Social networks are all the buzz. Everyday new sites are being launched and millions of people are signing up. But, despite the name, these networks are not just for socializing — they’re for business networking and marketing too. And you need to make sure you’re not missing out on the opportunity.
According to a JupiterResearch report, “The Social and Portable Inbox,” an increasing number of people are turning to social networks. Some 22 percent of those surveyed said they’re using social networking sites to communicate with others. Are you one of them? If you haven’t already done so, you need to sign up. Don’t you want to be where millions of potential customers are?
Go to LinkedIn, Facebook, and maybe even MySpace (if that’s where your target customer is) and start playing around. Pick a few of the sites that seem to reach your target audience, and create an identity for yourself and/or your company. Of course, these big sites aren’t the only social networking venues out there — many industries boast at least one or two niche networking sites, which can be a great way to make new business connections.
Entrepreneurs need to be more agile than ever when searching for customers. What worked for you last year might not work now. Or, at the very least, you should be testing new marketing vehicles. You need to adapt your message to your customers’ behaviors.
It’s not just about finding customers, it’s also about forging relationships. Whether you’re selling business to consumer or business to business, people do business with people (and companies) they know and trust. Used the right way, social networking sites can help you build that familiarity.
Your turn: What’s your experience with social networking? Has it helped you grow your business? Or has it been more about talking to friends than making business connections? Let us know.
Rieva Lesonsky