Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn... So many sites, so little time.

With the proliferation of social networking sites ("SNS" to those in the know), how does anyone over fourteen figure it all out? How do I know which sites can help my business and which are a waste of time?  Must I tweet to be successful? And, if so, will I seem like an aging Boomer desperately trying to be hip?

Think of it this way: while you may be too old for social networking, your business is not.  In fact, if you're not already linking and tweeting, you may be missing out on opportunities.  Here are some simple tips to social networking success.

1.  LinkedIn.com

Accept all your LinkedIn invitations and pretty soon you'll have your own six degrees of separation network. Post a profile, which is essentially an online resume. Include all the companies you've worked for in the past and more people will be able to find you. Add a professional head-shot, but resist the urge to post pix of your pets or high school friends.  This is a straightforward site that's widely used for recruiting talent and identifying consulting services.

Ask colleagues and clients to post references about your work. It makes a big difference to have some positive quotes when people are checking you out. You can link to three additional websites, which is a nice way to promote your own. You can also use LinkedIn to do some market testing or establish your expertise by posting thoughtful answers on the Q&A section.

2. Facebook.com

Having started on the Harvard campus, Facebook has since expanded to include professionals. It's got a friendly yet slightly scattered vibe, sort of like your best friend with ADD. While it's fine to flow with the informal style, be careful not to get sloppy. Think of this form of communication as a chance to hang out with your boss or favorite client outside the workplace. While it's okay to have a beer and loosen up, you wouldn't want to down a six-pack and say whatever's on your mind. Check out the Facebook groups or create your own to stay in touch with people you want to reach regularly.

3. Twitter

Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows you to send posts of up to 140 characters to others who have signed on to the service. You can send "tweets," as the blogs are called, to those only in your circle or to everyone on Twitter. You can also choose to "follow" people whose posts you find interesting, and others can choose to follow you.  It's not as creepy as it sounds and there are some privacy controls.

Users receive tweets through the Twitter site, cellular phones, email, RSS and SMS technologies. You can also link your Twitter post to Facebook, getting double duty by posting your answer to the standard SNS inquiry, "What are you doing?" to both sites. Whether you choose to follow someone whose answer if "snagging a latte" or "running for president" is entirely up to you.

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A brand strategist, business coach and bestselling author, Libby has appeared on the Today Show, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, CNN, NPR, Oprah & Friends Radio Network, and in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, O Magazine and many more.