Of course, your strategies may vary with the policy of each site. Some will allow you to do some limited promotion of your products and businesses and others won’t. Some will allow you to bring in external content to help build your profile and others won’t. Each have their own unique way to keep in touch with people, some through profiles only, and others through mobile status updates like Twitter. So, it can be a little daunting to give one technical way to use all social networking sites. However, the strategy is still the same for most:

1. Set up a profile with your website links, and develop an online, authentic, personality,
2. Invite friends you already know to link to you,
3. Look at their friends list and see if you have mutual friends you can invite to link in to you,
4. Join in the networking and keep your profile fresh with updates and new content like videos, pictures, and blog postings,
5. Stay present and check in daily to answer inquires, add some status information, and see if you can make new friends.
6. Check out other people online to see what they’re doing to build their presence and copy it,
7. Join groups and use a signature line to link back to your website,
8. Network with other people online, staying conscious of who the major players are to connect with them if you can,
9. Explore any applications or other features within the site for marketing and contact building,
10. Always try to have a way to funnel your contacts back to a blog or website for those social networks that limit your marketing capability.

So, even though social networking is a big term, it’s still all about making friends and influencing people. It’s not that much different from real life except that you have to be a little bit more aware of the mechanics of how to do that with each specific site.

Social networking takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. The sooner you get started, the more time you have to develop a network that is primed to be marketed later. The more time you spend on each site, the more you will begin to see clever strategies that others have developed to increase their influence as if by magic. And, like everything else in this book, always cross-link all your sites for a spider web effect, a vortex of traffic, to eventually pull them into areas where you can make sales.

By the way, do you want to learn more about using articles like this to drive traffic to your website and increase online conversions?

If so, I suggest you check this out: article marketing traffic.

Author: Sean R Mize
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

What a great question, huh? You know how often I get asked this question from my clients or when I’m out networking from random business owners? Hundreds a month. They ask me:

Is it worth it to spend my time on the forums or having profiles on these sites?

o Asking and answering questions?
o Posting articles, events, info, polls?
o Recording and posting videos, sending people requests to join my ‘network’
o Pursuing groups for interaction, advice, etc.?

Whew! I know this can seem daunting and more sites pop up every day right? Aren’t you getting invites all the time asking you to join a friend’s network in some new community or website that you haven’t even heard of before? It’s true, I hear about new ones all the time too.

This is a great new industry for marketers. Marketers who can build their ‘community’ so large (even with unpaid memberships) that then they can attract advertisers who will pay them to put ads on their site – that’s how they make their money!

Others are even so smart to get us to pay them membership fees so that we can have access to talk to even more people in their ‘network’ or ‘community’ by sending eblasts via their ‘network’ or even by emailing others in their system. I know because I pay for a few of the sites I’m on now!

So, what’s my R.O.I. (Return on Investment) you ask?

Well, it’s still to soon to tell for me really but what I can tell you is the following:

o This stuff sucks up a TON of TIME! So I’ve actually started delegating my ‘correspondence’ to a VA to do for me (one that knows what she’s doing on these sites). I wanted to pay someone to spend a good amount of time on these sites interacting to see exactly what response I could get because I know if I did a test with just the amount of time I COULD SPEND then that wouldn’t be a very good test and very hap hazzard approach.

o Many of my website, internet or Search Engine Experts that I work with or know personally have mentioned to me that this kind of marketing is probably NOT worth too much of my time as it might only bring in a very small percentage of my overall prospects and new leads.

o Many people on these sites are so caught up in the building of their ‘network’ or ‘friends list’ that they really have NO IDEA how to utilize them for marketing purposes.

o I’m getting a better response rate and more referrals or direct clients from those sites that I’m a part of due to a personal or business memberships. For example, I’ve been coaching with Ali Brown for over 2 years and in her Silver Mastermind Program she has a forum online where you can interact with other Members and I found that since those people all are followers of Ali’s, they tend to give more credibility to others in the same program and they interact more with other members for business and referrals. I have gotten one consulting client so far doing more interacting in that group in less than 60 days.

So, is it worth it for you to try or to spend your time??? My advice is MAYBE and IT DEPENDS. Sorry, but it really depends on where else you’re spending your time and money FIRST.

There are a TON OF THINGS that many of the people who come to me aren’t even doing in their marketing that are CRUCIAL! So, if you weren’t doing those things first, then I’d say NO, don’t add this yet unless you can delegate it; do the other things first (or even delegate them!). Building your business in a specifically, prioritized manner is the key because if you do one or two things out of order as an entrepreneur you could end up wasting a bunch of money or time!! Trust me or don’t but I will tell you “I told you so” later if you don’t listen to me now – I’m really good at figuring out EXACTLY what YOU need to do NEXT!

