rt @Mashable: HOW TO: Use Social Media to Connect with Other Entrepreneurs

This post originally appeared on the American Express OPEN Forum, where Mashable regularly contributes articles about leveraging social media and technology in small business. Starting a company is often a lonely and nerve wracking process. One day, you're working at a big company with tens of thousands of people and health benefits, and then the next day it's just you, maybe a co-founder, and a lack of steady income. Yet you're really not alone. There are thousands of others making similar journeys around the world, and even more who have not only gone down the entrepreneurial path, but succeeded. These people are more than happy to share their advice, insight, and stories — if you know how to find them. That's where social media tools come into play. Forging new connections has never been easier due to the increasing accessibility of people, ideas, and information. Web communities based around business, entrepreneurship, and programming are thriving all over the place. Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks have become an amazing way to learn new lessons and keep in touch with other entrepreneurs. If you're looking to enrich your entrepreneurial journey by sharing with others, I have a few social media suggestions that will help: READ MORE AT: http://mashable.com/2010/01/09/social-media-connect-entrepreneurs/