Are you using the Web 2.0 tools at your disposal for free to grow your

If you are not on Linked In and Twitter, or you do not understand how to use those tools to grow your business, you really need to get started. I have used both of these tools and others to dramatically grow my network and that network is sending me work and connecting me to people that would have been tough to meet otherwise. In this economy, you must use all the tools at your disposal to win. Just want to help the community open their eyes to this great tool.

how would the twitter service help us ? Not sure what it is . I gather it like sending a text message to a bunch of people at once.

It is somewhat like a text to a group that is following you, but there are search functions similar to Google that more people are beginning to use to find people to provide the services they need. I just made contact with a large retail customer that I am going to be meeting with to discuss their facilities, and the only way we met is via Twitter and then Linked In. The biggest part of Web 2.0 is getting out there and being part of the community. Post good, relevant content and people will want to follow you or Link to you. If you come off as blatantly trying to sell something you will be shown the door. There is no question that this is the future and the sooner people embrace it, the better off they will be.

I'm using it and suggesting it to everyone I speak with. Catch on or fall behind!

You are absolutely correct. Traditional marketing is OVER! You need to get knowledgeable now or you will be way behind.

how exactly do you use this as a marketing tool? I've never used it

Its the old saying go where the people are. Its basically a new way of networking. Ever passed out business cards - - - now imagine you could pass out millions of them. You get on these Social Networking sites and meet people they find out you tint they spread the word.

MCPCOLA is on the right track. Both Linked In and Twitter allow you to meet many more people that you could through normal business practices. Think of it as a large networking event with millions in attendance. You connecting with them is your handshake to introduce yourself. One of the reasons that I started the group on Linked In is to get more people in this industry comfortable using this medium to grow their business. Just make sure that you do not come across as only being involved to sell your stuff to others. Just like traditional networking, people want to know who you are before you try and sell them. You must become part of the community and be a resource and the sales will come. It takes a bit of work, especially in the beginning, but the rewards are huge. As far as the work part goes, you will either do it now, or be forced to within a year or two. Why not be out front? Think of this as being like websites were 10 years ago. many did not have them and few understood how to do them well. Today, you cannot exist without a website. In several years, you will look at Web 2.0 the same way. you will not be able to afford not to be involved.

I was invited to join Linked In by one of my clients but I have noy quite figured out how to use it to my advantage. I would love some hints or direction.