If you’d like to know what things you might NOT be doing in your business or in your marketing that could be CRUCIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS then I highly recommend you find a good Marketing Specialist to help you out. A Marketing Specialist will be able to review Social and Business Networking sites and HOW they would play into your overall plan. I know of over 30 of these sites – there’s more than just MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn, FastPitch – although these are the most common. (I’m on ALL of these for example, go look me up if you want!)

Good luck in your ONLINE NETWORKING!!

(c) Copyright 2008 K. Sawa Marketing International. Katrina Sawa is an Award-Winning Relationship Marketing Coach who’s helped hundreds of small business owners take dramatic steps in their businesses to get them to the next level in business, revenues and life. She offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching and do-it-yourself marketing planning products. Go online now to get started with her Free Report and Free Audio at http://www.jumpstartyourmarketing.com

Author: Katrina Sawa
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
The economics of product pricing

Social media and social networking using sites like Twitter and Facebook have become some of the hottest buzz words on the Internet today. For those solo professionals and entrepreneurs who work at home, one of the major benefits of social networking is having the opportunity to communicate with people from all over the world using the power of the Internet.

People from all walks of life and from all around the world are hanging out by the millions on places like Facebook and Twitter.

Of course meeting new people, whether it’s in your own neighborhood or across the globe, means using effective communication. Particularly if you’re using the Internet to get the word out about your business, you need to communicate effectively because you don’t have the same nonverbal cues others do face-to-face or even over the phone.

The main thing to remember when you’re communicating about your business to others online is this: always keep your “audience” in mind. It’s not about you. Every one of us is tuned into our favorite radio station: WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?).

With that in mind, here are my top 3 tips to communicating effectively to market your business using the power of social networking:

1. Build relationships

Just like when you build relationships in person, you have to have a conversation. Ask people about them and their interests. Share a bit of yourself (not just your business) to gain that all-important “know, like, and trust” from people reading your posts.

2. Offer Value

People will continue to flock to you if you offer them some value. Provide links to free resources you come across, articles, others’ blog posts you found interesting, or other information relevant to what your audience wants/needs.

3. Answer Requests

Very often people will post surveys, ask questions and in general look for feedback on their ideas, websites, etc. Take a moment or two to help someone out. Then when you need help, others will be there for you in return.

I personally have experienced many benefits to building relationships online. As a result of following these tips, I’ve quickly learned that sites like Twitter and Facebook can be highly effective for business and help savvy entrepreneurs make more money and have fun too while social networking.

I’ve personally had a lot of success using Twitter right from the beginning. I’ve been invited to speaking engagements and sold my products and services all using Twitter. I’d like to invite you to learn the basics of what it takes to succeed by marketing your business on Twitter here: http://www.communicationtransformation.com/twitterbasics.html

Regardless of the method you choose, effective communication with your clients and prospects is the key to making your business successful. The first thing you need to communicate– and continue to communicate — is your credibility. Without credibility, your business will go nowhere. With it, you’ll automatically attract new clients and see positive cash flow.

I invite you to discover what you need to know about Credibility and Cash Flow now. Visit http://www.CredibilityAndCashFlow.com to get your free e-course that will help you customize a credibility plan for your business and get you more clients, more business and more money.

Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now.

Author: Felicia Slattery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Made to order

One of the biggest growth areas on the Internet are the Social Networks. The top Social Network websites have between 60 and 110 million monthly users. New sign up’s total over 250,000 per day. Up to 43 percent of Social Network website members have accounts with more than one site. (Rapleaf, 2008)

The obvious thoughts most people have regarding the increasing number of Social Network websites is that they’re places to meet people, find a date, marry a mate or just strike up some long distance Internet friendships. Then there are the few who learn and read about just how many people there are on these sites, in some cases spending one to two hours per day in some sort of activity, and see opportunity.

That opportunity potential is why many businesses have set up pages on the leading Social Network sites. Charities have done likewise in an effort to connect with people who could become contributors. Politicians at all levels have made having a Social Network page a rule rather than an exception. They all have realized that a strong “people connection” can quickly become a money earning connection.

The surprising truth is that this income earning opportunity is open to all. The Social Network sites have built a money making outlet for everyone. It’s waiting for the person to sign up and tailor their ready made spot the way that they want. While the vast majority use it to reflect their personality, likes and passions the mind that’s focused on making money has an entirely different opportunity.

