With the advent of social networking sites, the world has become a much smaller place. At one time, the means of connecting with people from across the world were archaic and limited. (Anyone remember pen pals ads in magazines?) Today, people from all over the world can connect with each other in mere moments thanks to the universal hubs known as social networking sites. Without a doubt, social networking sites have forever changed the way we look at the world. This is because social networking sites have radically altered the way we interact with people and make new friends, hobby associates and even marriage partners. Then, there is the business upside to social networking where the purpose of networking is designed to promote a product or service than it is to make friends. Regardless of one's purpose for starting a social networking site there are a number of positives one can derive. Of course, since nothing is perfect there are also a host of negatives one may have to contend with. Let's take a look at both.

A major plus with social networking sites are that they are completely free. The only investment one has to make in the sites is time. Also, the ability to craft a profile is fairly easy. One can make a very cool profile with graphics, images and music in a relatively short period of time. Also, social networking sites come with a number of additional benefits such as free email, internal bulletins and even free blogs. So, if you are looking to meet new people for social purposes or to promote a business then such sites are excellent low cost promotional vehicles.

But, all is not perfect in the world of social networking as there are a few negatives to contend with as well…

You are bound by the terms and service of the social networking site. These terms and conditions are quite varied. Often, they are designed to circumvent those looking to use their profile for commercial marketing purposes. (Yes, this puts a crimp into some online marketing ventures) For example, if you place a link on your profile or a blog to a site if Myspace considers it spam it will completely block the link. Also, the terms and conditions bar monetization plans. Well, the social networking sites are monetized but only the proprietors can earn from them. If you wish to add Adsense to your own profiles, well, you are out of luck.

Then, there are issues surrounding some of the folks who frequent social networking sites. If you are using your profile for marketing purposes you will discover that many people have no interest in purchasing anything. That means your conversion rates on social networking visitors will always be low. As such, constant work will be required to create conversion rates.

But marketing complexities present no where near the hassles that some of the more "unstable" members of social networking sites can cause.

Sadly, there are some "odd" people in the world and it is not uncommon to come in contact with online stalkers who can target you and your online friends. Yes, there are mechanisms and rules in place to deal with such problems but it is certainly not a situation anyone would want to deal with.

Again, social networking – like anything else – has its good points and its bad points. The key is to gravitate to the good while avoiding the bad. No, this is not always possible 100% of the time but that is the way it goes. Don't worry though. The positives really do outweigh the negative.

If you are not using Social Networking site to build your Network Marketing, or any home business you're missing a great opportunity.

If you read Mike Diller's book Magnetic Attraction, or Building on a Budget, or looked into Mike Klingler's Renegade University online program, you see that Internet Social Marketing (called Web 2.0) is the major part of generate free leads for any business; a specially for Network Marketing; also called MLM.

The newest Social Networking website is Wowzza, where  you can make money communication with friends, and other Network Marketers. Read the MLM News to learn more about Wowzza.

You heard of MySpace, but there is Facebook which is becoming very popular for people in or interested in get into a Network Marketing business. And AdlandPro is where you find other Networker who are willing to provide advise, and help for free. They are all worth joining.

If you haven't gotten your free copy of Ann Sieg ebook "The 7 Greatest Lies of Network Marketing", get your copy. It's great reading, and the base of Mike Klingler's  Renegade University program.

Social Networking site will get more and more traffic with many in the Home Business see the benefit, so you should get involved right away before it's to crowded.