A huge misconception of social media is that if you build it they will come. This is not field of dreams. In addition, joining social media networks is not like advertising. You must be proactive and reach out to fellow group members, network and create those relationships. It is those relationships that assist in leading to new business opportunities. Merely joining a group or building a profile does not lead to new business.

GUEST BLOGGER: Jenni Fleck Jones, Marketing Manager - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A.

With the ongoing changes in professional marketing, and the diversity of tasks that continue to fall under marketing positions, your time as a marketing professional can be spread in so many different directions. This means you probably don’t have the concentrated time or energy to put in the type of effort you want to give for any particular task.

The FTC recently extended their guidelines for endorsements and testimonials in advertising beyond traditional media to include social networks and blogs. Starting December 1, 2009, you must disclose any relationships with advertisers when you endorse a product or service on a blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or any other online forum. What does this mean for you? If you’re active in social networks or contribute to a blog and offer an endorsement, you must announce: