Networking is it Live or Social? Discuss.

I went to a live networking event last night at the Met Club sponsored by the Business Alliance Committee. Members of the Mid America Club (MAC as they seem to like to call it), although I personally wouldn't be thrilled with that moniker. Anyway, nice turn out met some interesting people. But the biggest revelation of the night for me was talking about social networking. I know I'm relatively new to all this but I was shocked, SHOCKED to hear that folks PAY companies to set up twitter, linkedin, Facebook accounts for them. Now I know this is routinely done for companies who are not sure how to handle these tools for the general public and legal needs to get their two cents in to protect the company. However, why would individuals need this service? I'm guessing it's because they don't understand the space and are afraid to just put something out there. Where I lose track is setting it up and learning about it first hand is what I find/found most interesting. And there are folks out there willing to add their two cents on this.

On the flip side if there's someone who wants me to help them set up some accounts I would be willing to help them. Depending on the level of advise and expertise I suppose a consulting fee would be appropriate. It's all news to me.

I also volunteered to help out with the clubs leap into social media. I think this will be fun and I'm sure a case study as to how a small to mid-size company can take advantage of this emerging landscape. All very exciting.