I hope everyone got a chance to visit and sign up on HBTACommunity.com, the new social network for Home Based travel agents I mentioned in my last article.
The power of social networks is obvious when you consider that HBTACommunity.com signed up over 1,200 new Home Based travel agent members within its first 30 days of operation. The ability to engage other members in a way never before possible is the attraction of social networks, as they apply to specific groups, organizations and other social hierarchies.
These networks enable people of like minds to communicate in ways never before imagined. A community member may read a post from another member, click on their profile to read all about the member and then read all of the comments on their “wall” from other members. They then can review the member’s “friends” and their profiles to make a determination if the member falls within an acceptable range for potential friendship leading to a relationship. Surfing the various profiles and personalities is what social networking is all about.
Most important is the open communication of information between social network members. There are forums, personal “comment walls,” public and private groups and private emails. Members can communicate in ways never dreamed possible before. Even the most modern bulletin board (phpbb Gold) does not allow for this type of involvement among its members. Social networking ushers an entirely new environment into reality that travel professionals simply cannot ignore if they intend to control travel distribution on the Internet into the future.

What can I do with a social network?
Agents can use social networks to their advantage in so many ways that your mind will run wild. The most obvious is to use them for special groups.
For example, let’s say that you have a group of 50 cabins on a cruise. It could be families, a professional group, singles, square dancers — it really doesn’t matter what the affinity is.
Once a group member has booked a cabin and paid a deposit, they are allowed into the social network set up for that group. They can upload their pictures, create an in-depth profile and upload videos, audio or whatever they would like to share with other group members.
They can participate in forums where they can talk about all aspects of the upcoming cruise and also get to know the other group members. Chances are, that by the time the cruise rolls around, they will have already bonded with several of the other group members in the community and will have made detailed plans with them. This greatly enhances the group’s overall level of satisfaction and enjoyment of one another and makes you look like a hero.
This is just one example, and I am sure that you can think of numerous uses for your specific clients that would endear them to you.

What is all this going to cost?
This is the best thing that I am going to share with you. The Web 2.0 environment has led many companies to explore the opportunity of offering hosted social networks for free. Yes, I said FREE. The catch is that you have to allow them to advertise on your social network and keep the proceeds for themselves.
Since virtually all of them use Google’s AdSense, the ads are textual in nature and will not really impact your clients when used as suggested. Most of the companies do offer you the opportunity to replace their ads with yours (for a fee, of course) and that is a valid consideration, because you may then block any of your competitor’s ads from showing up on your social network.

Where can I find these FREE Social Networks?
I am glad you asked. Here is a list of the ones that I know about. Note, that each of these companies has a different value proposition. One may be best for a certain application while another might be best for the next. I am going to start with the one that I used to create HBTACommunity.com simply because I am quite familiar with its capabilities.
Ning (www.Ning.com): Ning is a comprehensive social network with full features that are easily added or taken away from the community. It allows you maximum flexibility and numerous designs and templates. It also allows you to buy “extras” that can make the site yours.
On the down side, there is a learning curve to Ning and other than an extensive FAQ section, little support. Ning is a good choice if you want to start a major social network with thousands of members. Be aware, Ning uses a master ID program that crosses all Ning network’s user security, so if you do not want others to identify your network members, look elsewhere.
CrowdVine (www.Crowdvine.com): Crowdvine is great for simple networks and small groups. It offers a quick three-click setup (super simple) and then can be customized. If you are new to social networks, this is one you might want to start with.
Kickapps (www.Kickapps.com): Kickapps offers a robust social network environment, but is best used when an agency has its own IT people who want to build their own social network brand, and want to start with complete code. Kickapps is the choice for those who want a serious private branded social network.
GoingOn (www.GoingOn.com): GoingOn is your choice if you want to operate a fully interactive conference or other event.
OneSite (www.OneSite.com): OneSite is a great choice if you want a full featured social network with fewer than 100 members. Once your members go past the 100 mark, there is a charge for the social network and this makes others much more attractive.