This past week I gave a talk on social networking tools to the ABWA chapter in Blacksburg. ABWA stands for the American Business Women’s Association, and their mission is “To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.”

I’m not quite sure what series of events led to me giving this talk for this organization. Someone knew someone, who knew Mel, who is my husband’s boss’s wife, who asked my husband if I’d do this as a favor. I’m glad I gave the talk though, even if my research and expertise really has nothing to do with social networking tools. I embraced it as a chance to interact with potential stakeholders of technology, and got to interact with a group of people I am most likely not going to encounter much in my future (since it seems I am academia bound).

My talk consisted of a mile-high overview of Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, and Blogging. I showed them screen-shots, how to sign-up, and some basic features of each technology. (I only had 20 minutes!) I got some really interesting questions. My favorite one was, “if I de-friend someone on Facebook, do they get a message about it?” To which, my answer was “no”. I also got a few questions I didn’t know the answer to, but other audience members did.

After my talk, I was a passive participant for the rest of the ABWA meeting. They discussed one of their major community-service efforts - The Montgomery County Christmas Store, which provides Christmas presents for families that can’t afford much, and their upcoming “Shop till you Drop” fundraising event. They also swore in new members, and had a portion of the meeting dedicated to “networking”. Overall it was a good time, and I’m glad I got to meet some of the warm, friendly, movers and shakers of the ABWA.