Besides being a great song from the old "Schoolhouse Rock":http://www.school-house-rock.com/ series, “3 is a Magic Number†is a great rule of thumb when trying to analyze something.
1 is so absolute, (and according to Three Dog Night, is the loneliest number).
2 puts you in an either / or dilemma but
3 actually gives you some choices.
That being said, here are 3 sets of 3 ways to look at this whole Web 2.0, Social Media, Social Networking thing:
*3 Types of Networkers Online Today*
1. Those looking to find something.
2. Those looking to be found.
3. Those looking to collaborate to get things done.
Those who are looking to find use search engines, read blogs and usually have very little of their profiles complete on social networks.
Those looking to be found, try to be at the top of search listings through SEO, write blogs and usually have very lengthy and extensive profiles on social networks.
Those looking to collaborate and get things done create Groupsites at Groupsite.com where they invite others who can help them achieve their goal collectively.
*3 Reasons People Are Creating Social Networks*
1. Get credit
2. Get paid
3. Get things done
Those who only want to get credit believe they must private label their own social network so they are seen as the place to be. Many believe if they built it (and brand it) they will come.
Those who only want to get paid see the social networking craze as a gold rush where profits come to those who move quickly and take advantage of the buzz.
Those who want to get things done are looking for tools to help them be more effective, regardless of who gets the credit and most realize that using social collaboration is a means to an end which will help them get paid doing whatever they do best.
"*3 Types of Groupsite.com Groupsites*":http://www.collectivex.com/signup
1. Private – Not visible to non-members (80% of our clients)
2. Public – Everything is visible to non-members except member profiles
3. Limited – Only Summary page is visible to non-members.