Importance of social networking sites

Social networking sites have transformed over the years from social curiosity to social utility and finally for many it has become a social necessity. In the age of networking sites, it is useful for businesses to captivate this culture and use it to their advantage in improving connections, expanding clientele and even improving productivity. Many new talents in music, fashion and the arts have been discovered through networking sites, it seems this is an exicitng way to be approached and approached potential clients.

By establishing ones brand on these much used sites, people are effectively expanding their level of reach to potential clients. It can be seen as a complementary to their online presence. More exposure and accessibility thus more chances to do business with the right people.Robert Jenson, CEO of the Jenson Group states one of the more important gains of social networking ‘is the value of social networking sites to search engine optimization (BusinessWeek, 6/20/08). The more sites that include your name and link back to your Web site or blog, the higher your profile rises in search engines, where more and more of your customers are likely to find you,’

In the computer age, it is impractical to not make use of social sites in a way to benefit any business. What is important however is to not cross the boundaries between casual socialising and making business deals. It requires an understanding to not cross the boundaries between being social and doing business i.e. keep social social and business business. Often people can get the wrong impressions of ones business if communicated in the wrong context. Therefore choosing appropriate site/sites is what is necessary to consider. For example, many people associate ‘MySpace’ with edgy, gothic, artistic young alternative crowds and Twitter has heightened its popularity with the celebrity users and thus gained an image of spectatorship, voyeurism and the hip young Hollywood idealism.  A business needs to think where they want to position themselves in the eyes of the customer and by doing so, the can choose which sites to situate their business links. 

Not only is it important to choose the right sites to establish connections but it is also important to know how to communicate through networking.

Below is a list of tips for successful networking, provided by SOA development.  

TOP TIPS FOR:SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING
1. You are not alone – remember that you are not the only one there that fears networking! Out of every ten people the chances are that four of them feel the same as you so they will be relieved that you made the first step to talk.
2. You are not naturally shy – whether you believe it or not, humans are wired to be communal, tribal animals. People are apparently only shy by design so hold you head up and be part of the pack.
3. Be yourself – most people who are not “natural” networkers feel that they have to be extrovert to in networking situations. While you might have to make an effort to be more outgoing that normal, you don’t have to be gregarious. Be authentic.
4. People are not just about work – people you meet will have lives outside of work, just like you do. Talk about you interests and passions and ask them what theirs are. You will appear more comfortable and engaging when you talk about something you love.
5. Ask for introductions – it is easy to spend all of your time with one person once you have made the effort to talk to someone. Try not to get stuck in this comfort zone and ask them to introduce you to someone else they have spoken to.
6. Be generous – share what information you have with them, even complement them if it is appropriate to do so. Let people see that you are willing to be open and honest and that it will be worth them knowing you.
7. Be prepared – if you think that you will freeze or become tongue-tied prepare yourself in advance. Think of an ice-breaker question for when you meet people or have a personal pitch ready. Also try and think of how you will respond to questions that you may be asked.
8. Follow up – sharing information with new contacts is a great way of building relationships. It doesn’t have to be about your work just anything that they may be interested in or find useful based on the information you know about them.
9. Get used to rejection – not an easy one! Don’t take it personally if someone is not interested in what you have to say…you can’t win them all!
10. Take risks – when you overcome that fear or rejection it will be easier for you to just go out and do it. Everyone new that you meet may well feel uncomfortable to talk first and put them at ease. 

SOA development is a company that provide strategic, partnerships and delivery support to businesses and organisations. Of the many skills they can offer, they can help effectively position a business in the right circles amongst social networking sites. They can help a business cut out the noise in their communications strategy with a quick review, or a comprehensive assessment of their communication requirements and a clear plan for the best way to get their message out.

For more information, visit: www.soadevelopment.co.uk  
Information from:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=379373
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/aug2008/sb2008086_346094_page_2.htm
Images from the relevant social networking sites