According to mashable. com, a Web-based social networking service is an online service, platform or site that focuses on building and reflecting social relations among people who have common interests and/or activities.

Users often represent themselves with a profile and can post photos. They can interact via postings, email, messaging, chatting or instant messaging. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, news, activities, events and interests within their networks.

Businesses are learning that the use of social media can boost their bottom line. They are able to develop relationships with consumers, utilize social media for promotions, and in the way word-of-mouth spreads news about businesses, social media serves the same purpose, good and bad.

Sandhills Community College's Continuing Education division will offer a new Introduction to Social Media Manager class that will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 11 and ending Feb. 15.

This class will introduce students to the various types of social networking sites and give them the opportunity to create their own social networking accounts. The prerequisites for this class are Windows Level 1 and Internet Basics. The cost will be $50 with a $5 tech fee. There is no fee waiver for this class.

The Social Media Manager Certification course, which will see one session begin Jan. 10 and another March 6, will cover current theory and practical applications related to the development and management of small business social media marketing campaigns. Emphasis will be placed on conducting research and analyzing and reviewing current practices in effective social media strategies. Upon completion, students should be able to intelligently discuss and evaluate new and existing social media marketing campaigns for small businesses. Both six-week sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Social Media Manager Certification provides students with a marketable skill and is a fairly intensive interactive course. Students must complete both written and application testing to obtain the certification.

The cost will be $50 with a $5 tech fee. Those 65 and older can take one class each semester having their registration fee waived, and this class qualifies for such a waiver.

Those interested in either class should call (910) 695-3980 to learn about the pre-assessment process. Registration is desired at least one week prior to the start date of the class.

The entire schedule of classes for each Continuing Education department can be viewed on the college website at www.sandhills. edu/coned.

To register for these or any Continuing Education classes, call (910) 695-3980 to register using a credit card, come to the offices in Van Dusen Hall, or download a registration form from the website and mail it to 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28306, or fax it to (910) 692-6998 with payment.