I have a guilty secret that must be divulged before I launch into this discussion... I have never been on Facebook or Twitter, although my company is involved in each. The closest I have been to electronic social networking is to post some information on "Linked-in" as I was told it was a great way to meet and establish new business relationships.

So what gives me the credibility to write on social networking? Because our business at Entrust is completely dependent on social media for leads, referrals and education.

The phenomenon of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Linked in, and hundreds of lesser known relatives of these sites have been labeled "Social Networking". The power of having millions of potential clients eager and ready to snap up your products and services - all at very little marketing cost to you is seductive and alluring. Especially if what you are offering is attractive to those that frequent the social networking sites.