WHY SHOULD I USE SOCIAL NETWORKING?
Use Social Networking to Establish Your Authority as an Expert:
With social networking, you have the opportunity to present valuable expertise to massive amounts of people who otherwise may not know about you.
When dealing with online marketing, you only have about 10 seconds to get someone's attention so it's crucial you communicate your expertise quickly and effectively.
The first place to start is with your bio or profile. Look at your profile pages on any social networking site with these points in mind:
- Does your profile lead with your expertise and follow up with some warm touchpoints? Warm touchpoints could hint at hobbies or any interesting trivia about ourself that makes you memorable.
- Is it easy for people to figure out who you are, what you do, and how you help others? If not, rewrite until it passes the "10 Second Test."
- Is your overall presentation professional but with a "human touch?" Emphasize your expertise and professionalism without coming across as stuffy or overly formal. (But, don't get so relaxed that you forget about common sense!)
Use Social Networking to Increase Your Credibility
A high level of credibility can open doors for you, increase your perceived value, and attract media interest.
A good first step is to provide much needed information to your contact by publishing tips or articles on your blog and/or on article directory sites. Follow these tips for success:
- Blog regularly - on topics that are of relevance and importance toyour audience.
- Subscribe - to other blogs and make it a point to comment on them. Go to http://blogsearch.google.com to find blogs that are related to your market.
- Import - your blog's RSS feed into Facebook Notes. Go to www.Feedbutner.com for more informationon RSS feeds. Learn how to use Facebbok notes here: http://www.VivaVisibilityBlog.com/facebook-notes-an-easy-strategy-for-high-visibility.
- Publish - your articles on heavily trafficked directories such as http://www.ideamarketers.com or www.EzineArticles.com Both of these sites are social networking friendly and provide automated tools to support your visibility.
Use Social Networking to Build a Referral Network
Entrepreneurs who approach social networking with the "must get clients" mantra are missing out on multiple opportunities.
Rather than going into it with the goal of making single connections, approach it for the potential of finding connection to new networks.
- Connect with key partners - who are in front of your choice audience . Whether you focus on mind-body-spirit topics or gadget reviews, there are many opportunities to cros promote.
- Make Friends With Your Competition - If you're smart enough to define your uniqueness in the market, then you won't feel threatened by people doing what you do.
In fact, it may force you to work harder on setting
yourself apart from others by specializing in areas are
ignoring. Your future may hold a great JV opportunity
if you stay collegial with your competitors.
3. Find out about others - BEFORE you "toot your
horn." Ask about their business before you introduce
yours.
Build The Know-Like-Trust Factor with Your "Potentials."
Social networking is the land of potential and each person you connect with holds a different type of potential. Potential JV partners, potential ezine subscribers, potential buyers, potential clients, potential referral pertners...the opportunities abound!!
But you just don't go in and make your first point of contact a proposal!! This is where the high-touch aspect of social networking comes in - remember,it's called SOCIAL NETWORKING for a reason.
- Leave non-business related comments on people's walls, photos, etc. A simple yet genuine compliment can work wonders on how people perceive you!
- Wish people Happy Birthday, Happy Holidays, Congratulations on Your New Product, Nice New Logo, or any other way of spotlighting THEM.
- On Facebook, click the "Share" button on someone else's post, on Twitter, "Retweet" an item of interest from a frind.
- And yes, engage in mindless chit-chat from time to time. It allows you to get closer to people without having to break down the defenses that sales conversations bring up.
A FEW CLOSING WORDS.......
In today's online marketing world, the road to transactions is paved with trust, great information, and authentic connections. Social Networking offers businesses the opportunity to build all of these for profitable results! When you remain open to unlimited possibilities, then you will discover the magic of Social Networking and experience the incredible payoffs you keep hearing about!
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