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Social Networking a Proven New Way to Build Your Business & Increase Sales
| Guest post by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith |
Article Overview: Social networking is a great strategy and tactic to increase sales and improve customer loyalty. Read some examples of small business owners have utilized this dynamic marketing tool.
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Free Download - How to Craft an Engaging Message That Highlights What You Do to Increase Sales By Leanne Hoagland-Smith |
Social Networking a Proven New Way to Build Your Business & Increase Sales
Have you heard this sound Tweet-Tweet? No, it is not the first robin of spring or a summer bird, but the fast growing phenomenon of Twitter.com In 3 short years, Twitter has grown to the third largest social network with 6 million subscribers and over 54 million views. (Spring of 2009)
Market research confirms that social networking is a significant 21st century business building strategy. Several times a week you can find another article on social networks because these networks are generating big sales bucks.
Social networking can quickly create word of mouth advertising about a new product, new service, new business or even a soon to be released book. What is so appealing is that this strategy works under the umbrella of education based marketing where you provide value through your words. Of course, if you attempt to flat out sell your products or services, you will not be successful.
Embracing this global perspective are several local entrepreneurs who saw the value of this marketing strategy far before many others myself included. One of these forward thinkers is James Barath Twitter member and certified mortgage planner with Benchmark Mortgage. A couple of years ago James established nwireconnect.ning.com as a social networking site for NWI business owners.
We connected through another social networking group and met for coffee to learn a little more about the services that we each provided. Recently, we reconnected at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company, another Twitter member, where he educated me even more about the incredible business power of Twitter. That education helped me in part to write this article. As fate would have it, Kathy Sipple a social media coach and Twitter member, walked in and said "Hello Coach Lee, I saw your picture on Twitter."
Beyond Twitter, there is www.LinkedIn. If you understand the 2 to 6 degrees of separation, this is a must business networking marketing strategy for your business. An advantage of this site, even though it is private compared to some forums or blogs, you can demonstrate your expertise by joining a variety of groups or even starting your own. Local business owner, Gloria Irwin of GIA Marketing, Schererville, IN who is one of the queens of social networking within northwest Indiana. She created the GHIP – Gaming & Hospitality Industrial Professionals group to help those working in casinos, hotels and restaurants to connect and learn from each other.
Now if this all sounds foreign to you and potentially no value, then you need to get over it because technology in business today extends far beyond websites and emails. Social networking sites can bring immediate value, but their greatest asset is providing value down stream when you decide to launch that new product or receive that next accolade.
Remember, people buy from people they know and trust. However, as in any relationship, there must be give before take. Be willing to share your expertise, ask how you can help others and you will realize direct business results.
Business Sales Coaching Tip: Fly on over to Twitter; register, complete your profile and start sending those value laden Tweets.
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About the Author: Leanne Hoagland-Smith RSS for Leanne's articles - Visit Leanne's website Her book, Be the Red Jacket is a no-nonsense and quick read to help discover potential gaps that may be keeping you from your goal to increase sales. The forward is by Evan Carmichael of EvanCarmichael.com Remember if you think you cannot or you think you can either way you are right. (Henry Ford). Sales Coaching Tip: Change your thoughts; improve your results. Click here to visit Leanne's website   Leadership Audit For Business Leadership Assessment Business Building Check List |
Related Forum Posts
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money?
- Hi There,
It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below:
This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life.
Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Tactics for Blog Traffic
- some more tips to drive traffic to blog or to promote a blog.
Squidoo Lens Creation
Hub Pages Creation
Social Bookmarking (Digg, Delicious, Stumble, Reddit etc.)
Be helpful in forums
Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn etc.)
syndication
blog commenting (other blogs)
Guest post
Re: UPDATES: New Campaign! New Layout! New Ideas!
- GT - thanks for the FYI - I'm not sure if we'll put a link back. Something to consider though!
Trent - the new category is "Social Network and Media" which was put in to compliment the Online Businesses category that currently exists.
Overall the new categories are:
- Looking For, Networking and Events
- Review My...
- Social Network and Media
- Brags and Rants
These came as a result of Ringo doing research on other forums and thinking about what could be improved on ours to give a better experience for everyone. I hope you enjoy them! David, I'm looking forward to reading your Brag / Rant!
Re: Simple Idea - Great Advice.
- What your success stories on Social Networking for more contacts and connections?
Do you have any good business books to suggest?
I love the idea of connecting and sharing with other entrepreneurs. Thank you for your input!
Re: Social Networking Site Endorsements
- You must be cautious in endorsing any one on Social Networking site. You must ony endorse people you are very familiar with. Endorsement people you don't know is not a good thing.
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