Posted by Jess Saba on Wed, Oct 07, 2009 @ 04:21 PM
If you have ever moved to a new town you know that it takes time and effort to establish a presence in your community and to meet a new people. The hope is to develop relationships with people who will introduce you to new people, invite you to events and look to you for advice and guidance.
Social networking online for your business is the same idea.
The goal of social networking is to create mutually beneficial relationships where information, experience and contacts can be shared.
The hope is that by sharing resources and industry knowledge your business will be looked to as a credible supplier of relevant and useful information and you will be able to benefit from the help of others in your network.
The benefits of a potent social network include insight into your demographic's opinions, increased opportunites to make business connections and access to a diversity ideas which may spark innovation and creativity.
Social networking introduces you to people with diverse worldviews who may be able to offer new ideas and may challange your perceptions with can trigger creative and innovative energy.
The challenge is to create a credible, dependable and trustworthy online presence that encourages people to look to you as a source of unique information and connections. The secret is investing time and energy to expand your online network and reputation.
The consequences to your business of underdeveloping your social network include a loss of credibility, risk of fading into obscurity in your market and losing relevancy. Also, underutilizing the potential of social networks increases your chances of missing opportunities to grow and innovate.
Developing a network
Offering readers remarkable content which can be shared with other industry professionals, potential customers, business partners and the interested public is the secret to expanding your social network.
What do you know?
Evaluate the unique knowledge your company has. What information can you share with readers that will be new, interesting and difficult to get from another source? Information that feels private is most appealing and will foster interest in the information your company decides to share.
Who do you know?
Do you have access to industry professionals who may be able to contribute to your content? Visit other blogs and suggest an article the author might be interested in.
Be involved.
Be sure to read other blogs and leaving relevant and analytical comments. The more comments your leave, the more developed your reputation as a thought leader will become.