A social networking site launched today with the promise of serving as a melting pot for financial services professionals to come together on social media issues unique to the industry.

SocialTurns has been created by Socialware, the Austin, Texas-based social middleware platform technology provider. In the first few preview weeks, Socialware and others have recruited financial advisors, insurance, marketing, Compliance and technology professionals as members. As a result, the site is almost 400 members strong on its launch date.

“In a recent Socialware survey on social media usage among financial advisors, it was clear that although there is massive business value in social media for financial professionals, there is also a lack of awareness on how to do it compliantly and effectively–something that leaves the industry as a whole wondering where to turn next,” said Socialware CEO Chad Bockius.

Bockius hopes that creating a centralized location for social media-related discussion and questions will help move the industry forward. I do too, and I’ve committed to take part in the SocialTurns Council, which Bockius established to keep the conversations going on the community site.

The Council includes many names AdvisorTweets followers will recognize:

• Pat Allen, Principal, Rock The Boat Marketing (and AdvisorTweets)
• Debbi Corej, VP of Compliance, Prudential
• Julie Gebert, AVP of Compliance, Cambridge
• Kip Gregory, Principal, The Gregory Group
• Bruce Johnston, President & CEO, Advisolicity
• Kristen Luke, Principal, Wealth Management Marketing
• Christina L. Nelson, Senior Editor, Financial Planning Association
• Stephanie Sammons, CEO, WiredAdvisor
• Stephen Selby, Director of Regulatory Services, LIMRA
• Jennifer Sussman, Director of Online Marketing and Experience, American Century Investments
• Pete Chiccino, EVP and CIO, The Bancorp Bank

We think this could be a big deal for employees of financial services firms, slightly less so for financial advisors who are already proficient online networkers and may prefer their ad hoc, more tightly focused communities. Still, one can never have enough places to turn for help on a subject as dynamic and ambiguous as social media policies and practices.

Join today and become acquainted with what may be a significant industry resource.