable. So many blogs have become social networks themselves.

For a break down of the top social media site go here: http://www.heavychef.com/top-social-medi...breakdown/

Cheers,