Social Networking is BIG and It Can Help You Build Your Business…If You Use it Wisely.

There's a Reason ALL major corporations are shifting BIG dollars to their Social Media Marketing Campaigns…Shouldn't Your Business Be In On The Wave?

In the physical world, networking is an indispensable part of a business operation. It helps establish and maintain important connections. These are the connections that can make it easier to build and run a business.

In the virtual world, what is termed as “social networking” makes it easier to create those beneficial relationships online. Instead of attending offline events and meetings, you can meet the right people from the comfort of your computer chair.

That’s what’s really exciting about social networking – many of the barriers presented in the real world are torn down in the virtual one: Time? Not a problem. Contacts sign in and show up on your virtual doorstep when they want to or have time.

Space? Don’t worry. The Internet is huge and can accommodate many competing businesses simultaneously. You also don’t have to shell out money for prime real estate or bulky, display pieces.

Geography? Also not a consideration. You can reach anyone anywhere as long as both of you have a working Internet connection. But let’s back up a second…

Why Do BUSINESSES Use Social Networking?

The Internet is subtly shifting between information and participation (which still includes information at its core). Because of this, taking advantage of social networking can be an important part of your business’ marketing and advertising strategy if it isn’t already.

Social networking has plenty of business benefits, but let’s break it down to 4 main ones. Understanding these benefits will help you shape an effective approach to your own social networking efforts.

Establishing business connections / joint ventures: Because a lot of businesses are using social networking opportunities, there is no shortage of business owners to connect with. This is your opportunity to establish mutually benefit relationships to: Find affiliates for your products. Find new products to promote. Embark on co-projects like new products, websites. Discover new websites that will publish your content. Recruit guest bloggers, content contributors for your own site. Hiring skilled help (ex. graphic designers, programmers, etc.)

Getting new readers / subscribers: Social networking generally requires more subtlety than blasting out your sales page link. People don’t participate in social networks to get a sales pitch. They do it to share information and opinions, build friendships, have fun…and other SOCIAL things. It’s easier to attract attention and gain a faithful following in social networks by sharing your content – ex. your blog, videos, etc. Once you get their attention, this starts the marketing process by subtly preselling your readers and eventually turning them into customers.

If you approach social networking as a direct selling medium, you may see a few sales here and there (or even a big surge at the beginning, but soon people will tire of you and/or you’ll get banned from the network). But why annoy and alienate potential and existing customers? That said, sales pitches may have their place and you need to use your careful judgment.

For example, announcing your special on your own Facebook page, instead of blasting directly to your friends list or including a special coupon code in your forum signature line. As long as you conform to the network’s rules and behave in a way that is acceptable to its users, it can work for you.

Creating transparency and connection: This is your opportunity for transparency and closer connections to your existing readers/customers and the new ones you acquire along the way. Many of your readers and customers are already likely using social networks. Having you join them on a more personal level allows your readers to see you a 3-dimensional, flesh-and-blood individual.

Trust is everything on the Internet and when you’re readers/customers trust you and know you’re the real deal, the more likely they are to buy from you and spread the word about you, which is our next benefit…

Word of mouth: Everything we’ve talked about so far (establishing new business relationships, finding new readers and deepening connections) culminates in one of the biggest benefits of social networking and that is – word of mouth. Having people talk about you is better than any advertising you can buy. Word travels quickly and the benefits of a recommendation over a sales pitch are immense.

Think about it. If you join networks just to pitch, who’s going to want to talk about you? You have to create something to talk about.

Clearly, social networking can be very beneficial, but there is something you need to consider and always keep in mind when planning your social networking strategy:

Social Networking Requires A Time Investment

While social networking may cost little to no money out of pocket, it certainly can suck up a lot of time – which can take you away from other important aspects of your business. To avoid this, learn how to maximize your time spent while using social networks, evaluate your results regularly and make changes by refocusing your efforts if necessary. *IMPORTANT*  Not only can social networking take up a large chunk of time in a given day, it’s something that needs to be given time to develop and grow. You can’t join a network today and expect immediate and never ending results. Just like with building relationship in the “real world”, you should be prepared to allow things to develop and grow over time.