Once upon a time, all you needed was a professional-looking business card and maybe a brochure. In more recent years, it became expected that even a small business like yours would have a website. These days, prospective clients want to get to know you personally, through Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social networking websites.
With all the current hype about social media, you’ve probably joined a few sites simply because someone sent you an invitation, or because you heard or read that it was a good idea. Once you’ve signed up, the benefits aren’t always obvious, especially when you only have one or two connections.
Today I continue my series for Improve Management Skills Month with a look at social networking, both online and offline. Mastering the art of networking will help you to build your brand, expand your reach, grow your business, and be a more confident individual. To determine whether you are networking effectively, ask yourself the following questions.
Internet Marketing is one of the most important tools in your business arsenal. Not only does it cost less than advertising in print and broadcast media, its interactive nature allows you to build relationships with clients and prospects without the need for time-consuming telephone or face-to-face meetings. Internet marketing is much more than just putting up a website! Your Internet marketing plan may include search engine optimization, email marketing, blogging, social networking, and other strategies.
It seems that all the buzz these days is about Twitter, but there’s another important social network that’s been around even longer. Established in 2003, LinkedIn currently reports 45 million users, approximately three times as many as Twitter.
There’s no question that social media has taken the world by storm. In addition to business-oriented sites like LinkedIn, micro-blogging tools like Twitter, and one-size-fits-all sites like Facebook and Plaxo, there are lots of new sites dedicated to professional organizers and other special interest groups. If you’re in any doubt, check out some of these Social Media Statistics.
