I am often asked by people how the tips and skills that I talk about apply to online networking so I thought I would share a few of my thoughts and ideas. In short, the ideas that I share are very similar between online and offline networking (or social media as it is usually called).
Here are the top three things that should apply equally to your networking whether it is online or face-to-face:
It is not about pushing the sales
I have spoken to you before about networking being much more about relationships than it is about sales. For some reason, people tend to forget this basic rule often when they are networking online.
If someone connects with you online, do not think that this is an open invitation to bombard them with all of your latest products, services, price lists, whatever. Have a conversation with them. Find out what they enjoy, struggle with, and what you may have in common. Remember that we tend to like people that are like us and we tend to buy from those we like.
If you talk about what you do with passion and tell stories that illustrate your successes, people will want to know more and they will ask you about the things that interest them. This can take more time in social media than in a face-to-face discussion, however the long lasting results are worth it.
Consistency of message
To be effective, you will use more than one social media vehicle for your networking online, as you will for your face-to-face networking.
You will be much more effective with this if the message of who you are and what you do is consistent across the board. For example, use the same photo and focus on a similar aspect of your business. The way that many people approach social media is very slap-dash with different photos, different messages and a completely different focus.
Consider that you went to three different face-to-face networking events and at one you were a financial expert, at one you were a personal trainer and at one you were a lawyer – do you think the people who saw you at all three would take any one seriously. It is the same online.
Many of us have a number of facets to our business – I have many. However, the way we represent that to others needs to show us as focused, professional and someone they need to take seriously. If you need some help with figuring out your core message and how to retain the consistency please email me on ruth@abundantyou.com to book your complimentary consultation.
Keep your business and personal life separate
This is another area that I see people struggle with every day. If all of your family and friends connect with you on Facebook then do not be talking shop all the time. Likewise if you use LinkedIn for business you do not have to let everyone know that you are going out to a wild party this evening.
I advise people that when they are networking they should be spending their time talking business and not talking about the weather or sport (unless that is their business!). The same applies online. Consider your goals to talking to these people and tailor your conversation accordingly.
On Facebook, have a group page so that people can connect with you for business and you can message them tips, tools etc that apply from your business to them. You can also then ask business contacts to connect with you that way rather than via becoming a Friend if you want to share your weekend exploits with your friends. (My fan page will be completed and up and running by the time you read this!)
We do like to know some personal details about the people we are doing business with and there has to be a very happy medium between our business lives and personal lives.
I hope these three tips help you but there is just one small comment to add. Social Media can be a great way to grow your business, your database and meet people to partner with. Remember to be yourself, be authentic and have fun and you will be unstoppable!!
Ruth Thirtle is a success coach with her company “Your Abundance Now” www.abundantyou.com . She has worked with the world’s largest and most successful business referral organisation, BNI as an Assistant Director. Ruth is often asked to speak to networking groups on effective networking skills and runs workshops in Australia and the UK. She knows the power of maximising word-of-mouth referrals and how this can greatly help small business and she can be contacted on ruth@abundantyou.com
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