Social Networking, it's Hot!

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, cry if I want to.... Whatever!

Social Networking is so hot right now, it is almost ridiculous. You need to join and frankly host the party. But as we wind our way through the social networking maze, there are some great tips to remember.

#1 Don't over commit.
So, yes, I have joined too many social networks..... so many in fact that I am wasting my time away and not maximizing my business effectively. Pick 5 of your favorite social networks and do just that, network. At Twitter Wahm we have a printable spreadsheet that allows you to write the networks down that you want to keep up with and allot the amount of time (15-30 minutes) you want to schedule towards each network. You don't need to join 25 networks and fail miserably at providing a platform for your business, just pick five and commit to doing a fantastic job at each. Social Networking is a great free tool to get your business out there, but it is not the only tool. There is much more work to be done.

#2 We don't want your business, we want to get to know you.
If you plaster your business all over your tweets and posts, it doesn't really do it for me, but if you make a joke, let me get to know you better, then I am more apt to listen about your business, and better yet, refer it! It doesn't mean you shouldn't always link to your blog or business page, but you do need to talk about something else at the same time. Be personable. Let me in, I will bite.(that is a good thing)

#3 I know you will cry if you want to.....but do you want to?
Stay away from negativity. If we don't know you and don't have the passion or interest in your complaints, we will stop listening. Yes, in politics and celebrity, negativity and rumor sells, but for lasting customer relationships, it doesn't. We have enough on our own plate, why do we want your plate too?

#4 Remember who your friends are.
Just because you said "hi" to someone on a post or tweet doesn't mean they will remember you. Talk with those that reply to you over and over. This is your customer service angle. Just because they aren't a customer yet, they will be your friend. And good friends make great customers. Don't forget, a lot of business is about perception, the more people you talk to and respond to, the more friends and customers you are perceived to have, thus the more successful you look. If they are buying, then why aren't I? I probably should.... I will....give me 5. (See how this works)

Remember to work the network, don't let the network work you. Personalize all of your profiles with links, emails, quotes, anything that allows another person in your network to attach to you.
Go out there and get your network working.

And as always if you would like to comment on this blog or would like to contact me with questions about your business, don't hesitate to email me at info@businesswomennetwork.com.

DON'T FORGET OUR "HOW TO MAKE MONEY ON TWITTER" report.

Top Social Media Sites

Ning, Twitter, Blogger, Flckr, Facebook, and the list goes on and on. So, I have my favorites like Twitter, TwitterWahm.com, Facebook. But when listing your business, networking and making friends, what are the Top Ranking sites Obviously some social sites we visit are more because we like the nature and people of the site, rather than their popularity, but in our marketing arsenal we also need to know what sites get the most traffic.

ALEXA.com was my new best friend today as I researched the top social networking sites. While I was there I came across the top 200 most visited sites, in those 200 I found 15 social networking sites (english speaking).

(If you don't know what alexa.com is, it is a ranking website for websites all over the globe and it ranks each sites traffic.) Yes, I was totally intrigued....or bored, I really couldn't tell.

So here are the 15 sites in the top 200:

Youtube.com,
Myspace.com
Facebook.com
Blogger.com
Hi5.com
Photobucket.com
Flickr.com
Friendster.com
Skyrock.com
Perfspot.com
About.com
Bebo.com
Digg.com
Imeem.com
Linkedin.com

Now, we all know how popular Twitter is and with all the press lately, I am sure it will shoot up the list in the next 5 or 6 months.

So I would include Twitter.com a must.

Yes, I know no one would be perfect in implementing all of these social networks, but how about trying one network for each media source. A balanced portfolio for Social Networking would look something like this, Twitter (real time chat/party), Facebook, actual friends and associates, Youtube.com for how to's and webinars (invite friends to view), photobucket.com, post pictures and share with your old and new network, Imeem.com pick and share music, and Blogger.com (every good business and networker needs a blog). To recap, we have chat, video, photo, friends, and blogs, then include one specialty site like ActiveRain.com if you are in Real Estate, or TwitterMoms.com if you are focusing on mothers, etc.

I know this looks daunting, but some of these networks take more time then others, like for photos,videos, or songs, just post your favorites, then move on, Twitter and Facebook however are definitely time suckers, so you have to regulate your time spent on each site.

With each of these sights the goal is to make friends, meet more people and link, link, link to your blog and main website.

Are you not entertained? (I always wanted say that)
Ok so get ready..get set...GO OUT AND GET STARTED.

P.S. Often when businesses are started, or are just barely surviving, we make choices that are not always effective. Sign up for this free news letter to free yourself from the guessing game of social media, SEO, marketing and keeping your focus. Click here for your free Newsletter http://www.businesswomennetwork.com/ .