Ah, the infamous “self pic” that we so often come across whenever we visit one of our friends’ profiles on Facebook. Maybe we have even taken part in the epidemic that seems to have been sweeping the country ever since digital cameras suddenly turned us into professional photographers. But on a slightly different note, the picture or pictures that you use to represent you on various social networking forums can reveal a plethora of information to your readers, followers, customers, friends and family as to the kind of person you are as well as the kind of information that your profile might denote.

The Twitter Dilemma:

Regarding the use of pictures, Twitter is a great example of how we do or do not use our photographing skills effectively. For instance, I will often receive an email notification that “Person X is now following you on Twitter”. However, if I see that Person X does not have a profile picture, then I usually don’t even go any further to add them to my followers list. Instead, they are instantly referred to my trash folder. Another situation that is often faced on Twitter is when someone uses their real name (or what appears to be a real name), but then their profile picture is a logo for a business or something that is totally unrelated and/or offensive. In this case, it is then your call as to whether or not they are “follow” worthy.

Choosing the Right Picture:

You wouldn’t think that there would be so much thought that goes into the picture that you choose to represent yourself, but if you are a business owner and you have an online presence, even your personal social networking accounts might come under some scrutiny. Take care to only put up pictures of yourself and/or your company that are relevant (i.e. no drunken pictures of you at last year’s Christmas party, etc.). Choose a picture that is clear, not taken with your camera phone or a two-year old and is somewhat flattering to your appearance. If you cannot seem to find any pictures that describe the aforementioned, then it may be worth it to hire a professional photographer to take your photo. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, and on the Internet…that’s a lot.

If you claim that you don’t have time for social networking or if you are one of the doubter who thinks that social networking is a waste of time, then you obviously haven’t examined it closely. When you think back to how most people used to get the jobs that they currently have, a lot of it had to do not with their actual qualifications (sad to say) but rather, it had to do with who they knew.

“Oh, a friend of a friend of mine knows this guy who has this friend who might be interested in what you’re doing and may be able to help out…”

“I got this job because my mom is friends with this lady who has a daughter who…”

“I went to this business networking meeting and met this young man who also loves to play golf. We eventually started meeting up regularly to play golf, and then when I lost my job, he found an opening in his company…”

How many times have we heard the above scenarios before? How often have we known someone who has landed a job or a business deal or who has even eeked out a friendship…possibly a romantic relationship that ended up in marriage all because of who they were networking with? It happens more often than you think. And with the new wave of social media and social networking sweeping across the entire globe, infecting everyone, we are now more subjected to putting ourselves out there on the Internet, whether it is through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Inside919 or some other networking medium.

We are people who seek the camaraderie of other like-minded (and sometimes different, unique) individuals. We like to know that we are not alone, that others share our interests and want to communicate. That being said, the following are five ways to integrate social networking into your life:

1. Join Twitter. Nowadays, everyone and their mother is on Twitter. If you have a Blackberry or some other type of mobile device, you can usually find a free Twitter app to help keep you connected on the go.
2. Look up and join a meetup group. There are plenty of meetup groups in your local area if you just look. From divorce groups to book reading clubs, there is more than likely something out there that will catch your eye; plus, it’s a great way to meet other professionals who live and work in your area.
3. Be regularly active on your social networking sites. One of the most annoying things (especially if you are on Twitter) is to be following someone who almost never signs in. If you are regularly active, then you are more likely to carry interesting convos with people than if you never sign in.
4. Only join three or four social networking sites. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is that they wind up joining way too many social networking sites. Your brain can only handle so much information at a time. Focus on one or two sites (everyone is different) and then really learn how to master those social networks. It will be worth it in the long run.
5. Create a LinkedIn profile. Creating a LinkedIn profile is akin to having a professional resume online. It validates your skills and lends credibility to whatever it is that you do for a living because employers (as well as other people) can leave reviews about you on your profile page.

What is a Poken?

A Poken is a small USB device that allows you to store your social networking info and share it with other Poken users. Essentially, it is akin to having a social business card because it makes sharing your contact details and online social networking info incredibly easy (not to mention paper-free).

How do you Poken?

To activate your Poken, you have to pull apart the body and hand (yes, they look like little people) and pull out the plastic tab. If you see a flashing red light, then this means that your activated and read to go. When you meet up with your boss for lunch or with other business prospects, instead of handing them your business card, simply connect your Poken to theirs. You can choose what sort of information you would like to share with other people before hand. Remember, your poken card only shows whatever information you want to share with people.

Where Do I Get One?

Pokens can be purchased in packages or individually from official resellers found here. Pokens can come in sleek and sophisticated designs (for those of you who like to keep things super simple) or you can purchase them in one of the many characters that they are popular for. Most of them average between $20-$35 depending on the style that you get. To get an even better idea of what Poken is all about, check out the following video: