In the news there are always stories about the popularity of Social Networking, compare this with the fact that many employers are banning access to sites like FaceBook you would be forgiven for thinking Social Networking was an epidemic rather than a technological phenomenon which all lovers of the world wide web should embrace and learn how to use.
 
Granted, no employer wants to walk out from his mahogany wood and nappa leather clad office to see an army of well paid employees sitting there on Mr Zuckerberg's blue and white, Microsoft backed creation whilst throwing virtual sheep, sending cyber poke's and mailing 'sexy back' to one another. It's just not productive is it, Mr Corporate Director?. 
 
The beauty of Social Networking is that it has such a variety of different subjects that it can evolve into. Aside from the big 2-3 sites which are globally focused, there are a number of niche communities that are being developed which offer a targeted, productive and above all, 'more frown up' approach to networking online. It is from these types of sites that business owners ans consumers can benefit massively.
 
For example, take a director of a Financial Advice business in Manchester , UK who is concerned that the credit crunch has stopped him being able to make commissions from mortgage referrals and frustrated that his staff seem to be using the economic downturn to spend more time updating their profiles and writing on walls. He would love to A) Find relevant clients in his area B) Have an area where he could offer online advice to potential clients in his area C) Stop his staff spending time on Social Networks or find a way of making it productive.
 
How can he possible do it?
 
Enter the world of niche, location based Social Networking. If Mr Financial Adviser's business was located in an area where there was a local network then he could create a group called, Financial Advice In Manchester, he could post relevant industry stories in the group which his staff could update, he could create an online persona and make connections with the online community so they began to trust and value his advice. The community would know that his updates were based on actual knowledge and statistics from their area so they would be confident to use his services.
 
Do these types of site exist?
 
Fortunately for some areas, yes they do!. They can also be applied to any area worldwide. Once company that is specialising in this type of network is Your Media Limited through their website http://www.SocialNetworkFranchise.com . Your Media Limited have created a user friendly, popular and interesting solution for a niche location based network which they have recently made available for franchise. The entry level is very low indeed compared to the existing market and there is also the opportunity to access funding from some major banks to help with the purchase of the franchise fee.

Examples of existing sites are listed below:

http://www.YourMarbella.com

http://www.ConnectKent.com

http://www.TalkBarcelona.com

http://www.ConnectNorwich.com
 
To make sure your area is available and to get further information, please visit http://www.SocialNetworkFranchise.com or email info@SocialNetworkFranchise.com
 

Over the past 2 years internet users would have had to be hiding under a stone not to hear about things like facebook, myspace and social networking. As facebook this week became bigger then Japan with a massive 150 million members it is interesting to see how the phenomenon of creating a personal online space and connecting with people via the internet has spawned a new breed of online networks of people with similar interests.
 
There are now social networks relating to a whole world of different topics from soccer to Singapore and from motherhood to making money. Regional social networks are interesting as they create great connections within communities and allow residents new and old to make friendships, offer local advice, recommend places and promote their businesses. This type of network is growing rapidly and people are seeming to use more than one network, using facebook to make worldwide contacts and using their local network to connect locally. This is an interesting concept as the interest is concentrated on one particular area so the advertising options are attractive for local businesses and potentially lucrative for an owner of a busy network.
 
A company that specialise in niche, local networks is SocialNetworkFranchise.com . After growing from one site to four sites in 2008 the company are now on target to open a further three sites in quarter one 2009 with a total of ten new sites throughout the year. Examples of the local sites are listed below:
 
http://www.YourMarbella.com
 
http://www.ConnectKent.com
 
http://www.ConnectNorwich.com
 
http://www.TalkBarcelona.com
 
In order to grow their network, SocialNetworkFranchise.com have made their model available for franchise worldwide. With a very low entry level investment and a simple to use system the franchise opportunity is a recipe for success for anyone who is interested in owning and managing an forward thinking internet business.
 
For further information, please log on to http://www.SocialNetworkFranchise.com