Social Media

As Featured on ArticleCity.com


Yes, there are alot of us that are in business and Social Networking is a great way for us to stay in contact with each other.

No doubt Social Media sites and networking is here to stay. It allows one to be very responsive to their colleagues and customers, and let them know how much they care. Social Media is like viral word of mouth. Although very few use it effectively. An overwhelming majority of Netprenuers are just throwing links out there like nobody's business with no useful content to anyone. And I'd be willing to bet that the ones that are NOT having a lot of success are guilty of this practice. What you should be focusing on is helping others, and the rest will follow. The goal is to project yourself or your company as professional.

You have to remember that Social Networking Sites are for making contact, building relationships, and earning credibility and trust, NOT SELLING YOUR OPPORTUNITY. Your object with social networks is to build YOUR brand. The more people see your logo, tag line or avatar, it builds their awareness of your practice, who you are and the value of your information or opinion. You must establish value, credibility, and trust with those in your circle if you want to be successful with your business. To that end, there is an etiquette that you must adhere to, to make it effective.

Engage in conversation with your contacts. Find out what they lack and/or are looking for as far as info they can use to build their business. Establish yourself as a leader, and people will flock to you in droves. You can do that by selling yourself as a knowledgeable source of information for those you network with.

Contribute regularly in your communities with solid content, helpful links, and generally anything useful. Be consistent in the time you spend on the sites and you will gain a following of others looking for what you offer due to the viral nature of Social sites.

Everything you do MUST be done with quality, and authenticity. You are developing relationships and must stay focused on that aspect.

Through the value of your information you will develop credibility and develop trust, which will turn and observer into a follower, then into a fan. A fan will turn into a lead, then and only then should you think about turning that lead into a customer. After all, a majority of those in your circle already have an opportunity that they are involved in.

Remember, people buy from those they trust, not just because you have the greatest product out there. Heck, ask anyone in business and they have THE best products on the net.

Now then, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the Social Media:

**Figure out your goal – (Connecting with family or friends, marketing your brand or company, staying on top of industry trends). Write it down. Place it in a visible spot where you can see it every day. Believe me, this works and helps you to stay focused.

**Make social media a tool and not a distraction – (sometimes hard to do with everyone seeming to only plaster their opportunity with no real useful content.) When someone posts some useful content, by all means look at it and read it. It may just be the one thing you have been looking for to give you that boost you need. However, pass on the urge to click on every link posted. Most are just another opportunity, and you should really concentrate on your primary opportunity if you are just starting out.

**Set boundaries – Although it is a powerful business tool when used correctly, it should be focused on in moderation. You can either set tasks to complete or set aside a time block. Take Twitter for example – Start off by replying to direct messages and save clicking on irrelevant links for when you have the time.

**Become an Authority in your network – You can do this by continually learning and passing what you learn on to others. This creates value and develops your credibility. Remember to add quality and substance to your posts.

As always, comments and discussion are welcomed.