I've been visiting several social networking sites for women to observe and better understand how business women can effectively network online.

While I see quite a few women actively contributing tips and resources on various subjects, I see even more women posting their business ads or posting flashing graphics on the walls or personal message boards of the community members.  While there is nothing wrong with promotion, it is when you haven't contributed to the community, but you expect something from the community.

What comes to mind when you think of a successful business woman? What type of woman runs a successful enterprise? How would you describe her? What does she look like, how does she dress and present herself? The best way to describe her is to look into the mirror.

There’s a new word on the web that is growing in popularity - It’s called “Social Networking” and Social Networks are popping up all over the Internet.   What are Social Networks?  Social Networks are websites designed specifically to connect like-minded groups of people or individuals in an interactive manner through one-on-one connections.  The power behind this new way of communicating on the Internet is that you can create your own presence by starting a niche group, your own blog and your own personal profile with links back to your own site.  In addition you can invite anyone to become your friend or associate and connect with them frequently, thus the art of social networking.  There’s a huge opportunity to connect with other small business owners throughout the world.

Okay, so you now know what social networking is and you’re familiar with how to create your profile and browse the community - now what?  Well, if your goal is to get the word out about your business and attract potential clients or customers, it will be important for you to brand your business within the social network community.

Today marks a great day of change, faith and action for our country. Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44^th President of the United States – congratulations President Obama!

President Obama’s use of the word “Change” is an excellent example for businesswomen as well, because change is an action that leads to success and it shows commitment not to stay the same, but to continuously move towards something better and greater.