Are you interested in engaging with your online networks to support the long term growth of your business?
It can be a challenge when you're starting a new business and wanting to grow.
For entrepreneurs who are eager to increase their connections, social media can achieve this.
It is a powerful tool which provides unique and creative ways to increase your visibility, network with your followers and allow your content to reach your target audience.
What is social networking?
Social networking is the process of building your networks through leveraging the power of online relationships. It is one of the key ingredients that can be used to create your personal brand and promote your business. It is not primarily about getting a new business, instead the aim is to create relationships which you can use as a support and referral network for business and life in general.
It's an incredibly powerful, cost effective and simple strategy for raising the online profile of your business. Even if you live in a remote area, you can still create a network of influential people. Social media can open up many opportunities to connect with others in your field and reduce the isolation you may feel if you're a solopreneur or working in a small, defined niche.
How to get started with social networking
Use your Facebook connections
Facebook is a one of the most recognisable social media platforms. It can be used to build a profile, connect with consumers and promote businesses. These Facebook connections can act as a gateway to further potential consumers and audiences for your own business.
The beauty of Facebook is that content can be shared freely across other social networking platforms and websites. Sharing content enables you to establish your expertise and thought leadership by engaging directly with your target audience.
Keeping your Facebook content catchy, concise and relevant can increase your chances of getting your content shared online and therefore, allow your business to grow.
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn can be a great platform for facilitating online relationships and is a great tool for networking. Just like establishing relationships with people you meet at networking events, LinkedIn is a great way to create connections with others who can provide invaluable feedback and support to your business as well as creating new business opportunities.
LinkedIn gives entrepreneurs an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and thought leadership. To grow your business further, ensure that you have a completed profile, personalise your connection invitation and keep building your connections.
Engage on Twitter
Twitter is a content rich and fast-paced social media platform which means monitoring your stream for relevant information to share or engage with can be an overwhelming process.
Twitter can reveal the human face of a business, allowing you to interact with customers by sharing information and being right there when someone has a question about products or services.
Just remember, you can never have too many contacts.
Social networking platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can provide the opportunity for you to connect with many like-minded people in various stages of their career. By simply engaging with these people online, you can gain practical advice or inspiration that can benefit you professionally and personally in the long run.
About the author
Catriona Pollard is the author of From Unknown To Expert, a step by step framework designed to help entrepreneurs develop effective PR and social media strategies to become recognised as influencers in their field. www.unknowntoexpert.com
Catriona is also the director of CP Communications, which merges traditional PR tactics with cutting-edge social media strategies that engage consumers as well as business. www.cpcommunications.com.au
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