Contrary to the belief of some, social networking is not limited to the shy, or those that lack confidence. It is believed that people who have a difficult time talking with or interacting with people in social situations like parties or dinners feel more comfortable connecting with people at the comfort of their desktops. In fact, a recent Reuters report showed that users were not only strengthened through their personal ties online, but using social media sites also made them more sociable offline as well.

Over 900 college students were studied that contributed to the Reuters report of social networking and how the platforms are used distinctively between men and women users. Many social sites initially connect users who already have a relationship otherwise; friends, co-workers, school friends, etc. Once they find, connect and begin interacting with those friends, they also then find other friends online through their mutual interests. After that, they may also begin to venture out and develop other interests and find other friends. All of this can and does spill over into the offline world where they then have the confidence to begin more social interactions.

Where a person may not have the confidence or assurance to make a business connection offline, finding that business online like on LinkedIn or Twitter, and making a connection there may bolster their confidence to make a sales call directly to the business offline. Why? Because at that point, they are “connected” online and share a mutual interest or relationship of some sort. If nothing else, it can serve as an ice-breaker and lead to a business interaction.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are used by millions of users on a daily basis, for both work and personal reasons. Learning how to apply these interactions effectively can mean the difference in building a solid business or personal relationship that’s sustainable and beneficial.