Facebook is usually considered a no-no at work. Whilst a blind eye is often turned to people using the company internet connections to shop at Amazon or even book a holiday, the sight of that blue and white logo is usually a cause for concern amongst managers. However, whilst employees staying in touch with their friends may be frowned upon, many companies are establishing their own presence on Facebook and, the next big thing in social networking, Twitter.

The companies see the value of social networking as a way of promoting and developing their business. Facebook has 90 million users and is the fourth most trafficked website in the world. Furthermore, whilst many make the assumption that Facebook is for teenagers to discuss their wayward lifestyles, more than 50% of Facebook’s active users are over 25.

LinkedIn now has 23 million users with an average age of 41. It is growing faster than Facebook. Many professionals in the creative industries treat Facebook and Twitter as a routine part of their business day. Similarly, a presence on YouTube or one of the other video sharing sites is seen as essential. Indeed, for many professionals the question is no longer whether or not to use the social networking sites, but which ones to use.

These websites can provide personal PR and keep people up to date on events, trends and opportunities. Knowing about social networking is bound to become an essential part of marketing and sales training.