Social Networking-Is it for you?

The key to marketing is that you must put your name out there - a lot! Social Networking works for people differently because people use it differently. Some want to socialize with people they haven't talked to in ages. Some want to sell their products and services. Then there are people like me who do both.

You must not forget the key words in this. Social means to engage with others. Networking means you are in a supportive group of sharing information and services.

You can use social networking to meet people or grow your business. Remember that you need to follow up. If you want to make friends with that girl from high school and be best friends or her boyfriend, you can not just send her cute IM's. You should see if you can meet in person. That is the social part.

In the same aspect - if you are trying to build relationships for business networking, you should offer the olive branch and try to see how you can help that person grow their business and usually givers gain. I mean if you find a way to help a business save money each year or get them a new client, they will be more willing to do the same. This is not always true. But if you help eight people and one helps you, you are a better person and now someone helped you in return. This is the networking part.

Use the same grammar skills and etiquette rules that you would in person. Always be professional because even if you are on social networking sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogger, etc.) anyone can see what you are doing. That is unless you have set up blocking devices where only your network of friends can read.

Many employers are checking up on existing employees by reading their sites. Other employers are using that as a reference when they are in the interview process. Google yourself to see what others can find out about you. You might be surprised as to what comes up. This could be the determining factor about whether or not you get your dream job.

By: W Samantha Newman
Sunti Designs, Marketing & Graphic Design Firm
suntidesigns@aol.com