Now that we're not doing (the new forum features)... I'd like to know, has anybody used sites like LinkedIn or MySpace with any success?

By "success" I mean getting new clients or promoting books, etc.

How does social marketing compare with other networking and self promotional efforts--like writing articles, giving speeches or ezines? I know it's hard (or impossible) to track ROI on "indirect marketing"... but even some "anecdotal evidence" would give me a better handle on how much effort it's worth putting into social media.

Thanks,
Morty
MortySchiller.com

I'm not using social networking yet, but I have already seen many proof that social networking is works. If you're targeting a right niche, social networking can generate traffic very well.

I haven't known anyone to find good marketing work via MySpace or the like as of yet. Still feels like passing out business cards at a frat party to me. Yet the business social marketing sites feel more like the headhunter's ball. So, there just isn't that right balance of laid back business mingling as of yet.

Thanks for the insights. Maybe it's too early in the season for swimming?

Morty

Thanks! I actually joined LinkedIn some time back. But every time I try to use it I find the options and internal rules daunting. Funny, you'd think an online copywriter and blogger would breeze right through it. But I find it more like shopping than blogging

Morty