30. Custom Social Network

What it is:

Today, associations, clubs, organizations and even companies can use the Ning platform as the infrastructure of a full-featured social media site dedicated to its constituents and their issues. All the features are ready to roll: profile templates, "wall" forums, devices for uploading pictures and video, plus tools that allow members to "ping" or email each other.

A cool tool for:

• Professional associations that want to grow beyond their geographic limits
• Internal communications in large enterprises
• Coordinating multiple stakeholders: customers, investors, vendors, suppliers, etc.

Not so hot for:

• Small businesses
• Tech-challenged audiences
• Commodity product-based companies

CONNECT.AMABOSTON.ORG
	Through its branded and customized social networking site, the Boston Chapter of the American Marketing Association delivers value that hadn't been possible before: 24/7 connectivity plus networking reach beyond the limits of Greater Boston itself.

3 key play points:

1. A custom social network is an inexpensive way for the traditional professional association to deepen and extend its reach
2. Consider a points/ranking system to reward members for participation with greater visibility
3. The custom network can be the foundation for promoting other group activities, such as live events, seminars, workshops and conferences

Bonus Links:

• The Content Wrangler Community courtesy of Scott Abel
  
• Ning: 1 Million Social Networks and Counting via Mashable
  

Chapter 29 - Photo-sharing

Chapter 31 - Online Media Site