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Open Field is words, photography, illustration, video, web links... whatever inspires us at any particular moment in time. Like a blog but... different. For those who prefer their creativity with a patina of dust, past entries are archived on the right.
[10/01/2008]
Andrew Arntfield
Everyone wants to find new ways to activate their brand and engage their customers. “Social networking” is the flavour of the year, and companies are scrambling to launch community-oriented websites.
But many companies are discovering that just because they’ve built an online community, there may not be anyone to populate it.
The keys to a successful social networking site are straightforward:
- truly understand the interests and needs of the target audience;
- provide unique content related to their interests;
- give them tools to easily and freely engage with like-minded people;
- and most importantly, give them control.
Coin or comic collectors have found an online home at the Collectors Society where they can meet hundreds of others with a shared passion, exchange knowledge, and buy and sell their collectibles.
Not every interest group will benefit from networking websites. But coin and comic collectors are a niche group that’s ideal for online social networking. Collectors Society offers them affirmation and validation of their unique interests: it's a community where they feel at home. It allows them to connect with other collectors around the world. And it gives them content related to their interest that simply can't be found anywhere else online.
Follow the social networking Rules of Engagement, and they will come.
Visit the Collectors Society website
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