Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Why network? It is the most powerful way to build professional relationships, actively foster contacts and disseminate information. The key word is relationship building. The BIG 3 components in social networking, in no particular order are, relationship building, your circle of influence, and viral marketing.
Most people personally know at least 250 other people, and have even more acquaintances. You reached this point by building trust and credibility with the people you already know. So how do you build and maintain a social network? This too should be a relationship building strategy of establishing trust and credibility. One of the more important sayings I've heard is, "It is not what you know, it is not who you know, it is what you know about who you know." Another saying that we have all heard, "They don't care what you know until they know that you care"!
Also keep in mind relationship building creates long term relationships (for marketers that means repeat customers).
Beware of social networking errors. (1) Be sincere; (2) Don't ask for (or expect) payback; (3) Respect other people's time; (4) Follow through on promises; (5) Use special care with referred 'friends'; (6) Don't make disparaging jokes; (7) Err on the side of politeness and formality; (7) Don't wait to be properly introduced - practice a self-introduction; and (8) Say thank-you.
"Social Networking Basics & Etiquette
Your Circle of Influence:
As human beings, our lives are shaped and influenced by a myriad of factors, and relationships is at the top of the list. Think about how much of "who you are today" was influenced by a specific parent, sibling, relative, teacher, coach, neighbor, author, speaker, boss, co-worker, spouse or friend. Values, habits, behavior, knowledge, skills, passions, hobbies, tastes and attitudes are typically learned through association with others. Yet, as influential as relationships are, most people haven't consciously chosen their greatest "circle of influence". More than the conscious decision to go "friend" or "mentor" hunting is the AWARENESS about your circle of influence. Just being present to the impact someone has on your state of being is powerful.
"You Are Either Influencing or Being Influenced"
Note that influence doesn't mean pushing a point of view across. In different situations, influence can mean listening in a certain way, using facts and logic, involving others to develop a consensus, sharing a vision, offering incentives, asserting boundaries, or building up a power base.
Also, different organizations tolerate different amounts of "pushiness," depending on the situation and on the culture. By dividing the world into influencing and being influenced, and understanding the subtleties of influence conversations, you can help your clients, associates, and network friends achieve their goals.
"What Powers Your Circle of Influence
Viral Marketing Effect:
I admit it. The term "viral marketing" is offensive. Call yourself a Viral Marketer and people will take two steps back. I would. "Do they have a vaccine for that yet?" you wonder. So what does a virus have to do with marketing? Viral marketing describes any strategy that encourages individuals to pass on a marketing message to others, creating the potential for exponential growth in the message's exposure and influence. Like viruses, such strategies take advantage of rapid multiplication to explode the message to thousands, to millions.
Off the Internet, viral marketing has been referred to as "word-of-mouth," "creating a buzz," "leveraging the media," "network marketing." But on the Internet, for better or worse, it's called "viral marketing." While others smarter than I have attempted to rename it, to somehow domesticate and tame it, I won't try. The term "viral marketing" has stuck.
"Elements of a Viral Marketing Strategy
In conclusion, social networking is a softer sales approach. In fact, the art of social networking is based on the premise that to give is to receive. Some people get it, some don't and are quick to blame the process. In fact, they have their modus operandi backwards. They want to "get" immediately ... or at least within a week or a month of having made a new contact. Social networking isn't a shortcut to success. However, it offers an intriguing platform for customer, employee, and supplier relationship management that can serve not only existing connections but also help to identify new prospects. Social networking provides greater recognition to its most influential and active participants.
One of the challenges of mastering social networking is determining where to invest your resources, time, energy, and possibly capital. As you gain personal experience using on of the many networks, you can begin to identify, and ultimately prioritize, the universe of possible initiatives to enhance your career, your brand, your staff, and revenue.
Mastering these 3 components you will become successful with social networking campaign's.