Social Media Networking 101
February 14th, 2009Okay people, time for a quick lesson on social media networking.
Rule #1 - you SHOULD NOT directly solicit for your services. Social networking does not work that way. It is the cardinal rule!
Stop what you are doing and repeat after me:
I will NOT directly solicit when networking socially online!!!
I will NOT directly solicit when networking socially online!!!
The most effective way of networking through online communities is to add knowledge to your sphere of influence and become the “trusted professional” within each group where you are a member. Whether a group leader or just a member - you need to answer questions, post articles, add to the discussion, etc… Then you build trust, establish yourself as a “go to” guy, and others will come to you. You have to let them make the first move.
If you make the first move, the situation has changed from networking to soliciting - which is a big turnoff on the web. You can add a little viral marketing or a slogan to an email signature, you can let everyone know what you do in a stealth manner, but the second you directly ask someone for business or a referral - they will block you out and all of the hard work you have put in is for nothing.
Social networking is all about meeting people, making friends, increasing your sphere, helping others, etc… But the most effective way to do this is to operate in a “stealth manner”. Tip toe around the outside of what you do, reference it in a comment (I know this because I am a “blank”), post an article that gives someone the info they want, and generally be the trusted place to go for information. Others will begin by asking you about your topic of interest more and more, and this will eventually turn into a relationship that will bear fruit for you…
Just added an upcoming webinar on this topic for March 5th - stay tuned for more info…