7 Social Networking Rules to Live By (part 1)

As a business owner social networking is vital for several reasons. Networking portals and events give you opportunities to gain brand exposure, meet potential customers, find possible partnerships, discover resources and align yourself with the right people. This list is comprised of several rules you should keep in mind as you increase your networking efforts.

YOU HAVE TO GET IN THE GAME TO PLAY THE GAME
Not wanting to leave my comfort zone, I wasted a lot of time being resistant to attending events, making myself too accessible over the phone, and the list goes on. While I was content with my ability to promote my business and build a large social following on my own, I was often disgruntled by the fact that “certain people” never invited me to events, asked me to do interviews, or talked about my work. Naïve to the rules of networking, I often took things way too personal. I truly thought “those people” didn’t like me; until I learned the real truth was “those people” didn’t really know me.

More often than not the secret to getting those great PR plugs, partnerships, speaking gigs and interviews is being known by people who want to support and/or talk about you. When I actually started talking to people more over the phone and sitting down with people in person I realized “these people” started plugging me, supporting me, telling me about opportunities and ultimately helping my business grow. For too long I sat on the sidelines watching others assuming that my “good work” would eventually get me pulled into a great network, but it doesn’t work that way. Social networking is an interactive game. If you want to win, you have to roll up your sleeves and play.

CLEARLY DEFINE WHO YOU ARE
If you are confused about who you are and what you do other people will be equally confused. If you do not clearly define your personal and professional image other people will do it for you. Before you get into networking, ask yourself three questions: Who are you? What do you do? And why people should care?

Your definition needs to first be clear and concise. You never want your introductions to turn into 20 minute monologues filled with a laundry list of your business titles, projects, and plans. When people clearly understand and value what you do through an engaging conversation, they are more likely to talk about your business in conversations they have with other people.

UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF INFLUENCE
You have heard of the Oprah effect right? When Oprah recommends someone it’s almost as if they become an overnight success. Influential people have the power to turn nobodies into some-bodies because a lot of “bodies” value their opinions. You can significantly decrease the time it takes to build your credibility and increase your sales by aligning yourself with key influencers. Their following trusts their judgment, which for you means one solid recommendation can go a long way. Moreover, just as you need to align yourself with key influencers, you need to learn how to become one. Influence is magnetic. The more people talk about you, the more people will want to be connected to you.

KNOW WHERE YOU NEED TO BE TO BE SEEN
The key to winning any game is strategy. Never wait for networking opportunities to fall into your lap or get into the habit of attending events at the last minute. If you really want to make the most of your time and money, make it a priority to plan. Write a list of the essential social networks and small business organizations you need to join. Create a calendar of the networking meetups and events you want to attend. Stay connected to professionals who actively network, so you are always in the current events loop.

7 Social Networking Rules to Live By (part 2)

This post is featured in the Socials and Sales Issue of SistaSense In Print Magazine. To Download and or Order a copy of this issue go to http://mag.sistasense.com.

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