Ning - Another Social Networking Site

[agent C]

Have you heard of www.ning.com its an online social network site. Would it be beneficial to use a site like this. If so what would be the best way to use it, would you make it like an online BNI group or would you make it primarly focus on insurance and agents or both. Let me know what you think.

 

[somarco]

Re: Social Networking Site

What does Ning offer that you can't get from Twitter?

 

[sunkist219]

Re: Social Networking Site

I have heard of www.ning.com but I think you're better off joining groups with your LinkedIn profile. More people are on LinkedIn.

 

[agent C]

Re: Social Networking Site

Not real sure, I just came across this site this morning and thought it looked interesting.

 

[SportsNut]

Check with healthagent, as he uses ning for the ihiaa Assn.

admin@ihiaa.com

 

[briana]

Linkedin is good. Can't hurt to join different sites.

 

[mzellman]

Re: Social Networking Site

I have heard of ning but I think you're better off joining groups with your LinkedIn profile. More people are on LinkedIn.

In your expert opinion, why would LinkedIn be better for insurance prospecting? And, how would you best use that media to excavate prospects?

Malinda

 

[Term Life Guy]

Ning allows you to create your own social networking site/space (like your own version of myspace or facebook). It is very versatile. The problem with Ning for an insurance agent is that the whole point would be to get people to join your social networking group. If you could do it it could be very profitable, but it will be much harder than other options out there.

For example, in my opinion, it makes more sense to use facebook, myspace, or any other major social networking site that the prospects you want to reach are already using. Then you can spend your time reaching out to them instead of trying to get people to join something they've never heard of before.

No matter what you do in the social media realm, it requires a lot of time and effort. People want to interact with other people, and if you are only there to sell them something they are not likely to respond as well.

 

[mzellman]

Thanks for the reply, Term Life Guy. I think you are probably right. To make any of these work I suspect you would have to pose yourself as an expert willing to answer insurance questions about your area(s) of specialty - serving people who want to know something. Once they ask, you can go from there. Does that approach work for anyone already doing this?

Malinda

 

[Tampa Bay Rep]

Here is an article that lists the advantages and disadvantages of Ning:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ning's Free Social Networks & What You Need to Know About Hosting Your Sites | CuteWriting