Social Media – Have a Clear Purpose

The following is the third in a series on social media.

Many people think they’re going to get business from being on social media sites. While you can get business from your online activities, this shouldn’t be your ultimate purpose. Rather, your purpose should be to make people aware of who you are by sharing your expertise.

Any business networking site is a place for you to give, not just to get. So to get business from your social media activities, you have to contribute meaningful content. You can find many groups to belong to that have strong, relevant conversations going. If you post something in the discussion that’s smart and useful (good content), then chances are someone will ask to connect with you. Now you have one more person to share your message with.

Other examples of good content are asking thought-provoking questions, posting a motivational quote, and sharing a business tip. No matter what you post, if you get a reply, acknowledge the person for their feedback or contribution. Just as you can’t take people for granted in the brick and mortar world, you can’t take them for granted in the virtual world either. Everyone who reacts to your content is a potential relationship and you need to treat them as such.

When you’re replying to a question someone else poses, you want your answer to be in that first page that comes up. That way anyone who replies or scrolls after you will see your photo and business information, as most people go to the start of the conversation and read several responses before they dive in. With that said, pay close attention to what the question is and don’t answer anything capriciously. Always remember that your reply is posted forever. Make it work for you. Make it count.

My Thoughts on Social Media’s Role in Business and Your Career

Email isn’t the only way to get your message across and isn’t the only communication-oriented technology tool at your disposal.  There’s also social networking (also called social media).  I use both Facebook and LinkedIn for business.

And let’s face it…regardless of what anyone thinks about social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.), the fact is that they are here to stay.  Sure, they’ll evolve over the years and will likely look very different than they do today, but ultimately they’ll still exist.  And while purely “social” social networking sites can have a business aspect to them, it’s important for business owners, executives, and managers to have a strong presence on the tried and true business networking sites (example:  LinkedIn).

Why?  Because your clients, customers, colleagues and others look to business social networking sites for evidence of your character.  For example, when a prospect is thinking about doing business with you or your company, he or she will likely do a social media search.  Never before did average people have the ability to research anyone or any company they wanted.  While in the past background checks were expensive and time-consuming, these days a few mouse clicks and keystrokes can pull up a goldmine of information.  That’s why you and your company need to be on business networking sites…and you need to be using the e-networking sites effectively.