5 Steps to Effective Business Social Networking

Have you added social networking to your marketing tactics? From launching a business to connecting with media, prospects or potential collaborators, social media can help you get the job done. This is a perfect example of how true blue Guerrilla Marketers can represent their business while on a shoe-string budget. Where to start?

1. Write a Killer Profile.

Your profile has to sell you and you have to give value and content in order to attract followers. If your profiles are structured to make your name indistinguishable with the products and services you offer, then searches for the products and services that you offer will yield more, and better, results that include your name.

2. Focus on a Quality Network Rather than Quantity Network.

You MUST make a comment -- something as simple as, ‘We were on the webinar together, I'd like to add you to my network.’ will suffice.” Additionally, people want to know the real you. Don’t forget to list activities, hobbies, and interests. The real you is encouraged to shine on your profile. Be wary: do not join a site in a race to build up a massive list of contacts to show off your "social power." If you have more than 500 "friends," take the time to sort through them and make changes where you see fit.

3. Establish a Time-Saving Routine.

Once you join these sites, you’ll want to ensure that your content is always up to date, and that your friend requests, comments, and opinions are promptly attended to. When logging on to your preferred social networking sites, set aside a designated length of time to spend on each one. Have some specific goals in mind and set limits for yourself when visiting the site so you don’t get side tracked.

4. Respect Your Friends.

You have to treat your “friends” right, and right away. Social networking works well when you think of your friends in a respectable way. As mentioned in step # 2, when adding a friend, be sure to write a professional entry that ensures your inquiry will add you to their network. Also, refrain from using “lol” or “omg” slang. You will also want to avoid “selling” by using comments that would link directly to your website or blog.

5. Start to SHARE.

Your network depends on you to filter information. You are encouraged to share valuable content, resources, and information. Don’t use direct marketing on social networking sites to try to pitch a sale. Instead, point users to a video you posted on a service like YouTube. In the description of the video, you can add a link to your blog where the direct sales pitch is located.

Want to learn how to take advantage of Social Networking as an effective, low-cost approach to marketing your business? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.

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