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Five Ways to Maximize Your Time When Social Networking

Written by: Janet Barclay

Article Overview: Social networking has been around in some shape or form since the late 1970s, when users could dial into Bulletin Board Systems to communicate with others sharing common interests. With the development of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, these systems have been supplanted by more sophisticated systems, leading up to today’s widely popular social networking sites. A person could easily spend several hours per week (or even per day) checking out new sites, maintaining connections, and updating his or her profiles. Although effective social networking can and does lead to business opportunities, unfortunately, the activity itself will not generate any income, so it’s important to use your online time effectively. Here are five tips to help you do just that.

Five Ways to Maximize Your Time When Social Networking

Social networking has been around in some shape or form since the late 1970s, when users could dial into Bulletin Board Systems to communicate with others sharing common interests. With the development of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, these systems have been supplanted by more sophisticated systems, leading up to today's widely popular social networking sites. Originally created for literally "social" interaction, over the last few years, social networking has become an important marketing strategy for professionals and small business owners. According to Victoria Mitchell of Cambridge Who's Who,

"Savvy executives and professionals use the power of networking to add to their knowledge base and expand their virtual Rolodex, resulting in professional growth and increased profits."

There are now hundreds of these sites, and that number is growing all the time. In addition to general networking sites such as LinkedIn, there is a rapidly increasing number of sites for specific audiences, such as Global Organizers and PICFIT.

A person could easily spend several hours per week (or even per day) checking out new sites, maintaining connections, and updating his or her profiles. Although effective social networking can and does lead to business opportunities, unfortunately, the activity itself will not generate any income, so it's important to use your online time effectively. Here are five tips to help you do just that.

1. Identify the sites that offer the most value for your business

If you use Facebook mainly to play games and reconnect with old friends, limit your visits to non-work times. You can still import your blog posts, post your business events, and link to your website, but don't fool yourself into thinking that the time you spend on Facebook is helping you grow your business.

2. Connect with people in your target market

It's great to network with other people in your industry - you can probably learn a lot from each other - but keep in mind that this should not be your main focus. If your goal is to find new clients, you need to connect directly with people in your target market, or with people who can introduce you to potential clients.

3. Choose your contacts wisely

Remember that networking isn't about numbers; it's about relationships. Don't feel you have to accept every connection request you receive, especially from people who don't explain why they want to connect with you. If you're afraid of closing the door on a potentially valuable relationship, initiate a conversation. If the person does not respond, they're not really interested in getting to know you, and you don't need them on your contact list.

4. Create a schedule for your social networking

Unlike live networking events which may conflict with your best working hours, online networking can be done at any time of the day or night. Schedule specific times to visit high value sites. For some people, it may be 15 to 30 minutes at the end of each day; others may prefer to block half a day every week. The important thing is that you don't allow it to cut into your billable hours.

5. Hire a virtual assistant to help you stay on top of things

Although you can't really outsource relationship building, there are many ways your VA can reduce the time you spend on social networking, including setting up your profiles, locating people you should connect with, and logging into your accounts on a regular basis to deal with routine items and let you know about those that require your attention.

If you've avoided social networking because you think it will be too time-consuming, you may be missing out on a valuable marketing tool. When you strategically select your sites and contacts and use your time wisely, you will be pleasantly surprised to see what can happen!

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  Using Social Networking Websites to Promote Your Business
  Are You Confused About Social Networking?

Article Tags: delegation, facebook, Global Organizers, information management, Janet Barclay, linkedin, Networking, PICFIT, Productivity, Social media, Social Networking



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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