Why do you need to put time into Social Networking?
drsallywitt
photo credit: gcoldironjr2003
I feel like I am now an evangelist for Social Networking! I go around speaking and teaching about Social Networking. I am not a big guru, and I am not the up-to-the nanosecond tekky person. I am somone who uses Social Networking every day, coaches people one-one-one, and helps them to find the strategies that are right for them.
First of all, you need to decide how much time that you will devote each week to marketing yourself and your business, services, and products. Most options are free in this world, and you must weigh your time spent against your results.
You need to decide on the image that you want to present to the world, and then be consistent in your message. Find the blogs and networks that are good for your business, and then choose one or two general sites, and then some industry specific sites as well. Blog on those sites, as well as your own blog.
The important thing is to make relationships. You may be the type that has 10 good relationships and you don’t want anymore. That is fine. Maybe you can learn how to work with those 10 relationships and then leverage your opportunities for more success that way.
I am an open networker, that means that I accept anyone (unless they prove to be rude or inappropriate later, then I block them). I currently have over 1,000 connections on Facebook, over 1,000 followers on Twitter, and more than 3,000 contacts on LinkedIn. I am listed in the top 100 of US Networkers on Ecademy (#51 today) out of 32,126 US members.
When I connect with someone on more than one network, the relationship becomes even closer.
My best form of networking now is my radio show and video interviews. When I meet someone interesting, I invite them to be on my program for radio and/or video interviews. I get to know them so much better than with a few emails.
Once you have the relationships, then your contacts will have a higher likelihood of noticing when you post something about a new service or product. If you ask for help, they are more inclined to help by passing on information to their circle of trust.
Often, when I speak or teach about Social Networking, I am asked why - why should they learn new things and put the time into Social Networking. My answer is, can you meet 100 or more people a day that are interested in meeting you and are willing to reciprocate with business referrals any other way? 7 days a week? Any time of day or night? In my book, that really increases the chances of meeting great professionals that love to network and promote their friends who will do the same for them. You never know if the great lead that you need in Virginia will come to you from a connection that you have in Paris! A great networker in another country just might know your next great client.
If you are not comfortable networking online, don’t worry, your competition is comfortable with social networking.
Dr. Sally Witt
http://www.drsallywitt.com/coaching-for-social-networking/
drsallywitt @ July 17, 2008
drsallywitt
You have shared such wonderful ideas. I’m slow to want to try social networking… but, you’ve convinced me. Thanks!
Since Breast Cancer and Breast Health is not just a local issue, Social Networking has opened doors to me by allowing me to reach out across the world, to places I couldn’t begin to get to! I now have team members in Nigeria and all over the USA because of it!
Dr. Sally, you are absolutely correct in everything you said in this post. For those that are unwilling to get involved in social networking, my question would be to ask how much they want to promote and market themselves or their business? If they are unwilling to get involved now, waiting until everyone else in the world is connected, may be too late for them! Make a difference, set yourself up to make a difference, and be unique. Network online and make some good international friends and even stronger business relationships.
Get your “feet wet” and start slow. It’s easy to sign up and get involved on Twitter - and it’s only 140 characters so you don’t have to be afraid of not having enough to say!
Everything you do in business is based on relationships!
Happy Netweaving!
Carol Deckert
Netweaving/Networking Coach
RUNLancaster.com
http://twitter.com/caroldeckert
Sally, you are so right when you stress the value of social networking. I was hesitant to get started but finally someone convinced me it was the “wave of the future.” All I can say is - what are you waiting for. It worked for me - and event planning is not exactly the type of business that lends itself to online social networking.