IT'S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS WHEN BUILDING A SOLID ONLINE NETWORK

 

Do you ever wonder what it takes to build your online network or to increase the number of followers or fans within your various social media platforms? The answer is easy and is so simple that it is often overlooked. The key is to remember that building a successful online network is all about relationships. The use of social media within your business can do wonders in expanding your reach while growing both your online and offline network. Creating true online success, especially through social media, requires that you have the utmost consideration for those you will be connecting with when choosing the type information you share. If you are posting an endless stream of your daily meals or rants about the negatives in life then expect less than stellar results within your social media marketing campaign. However, if your objective is to expose as many people as possible to your brand while positioning yourself as an industry leader then you must sincerely engage with others in a positive manner while providing relevant information people can absorb for themselves or reuse within their own network.    

You’ve heard it before that relationships are a two way street. Creating success while building an online network is no different since you want to let people know about you as you learn about them. You will find that the relationships you build online can easily turn into prospects for your business so the energy you use to cultivate these relationships is well worth the effort. Take the time to learn about others in a truly genuine way. This will endear others to you and also spark their curiosity to see what you are all about. Ask questions, leave comments and also send an article or tidbit that may be of interest to the person you want to connect with. Time and time again when I’ve really paid attention to another person’s interests I am suddenly bombarded with tools and useful blog posts that I can send their way. The follow up from there is to ask a quick question or request for them to share their thoughts on what you sent. You can also spark a conversation or two by responding comments they’ve posted or sharing their comments to your own network. Everyone likes a thumbs up, so remember to also send a quick ‘thank you’ letting them know you like what they’re about. Spend the time showing that there is a real human behind the words and you are definitely ‘IN’!

Another option when growing your online network is to partner up with another like-minded business owner and cross promote. Your cross promotion partner is tucked away within your current contact list just waiting to be found. Look for those who are your main ‘cheerleaders’ and consider those who naturally engage with others and possess a spirit of reciprocity. Seek out individuals you already have a good relationship with and where cross promotion will serve as a way to continue to nurture the good will you have already developed. Keep things simple by making sure to have a clear understanding from the beginning that each of you is committed to:

• Like, share & comment on Facebook posts
• Share/comment on LinkedIn
• Retweet & Follow Friday on Twitter
• Commit to attend events hosted by your cross promotion partner
• Post articles to each other’s blog
• Provide testimonials 
• Place a link or logo link on your website  
• Add a link with a bit of text to email signature  

These are just a few suggestions but there are plenty of creative and no cost ways to cross promote. By taking action together you can help one another gain access to people and markets that may have seemed out of reach before. The exposure to a new group of people offers each of you the opportunity to create strategic alliances that may well turn into prospects. You just never know who is watching or who has the ability to make you an offer you simply can’t refuse. Cross promotion is a low risk and easy to manage plan to implement. It is just a matter of seeking out a circle of people you can promote and who are truly committed in doing the same for you.

Allowing people to see you as the face behind the business is a simple way to grow your online network as you continue building solid relationships through active engagement. When you make every effort to show people that you are passionate about your industry and have a wealth of knowledge to share you automatically become someone worth knowing. So take the leap, reach out, engage and join forces for the benefit of building rock solid online relationships. Be sure to connect with me using the links below and share your tips on how you grow your online or offline network. ~De

Infographic: History of Social Media

We are well into Web 2.0 but we didn’t always have the ability to interact as we do now. The informative Social Media Infographic listed above was created by KarimDesigns.com for Cendrine Marrouat, which outlines the humble beginnings of the social media movement.

There are a couple of items I’d like to point out and challenge you to reflect upon. Notice the ability to email was established well before the internet and how after the internet launched in 1991 - there was and continues to be an abundance of companies that have cropped up to satisfy our desire communicate faster and better than before. Which begs the question… is social media really allowing us to communicate better? Is it allowing us to effectively engage or are we just caught in the excitement of it all? I’m split since I use it on a daily basis for business; however, it does appear to act as a double edged sword robbing you of focus and for which the only cure is moderation.

Social media definitely has it’s place since it is tough to remain competitive without taking part at least on some level. I have a feeling we’re only at the cusp of what is to come. I’m sure you have your own thoughts on the matter. Share them below. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. Enjoy! ~De 

Bringin' It On for Sexy Saturday

Please forgive me. I know the title to this post sounds a lot like the theme for a long night at a dance club or maybe the promise of some delights not covered within this blog; however, the title is  only meant to get your attention and since your here it looks like it worked! The point in all this is to establish a case for being unpredictable within your life. This could be unsettling to some. Maybe even a bit scary but when done right being unpredictable is something that you can use to your advantage not only in your personal life but also in your business.

So what does the term ‘Sexy Saturday’ have to do with being unpredictable? Well… Saturday’s are great for planning unpredictable behavior that will help bring more exposure to your business because (yes, you do have to plan) it’s usually quiet and you don’t have a multitude of demands pulling you from all sides.  You’re also a bit more relaxed when the weekend arrives and this quiet time is the perfect starting point for reflection and focused action.

Start by taking some time early in the morning to rethink your own business marketing strategy and decide on some clever & unique ways to rev up your game a notch or two.What can you do to excite those around you so they know they can’t live without what you have to offer? What else can you do to make those who support or work with you engage more within your vision? What can YOU do to be unpredictable? Think of what you can do for your clients, employees, co-workers or counterparts to really stand out and bring some attention to your business. Real attention that will bring cash right into your wallet. (Notice I didn’t say bank because by the time cash arrives to your wallet it’s really yours!)

This weekly appointment for strategic planning doesn’t have to take long either. You’re looking at about 15 or 20 minutes max for starters. Jot down, as quick as you can, five or more fresh and creative ideas that will kick up the tempo. Don’t think about them… simply write. Let your thoughts flow through your arm onto the paper. Nothing is too outrageous. Nothing is too silly or farfetched. What you will often discover are the seeds that soon sprout another idea worth implementing. Do this every week that you plan to be successful. Do this every week you  consider yourself a serious business professional.

 More often then not business owners simply react when things are bad or something comes to our attention. Why not be proactive, systematic and unpredictable. The secret here is consistency which over time will turn into measurable results. If you have consistent scheduled reflection, accompanied by written words and follow up with action, then you will see those ideas manifest into a growing thriving business everyone wants to be involved in. You will have systematically transformed what was into what you most desire. By carving out a specific time each week to develop your strategy you will easily place yourself  in a position to win at every turn.  

Remember this ->  Focused Concentration + Written Words (plan, goals, etc.) + Action = Measurable Results

So allow ‘Sexy Saturday’ (which sounds way better than Consistent Scheduled Reflection) or another catchy phrase to become sort of a reference for your plan of action toward greatness. When you use your ability to be unpredictable with your special someone… sparks fly. Use it in your business and you’ll see the sparks fly too. Give it a try and let me know your results. I’m looking forward to some great ideas. ~De

Please forgive me. I know the title to this post sounds a lot like the theme for a long night at a dance club or maybe the promise of some delights not covered within this blog; however, the title is  only meant to get your attention and since your here it looks like it worked! The point in all this is to establish a case for being unpredictable within your life. This could be unsettling to some. Maybe even a bit scary but when done right being unpredictable is something that you can use to your advantage not only in your personal life but also in your business