Dance studio owners can benefit from harnessing the power of social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Ning. Here’s some info on each:

• Facebook is a great way to re-connect with old friends and keep in touch with current friends and co-workers. It’s great, because it can bring up some surprising connections. It is very user-friendly. You can add photos, links and tons of information. This site is gaining popularity with the 40+ age group now, but has had a loyal youth following since its inception.
• Similar to Facebook, MySpace is a social networking site that is cusomizable, with a more visual layout. You can add songs and links easily.
• LinkedIn is a professional networking site. There is room for your resume information, and you can develop a group of contacts. This one isn’t fun and games. Think “business”.
• Twitter offers a quick way to update a wide range of people on what you are doing. There is a bit of a learning curve, but it can get you some good exposure. You can choose to “follow” people and they can follow you too.
• Ning is a different sort of social networking, centering around common interests. A good way to meet others in the field.

If you haven’t yet set up accounts for any of these sites, you may want to consider doing so. They all can raise your profile–and that of your studio. Before you dive in, take a look here for some basics on how things work and how to protect yourself from hackers.