Secretly, we all want to be on top. Luckily, there’s a secret to staying on top that works every time.

It’s your friends.

Friends don’t let friends drive drunk, but they do let friends stay on top.

Of course, we’re talking about staying on top of what’s going on in the world, and staying on top of the information glut that exists online. You got that right?

You’re in the middle, but so is everyone else

We all live in the center of our own universes. Our contacts exist all around us, from our closest friends and advisers, to those a few levels out.

One of the key values of social networking is the information flow that comes in. Maintaining a good quality network is the best way of ensuring critical information bubbles to the top and reaches you.

There’s certainly no shortage of content out there. After all, we can all be media outlets, whether we’re ready or not. And no amount of software or technology is going to save us from the information glut

People help people

What’s most fascinating about social networks and using people as filters of information is when your network interlinks with the networks of other people. And subsequently, those distant networks become your network.

All of our networks are interlinked. But we can choose to ignore that. We can stay close-minded and focused only on the closest circle around us.

But how much valuable information do we lose because of that?

Our network can be a great filter of information. We can validate bits of information we get from distant parts of our network with closer parts. We can use information gained from one part of our network to benefit another part.

Micro-Media Steps To The Fore

And this is where the value of micro-media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) comes to the forefront. Micro-media is the perfect tool for staying in tune with all of your network. It’s a great tool for information gathering and sharing quickly. It’s perfect for catching waves of conversations and trends, so you can see what comes to the top.

All of the information out there can be overwhelming. But through your network – from your best friend next door to a distant, online contact you’ve communicated with solely through Twitter – your network is the ultimate information filter. Enjoy the ride on top.