The new marketing phenomena is firmly established. From my space to facebook, and the more business focused linkedin and ecademy, all these “social networking/social media” portals appear to be thriving with many many people totally bemused by the new wave. The big question of course is how much time should be dedicated to using these sites and of course what is the real value. I hear much positive chatter about these sites and indeed am using them myself, but the value is far from obvious in the circles I work in. Perhaps there are some alternative views – always keen to hear
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Published by Graham Bunting
I have been around a while and seen some stuff for sure. I have experienced some good bad, indifferent and some downright fabulous. I am still hugely motivated to get up every day and be curious. I love tech and business and most of all dogs oh and people ;-) Having been in sales most of my working life I have a real interest in the art and science and am a committed lifelong learner - constantly frustrating my kids with my stock phrase "every day is a school day" Personally, I’m a husband to one, and father to five amazing children (three of them are no longer children, but independent adults) and my golden lab – Archie, who is always pleased to see me. I was blessed with becoming a Granddad in February 2021 (a very proud and somewhat besotted one) and another grandson arrived in October 2022 to keep their parents busy and for me to spoil. I am also a mad keen lover of the oval ball game and a lifelong supporter of Leicester Tigers. As an Englishman, that's therefore England at a national level and the British and Irish Lions. If I can be of service in any way including any area of developing a channel sales and support business or ecosystem partnerships, and or sales coaching or development, you can find me at the link below, and contact me via the form also. One of my favourite "quotes" is Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with a beer in one hand, shouting "Whoo, what a ride!!" Views here are 100% my own. https://grahambunting.com/findme/ View all posts by Graham Bunting
Graham Bunting -The Catalyst 
For totally freelance or small business owners I know that these business sites all all important for new information and contacts. I have recently finished making my products (five big budget audio-books) so now that I’ve turned to marketing, these social sites, especially linkedin are invaluable.
It is agreed by all book sellers that the best way for a small publisher to market books is on the internet. So to answer the ‘big question’ of ‘How much time to spend on them?” If you’re promoting a new product, then as much as possilbe. Seth Godin had a team of 20 programers sleeping in the office, advertising new video games on the net by leaving articles, backlinks and blogs, pushing them into top sellers. I wish I had another 19 people on the net for my products.
I’m happily doing 16 hours a day. I love my audio productions that has 17 top stars of the ’60s in them. So working on the PC, building an audience for my art, is as much fun as playing a Vegas video slot machine. Lots of hidden bonuses comes in the form of email, invites, offers to exchange help, fans of my past projects, etc.
Of course, if you work for a company, then having a team to do it is more efficient, so that your time can be used managing, producing product and customers.