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10 Steps to Take to Get Started in Social Media Networking!
Last week, after sending out one of my weekly emails, I realized that there are so many people who haven't even begun using Social Media to network for business growth. So, for those novices out there, I've decided to give you a brief understanding of what Social Media actually is and where to begin!
First of all, Social Media is very simply any tool or site which allows interaction with its users. If you can comment on a site, interact and engage in conversation with others, or even re-arrange the design of a site...well, that's Social Media.
Social Media Networking is then the users taking those tools to make connections and build relationships. By using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogging, people can make connections with other people who have similar interests and backgrounds.
Okay, so how do you get started?
Begin by creating a simple plan. Very much like in traditional networking you will want to understand what your goals are.
1. Write down about 3 to 5 goals you would like to reach by adding Social Media to your existing marketing plan. For example: create a sphere of influence, teaching others what you know, create interest in your events, reach outside of your community, etc.
2. Who is your target market? What do you want to tell them?
3. List what you want to share with others. Resources, articles, interesting websites, freebies, quotes, events, must have gadgets, etc.
4. Decide on which venue to use. Will you begin blogging (great place to start), open a Facebook or LinkedIn account?
5. What about Twitter? Ready to get your feet wet there? Lots of Pros and Cons about Twitter. More about Twitter in a future post.
6. Test out a few venues and find your comfort level. Stay with the one you feel you will most likely follow through with.
7. Once you've decided on a venue, create a full and interesting profile. Tell a story about yourself. Share what it is you do and what benefits your products or services have to offer.
8. Add a professional photo of yourself. Don't add your logo or a picture of your dog. People don't buy things from dogs. Let people see who you are by using a photo which tells them you are someone they would like to know better.
9. Budget your time. Social Networking is addictive. Plan for about an hour a day - 5 hours a week - for networking online. Personally, I spend some time on Facebook in the morning before my work day begins, then will post some updates around lunchtime, and again just after my work day ends. Make a schedule which works for you.
Now, that may sound like a lot, however, think about the time you spend in traditional networking groups. If you added up the networking time, follow up time and drive time, it's probably a lot more time than what you would spend online at social networking... and you don't have to leave your home or office!
10. Get Mentoring! If you are a bit intimidated by all of this then you might want to have someone walk you through the steps. You don't have to do it alone!
Make connections, build relationships and GROW!!!
Success in 2009,
Eydie :)
First of all, Social Media is very simply any tool or site which allows interaction with its users. If you can comment on a site, interact and engage in conversation with others, or even re-arrange the design of a site...well, that's Social Media.
Social Media Networking is then the users taking those tools to make connections and build relationships. By using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogging, people can make connections with other people who have similar interests and backgrounds.
Okay, so how do you get started?
Begin by creating a simple plan. Very much like in traditional networking you will want to understand what your goals are.
1. Write down about 3 to 5 goals you would like to reach by adding Social Media to your existing marketing plan. For example: create a sphere of influence, teaching others what you know, create interest in your events, reach outside of your community, etc.
2. Who is your target market? What do you want to tell them?
3. List what you want to share with others. Resources, articles, interesting websites, freebies, quotes, events, must have gadgets, etc.
4. Decide on which venue to use. Will you begin blogging (great place to start), open a Facebook or LinkedIn account?
5. What about Twitter? Ready to get your feet wet there? Lots of Pros and Cons about Twitter. More about Twitter in a future post.
6. Test out a few venues and find your comfort level. Stay with the one you feel you will most likely follow through with.
7. Once you've decided on a venue, create a full and interesting profile. Tell a story about yourself. Share what it is you do and what benefits your products or services have to offer.
8. Add a professional photo of yourself. Don't add your logo or a picture of your dog. People don't buy things from dogs. Let people see who you are by using a photo which tells them you are someone they would like to know better.
9. Budget your time. Social Networking is addictive. Plan for about an hour a day - 5 hours a week - for networking online. Personally, I spend some time on Facebook in the morning before my work day begins, then will post some updates around lunchtime, and again just after my work day ends. Make a schedule which works for you.
Now, that may sound like a lot, however, think about the time you spend in traditional networking groups. If you added up the networking time, follow up time and drive time, it's probably a lot more time than what you would spend online at social networking... and you don't have to leave your home or office!
10. Get Mentoring! If you are a bit intimidated by all of this then you might want to have someone walk you through the steps. You don't have to do it alone!
Make connections, build relationships and GROW!!!
Success in 2009,
Eydie :)
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