Practical Social Networking - 5 Keys to Success in Social Networking

I admit it. Social networking can be addicting! There are so many possible sites and applications that before you know it, half your day is gone. Some recent statistics from compete.com list the top 5 sites in terms of monthly visits as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flixster, and LinkedIn. The sites I hear mentioned most often in business circles - in no particular order - are LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Practical Social Networking - 5 Keys to Success in Social Networking
By Amy Franko

I admit it. Social networking can be addicting! There are so many possible sites and applications that before you know it, half your day is gone.

Some recent statistics from compete.com list the top 5 sites in terms of monthly visits as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flixster, and LinkedIn. The sites I hear mentioned most often in business circles - in no particular order - are LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Creating connections is part of your job title, regardless of whether you are in the corporate world, the entrepreneurial world, or somewhere in between. Online social networking must be one aspect of your overall strategy.

Below are 5 keys to successful social networking:

 

1. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be yourself. Others can see through fakes in social networking circles just as quickly as they can in person. Honestly represent yourself at all times, and you'll find valuable connections with like-minded people.

    

2. Use a photo of yourself in your profile. If you are using social networking primarily for business, keep it professional. Remember, you are your brand and first impressions are important.

    

3. Avoid blatant self-promotion or jumping into social networking here and there only to promote your latest product, blog posting, or service. This is about communicating and sharing with others. Yes, definitely promote something you have going on, but use the 80/20 rule. 80 percent value, connecting, and communicating, and 20 percent promotion.

    

4. Take time to read the profiles of those you're connecting with, and when you find some common ground, reach out to setup a phone call. This helps cement the relationships you're building and makes the process more personal and rewarding.

    

5. Select your top few tools and work them consistently. Whether it's LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Ning sites, or a combination - keep track of where you're setting up profiles and communicating with others. Remove tools from your list that aren't working for you.

These simple keys will help you build better relationships and make the most of social networking as part of your overall strategy!

About the Author

If you'd like to include this article on your website or in your e-zine, please make sure it remains intact and include the following blurb:

Amy Franko is the owner and principal learning designer of Amy Franko Consulting.

Amy is a certified Book Yourself Solid ™ business coach. The group she's most passionate about serving is women who are solo service professionals. She uses a simple system of protocols specifically designed to them get into the world and bring more ideal clients into their business, even if marketing and selling isn't something they like to do!

You can learn more about her by visiting her LinkedIn profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfranko or following her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amyfranko.

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