You may have played around with social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs for fun, but have you ever used them to make business contacts?
Though not a replacement for face time and phone calls, these days, social media is almost necessary to market yourself and your business. It’s a quick, efficient, and free way to keep your name fresh in a potential client’s mind so that you’re the first person they think of when a need arises.
Here are a few ways to network from the comfort of your computer chair.
Networking sites. Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn feature profile pages, fan pages, groups, and low-cost advertising to promote your business. Pick and choose which options suit your needs.
Microblogs. Services such as Twitter and Google Buzz let you drop a quick hello to your network. Anything goes – post a useful tip, an interesting article, a motivational quote, or a random thought that has popped into your head.
Forums. Message boards on a topic of interest connect people with shared interests. Whether you’re asking questions or offering your expertise, you’ll regularly interact with a highly targeted group about specific topics.
Business blogging. You have expertise to offer, right? Write about it! Posting tips, tricks and happenings in a topic not only keeps you fresh in your network’s mind, but it also let’s others find you through search engines and referrals.
Writing isn’t your strong point? No worries, you can hire a professional copywriter to write or edit your posts for you. Professional copywriting is affordable and gives you the polished image that your business needs. To be an authority, you’ve got to look like one!
So, how do you leverage these services?
1. Register. Sign up for all you can think of ASAP, even if you’re not going to use them right away. That way, you can reserve your name or business name.
2. Build your networks. Start with your current friends, family and business contacts. Because of news feed features, you’ll be visible to others who may be interested in your services. You may be surprised at who starts paying attention!
3. Interact regularly. You get out of it what you put in. Frequent interactions will nurture a lively social media network.
The best part? You don’t have to concern yourself as much with being judged on appearance and composure as you would with more direct interations. (Though, you should always observe online etiquette behind your computer screen!)
Enjoy your easy, free business boost!