Just as the Social Network sites have built what is needed to lay claim to a spot on the Internet, many have also created a variety of ways to earn money through these sites. The operators of these popular sites understand that for a business to succeed, partnerships and diversification with smart plans and choices are the key.

These partnerships make themselves available to every individual who is active on the web. Unfortunately it’s a small minority who hears their invitation. Even when someone sniffs out the money making potential on the Internet through Social Network sites, there are so many ideas and promises that the person feels like they’re playing Deal Or No Deal without a Banker giving them a financial escape route.

There are those who claim to have THE idea for getting rich. Just send them money and then they’ll send you instructions on what to do. When that idea falls apart the person doesn’t have to quit because there’s another and another and another making the same claims.

Making money on the Internet through the Social Network websites is not as difficult as many believe. It’s proven that there are people on these sites. The one challenge is deciding how to make your first impression with this market of tens of millions of people. That’s a pretty heavy decision. One wrong move makes a second chance with those tens of millions of people a wish and a dream.

The idea that information is power is certainly a proven one. There’s an available source of information and guidance featured in The Rich Jerks Earn From Social Networks E-book. The authors have studied in depth the ways that many set out to try to earn money through Social Network websites. They reveal the value of quality friendship connections versus thousands of friends along with the importance of a professional style and presentation, not spamming or trapping people, which will insure that visitors will return and the money making potential will grow.

The Rich Jerks Earn From Social Networks E-book presents tips and insight for the novice to the veteran Internet user. The reader is guided in how to set up their website and blog, insure that it’s attractive and useful to visit, what the mistakes that impact success are and how to create the money making elements that produce results.

Social Network websites have become a part of people’s everyday life. Those who understand this fact see it as an opportunity to make money. Just as with any business, it’s important to respect your customers. It’s very easy to throw buckets of ads at someone only to chase them away. True money earning success comes about when you invest some time, gain some knowledge and show some professionalism which invites people back over and over.

2008 James Stein All Rights Reserved.
Owner of TheRichJerks.Net
http://www.therichjerks.net

Social Networking
http://social.therichjerks.net

Author: James Stein
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB

Is 35 the New 80?

As an entrepreneur and business coach I try to stay on top of the most current marketing techniques. So, I set out yesterday with the most innocent intentions of deepening my familiarity with online social networking. Who could have predicted my ride down the rabbit hole into the alien world of Bebo, Squidoo, Twitter and Ning! Sure, I’m not 22 anymore but upon this journey I surely felt as left behind, technologically speaking, as my 92 year old grandfather felt when we gave him a TiVo DVR on his birthday.

But do not worry, I will soldier on!

I have now successfully completed my profiles on what I believe are the foundational sites:

myspace, facebook, linkedin and beliefnet (Not as popular to the general public but full of spiritually minded folks!)

I have also decided to begin a central blog that I hope to distribute to all of these sites using an application that I am sure exists, I just haven’t found it yet. Perhaps a Bleepoomaditron?

So, why would I spend this time staring at a computer screen gaining these new skills and trolling for virtual companions? I’ll tell you why!

Leverage: I am already creating content on a daily basis through my work with and for clients. Now, my articles, tip sheets, exercises and ideas can not only be viewed by larger audiences, but the information I post can found through relevant searches, and easily forwarded by potential clients to potential clients. I love it when one task can have far reaching impact.

Exposure: This one is pretty obvious but very valuable. More folks can see you and learn about you with an increased web presence.

Credibility: By stumbling upon your blog through a relevant search, they are introduced to you as an expert author. That is a great way to make first contact and sure beats a cold call!

Relationship Building: This is the name of the game in marketing as far as I am concerned and social networking sites allow you a broader reach without consuming your time and energy. (Though you might find yourself making friend requests at 2:00am if you aren’t careful)

So, I might be 35 going on 80 but I am committed to improving my facility with these tools and hope to connect with some interesting folks. I will promise to do so on my deck rather than in an overly air-conditioned coffee house (like the one I am in right now). If you would like to learn along with me, check for updates on this discussion thread on the HPBA website and feel free to contribute you insights, discoveries and expertise!

http://www.holisticbusinessdevelopment.com/members/hpba/comm/CATEGORY+Social%20Networking%20Isnt%20for%20Sissies

Marilyn O’Leary is a Marketing and Business Development coach who specializes in working with Holistic Practitioners. She supports her clients in strategically creating systematic, leveraged and profitable businesses. She is the director of the Holistic Practitioners’ Business Association http://www.HolisticBusinessDevelopment.com

Visit today to learn the 6 Steps to a Full and Thriving Holistic Practice.

Author: Marilyn O’Leary
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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