Did you know that social networking will grow any business if it’s done correctly? No matter what type of business you run, you should be on the most popular social networking sites. These would be Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

There are a number of things you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to networking with these sites. Some of these you may already know from past experiences while others may be completely new to you.

One thing to remember is that you must visit these sites regularly or you won’t have the benefits that other business owners receive from them. Regular times are not necessary, but you need to spend some time at those sites at least three to four days a week. Spending a few minutes out there won’t do you any good. You need to be out there for at least 15 minutes making valuable posts during that time.

When you’re on the social networking sites you need to communicate with people. This means answering questions they ask, say hi when they sign on, congratulate them when something good happens to them, and post general chit chat.

It’s been said that you can make business posts on these sites, but you need to make small talk as well. As a general rule of thumb, you need to make seven general posts for every one business post. Remember, this is just a suggestion. You can do more or less if you choose, but it’s a good idea to follow this rule.

When you post tips or suggestions, you shouldn’t post a link to your site at the same time. If someone is interested in what you offer, they check out the site you have listed in your profile.

Networking is all about making connections, meeting people that you can help, and showing people you care about them. When you meet a new person, you need to collect as much about them as you can. When you run across someone that needs what they offer, suggest them to this new person. When they see what you’ve done, they’ll be more inclined to do the same for you.

When you do social networking the proper way, your business will grow. You’ll grow because people will see you care and you’re genuine. Networking will show people you’re an expert in your field and that you know all there is to know about your industry. If networking is done correctly, that’s what you’ll show people.

So remember that networking is about business, but not yours. It’s about helping others grow their business. When you do this, you’ll have success with your own business.

Related posts:

1. Promoting your Teleseminars through Social Networking Sites
2. 2 Tips for Making the Most of Your Social Networking Time Online
3. Should I hire a Social Marketing Assistant?
4. 3 Options for Automatically Posting Your Blog to Social Networking Sites
5. Tips for Using Pinterest to Grow Your Business

Tags: business, Facebook, LinkedIn, networking, social media, social networking, Twitter

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at 7:23 pm and is filed under Home Based Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.