Barack Obama is the first president of the United States with a facebook page and a youtube channel. Forget the old model of one way television (they talk we listen), the new way to spread your message is through social networking – 2 way interaction, online.

More can be read about how they used social media on the web during this interview on CNN.

Based on how well he did and how well his campaign team utilised such networks its hard to ignore the power these can deliver. If you need to get a message out then you would do well to research how you can use these systems.

The first stage is to join in. Try them out. And remember this is like a networking event, face to face. Exercise restrain and listen just as much you talk.