Despite my reluctance to join in the mass migration to social media, I have recognized that consultants who do not embrace these technologies and use them aggressively will quickly become invisible to colleagues and clients. So, what is out there for consultants other than LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook?

You might be shocked to know how many web 2.0 applications are being created. Granted, a lot of new apps may not be usable for your immediate needs and some may not even work that well. However, whether it is about blogging, file sharing, video, networking, managing feeds, or searching, it is worth your time to explore where your consulting practice would most benefit by leveraging these technologies. Examples (most are free or have free service levels) include:

• Turning images into a slide show (Slide)
• Real-time website analytics (Mouseflow)
• Client billing (InvoiceDude)
• Small business CRM (Woosabi)
• Feedback on Your Products/Projects (Backboard)
• Crowdsourcing (Blellow)
• Data visualization (Analysis One)
• Online Video Advertising (LiveRail)

Take a look at a good compilation of links to these kinds of applications

Tip: "Make haste slowly" when adopting these web 2.0 applications. Be sure that the ones you select can really increase productivity in your client service, visibility or practice management. Some of them are interesting or flashy but not really better than the systems you currently use. Others, like dlvr.it, which simultaneously posts blogs on your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages, are real timesavers.

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