Social Media is a great business tool. It really is free advertising, if you think about it. I mean where else can you talk about your business and reach millions of people without having to pay a fee? With all this social media wonderfulness comes a responsibility that many online internet marketers don’t realize, and that is, social media works when you develop the skill to build relationships.

If you’re only online talking about your business then you’re missing out on really building your business. What I mean by that is, if you are using social media to build your business you probably think you need to be talking about your business, right? Well, not so much. I mean, yes you have to talk about your business but not just about your business, you need to be spending time talking to your friends and followers having a real conversation on something other than your business.

Your fans and followers want to learn more about you, not just your business. Your social media manager can schedule your business updates, business facts, industry news and so forth, but no one, not even the best social media manager can be your voice.

You must be your own voice!

Don’t shy away from building real relationships with your fans, they want to get to know the expert behind the expertise, and social media has allowed this to happen. Just be wise in your update postings, make sure you’re taking the time to build a relationship and not tearing them down by throwing spammy updating on a continuous basis.

One thing that many online business owners are doing to build real relationships with their fans and followers is by hosting a live online events. When you create an online event, whether its 30 minutes or hours long, you are taking the time to be ‘real’ to others and that in turn, can really increase your business.

Take the time right now to create a live event and let all of your fans know about it. Tell them you are going to take Q and A during the live call, and to let their friends know about.

After its all said and done, don’t solely rely on social media platforms or your social media manager to create the contacts you need for your business success. Remember, your clients want the benefit of working with you!

Here’s some suggestions on getting to know your locals’ this year:

• Join your Chamber of Commerce
• Seek out networking groups (a.k.a meet ups, coffee talks, mom’s group, etc.)
• What local mailings does your target market read?
• Post a professional poster at your target markets shopping area
• Can you place an ad in the local restaurants menu?
• Check out that cafe’, everyone stops there for a drink!
• Join a fundraiser, such as a walk-a-thon or bowling for kids sake. This will show you care for those in need and provides for that much needed person-to-person social drought that work from home persons feel!

Just because you (me too!) work from home doesn’t mean we should ‘become’ part of our home! Get up, Get out and Reach out to those in your community. It will do you and them good.

Good Luck!

Steph

Ideas:
*Get to know your customers/clients on personal basis by having a conversation. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself and your business to each new follower/friend. Ask them about their business if it applies.
*Let them know when you’ve added new products.
*Broadcast your current educational blog entry.
*Invite them to be a guest blogger at your blog. This is a great way to help you keep fresh content on your blog plus it gives them a link back to their websites.
*Announce your survey then offer them a discount if they participate.

Just remember to keep a spreadsheet of your accounts, username and password information somewhere other than your hard drive, just incase your computer crashes. I use google docs for my business and my clients, that way the information is always available.

To Your Success!
Stephanie

PS. I’m currently accepting new clients! Let’s Talk