Tip 184) 12 Tips on how to actually get business from networking on social media

Firstly, let's look at the official definition of networking. According to Google, it's: "the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts."

Whilst this is true to some extent, I believe if you want to create business from networking, you HAVE to connect with people on an emotional level. You HAVE to add value for them in some way.

We've all heard the saying that "people buy people", yet on social media this often goes out of the window. We just post our links and hope that lots of excited customers will come running to our door! Now that would be lovely but it just doesn't happen like that...

One thing I know for sure is that you will get all you want in life if you help enough people to get what they want (from my favourite motivational guru Zig Ziglar). Most people don't work like that. It's all about them. What will THEY get out of it. And they wonder why no-one is liking or commenting on their posts! Networking online takes time and energy but I believe it's well worth it.
 

1. Be helpful - answer the shout-outs for help.
2. Be encouraging - like and comment on other posts.
3. Be friendly - send a DM or PM to someone if you like their post and tell them why you liked it.
4. Be visible in the group you are posting in. People are much more likely to comment on your posts if you comment on theirs.
5. Be authentic. Be yourself. Let your personality shine through! 
6. Add value. Don't just advertise your products or services or events. 
7. Don't give the hard sell and don't just spam your links. Look like you are making an effort. Include a personal message to the group you are posting in. 
8. Run polls. Have fun competitions. Find engaging ways to interact. 
9. Focus on quality not quantity. Having 2000 likes is irrelevant if no one is engaging. 
10. ALWAYS respond to comments on your posts. 
11. ALWAYS respond to private or direct messages. I think it's rude and disrespectful not to, even if it is a message to say no thanks.
12. Be committed. Set aside time each day to network online. It doesn't matter when or where, just do it!

​By doing all of the above, people are far more likely to recommend and refer you. Or use you themselves!

To your success...

Jo x

PS. Need help, advice or support? Join a lovely bunch of like-minded, positive people at one of the Small Business Growth Clubs that I run each month to raise money for HappiMe. Bespoke advice from me for £20. Bargain :-)