A few weeks back, at a networking luncheon hosted by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, I happened to sit next to a gentleman I’d never met.
When we looked at each other, sincere smiles flashed across both of our faces and we extended a warm handshake normally reserved for old friends greeting each other after a long absence…
We knew each other’s names, we were genuinely happy to see each other and we were eager to engage in conversation – and all without ever having met in person before.
How were we able to get to this point in our networking relationship so quickly and effortlessly?
Social Media.
Social Media Establishes Trust Before Business
You see, weeks before this face to face meeting, we’d been introduced to each via Twitter. We’d also watched each other’s business videos on YouTube and we connected to each other’s profiles on Linkedin.
Because both “Dr. J” and I were quite active in Social Media, we quickly realized that we were both in Nanaimo and made a point to connect in person in the coming weeks.
We continued to stay in touch via Twitter and I tweeted about his new chiropractic practice to my Twitter followers (many of who are also in our local community) and Dr. J reciprocated by tweeting about my marketing consulting services to his followers.
So by the time we fortuitously sat next to each other at a face to face networking event, we felt as if we’d already known each other. More importantly, we were ready to talk business and exchange referrals even though we had literally just met!
Social Media – More than just ROI
This is the true value of Social Media for business. It is not merely about immediate ROI – it’s about building relationships and trust in advance. That way, when you meet a prospect face to face, you can get down to business right way – knowing that a trust relationship has already been established.
And the added benefit of Social Networking (as opposed to face to face networking events), is that you can scale up and leverage the social networks of others to build trust relationships with dozens or even hundreds of business prospects simultaneously! And let’s face it – when was the last time you spoke with more than a handful of people at your last face to face networking event? And did you speak to the SAME people at the following event too? Be honest!
So, bottom-line…You can effectively use Social Media for business – as long as you view it like a extension of your network marketing. Like traditional networking though, if you do nothing but talk about yourself and never make the effort to promote other people, your networking campaign will never reap any tangible rewards.
So, go ahead – take the plunge. Tweet your friends, tweet your friend’s friends and in the process, you know what? You’ll be come a trusted friend and trusted business partner too!
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Good points up here. If big businesses, corporations or even just brand new business will engage into social media as one of their marketing arm, then they should really use it to engage with real people. Meaning, interaction should be present and not only one way of communication.
Bratz@Barbie Games´s last blog ..Alice Cute Styling
Thanks for your comment Bratz! Communication – not dictation – is where it’s at!
- Don
Don Power – Nanaimo Business Marketing Strategist´s last blog ..The Day Before the Internet Died
THE way social media SHOULD be used.
Awesome story Don, and I wish more people would “get it”. I’ll be blogging this for sure; tweet first!
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Oops I Lied-HAHA
Hey Dennis!
I liked your comment about Social Media on Tycoon Blogger’s blog – it’s organic for me all the way!
Thanks for your comment!
Don Power – Nanaimo Business Marketing Strategist´s last blog ..Blogging for Business? Top 3 Questions to ask BEFORE you begin
Yeah I definitely agree… this is an ideal way to be using social media on your blog. Still, it could make for some awkward situations if you end up hating the marketer/blogger on the other end when you actually meet them (haha).
Jimvesting´s last blog ..FREEBIE: Add Web 2.0 “Boxes” To Your WordPress Theme
Hey Jim!
Haven’t seen you around these parts before. Thanks for your comment!
Don Power – Nanaimo Business Marketing Strategist´s last blog ..Using Social Media as a Networking Tool for Your Business
Great story Don. It’s so much easier to continue a ‘conversation’ in person if it has already been initiated using social media.
Karl
Karl Foxley´s last blog ..How A Small Business Built An Email Subscriber List Without A Website
Hey Karl!
So glad to see you’re still getting my updates – it’s been awhile, eh?
If someone used an app like Topify to rate my tweets these days, it’s less about links and more about communication and interaction.
Communication…funny how everything old is new again!
Thanks for your comment Karl!
Don Power – Nanaimo Business Marketing Strategist´s last blog ..Nanaimo Does Business BEFORE Business
I’ve met many of my twitter contacts in person secondary to social media contact. In fact, I’ve gone out of my way to meet some of them. Despite some people’s view that the on-line world makes us less social and connected, it actually strengthens the off-line relationships and keeps us more in touch. Great article Don!
Thanks Dr. J! And to all who are reading, Dr. J is the social media contact I refer to in this post! (Looks like you need a gravatar Jason!)
Cheers!
- Don
Don Power – Nanaimo Business Marketing Strategist´s last blog ..Blogging for Business? Top 3 Questions to ask BEFORE you begin
Great points, I found your article on Social Media as a Networking tool very informative. It is presented in a simple and effective manner. Though social networking may sound fluffy, it can translate into real benefits for you and your company. Online networks can help you hire the right people and even market your product easily.
Excellent SM perspective–a lot of “social media” posts tend to treat the subject like it is some kind of religion they’re recruiting for. I really appreciate the fact that you’ve recognized it is not a make-money-now proposition. Thanks!
Great info about social media, i got something new here.
Rakesh Solanki´s last blog ..Schirmfoto – Screenshots Made Easy To Every Window
Social media is very important for your business, make sure you cover your bases.
“Trust before business” I love that line and it is very true. I see the value of social media for warming up relationships and being able to move the relationship building process further. I see this in action in my blogging endeavors as well as my day job as a corporate recruiter.
Dan Keller´s last blog ..Promote your Blog with Linkedin – Part 2
Ya it’s right Social Media is good tool for promoting your Product Brand or Sites. It is also drive traffic on your site and visibility on the web. If Social Media technique used in right direction, it will good for your site otherwise totally waste of time. Thanks for such a beautiful post!!!
Great stuff!! I can’t imagine the type of time you put into creating this information. Thank You for your hard work I intend to put the info to use as soon as possible. I also like that it is not focused on one specific social network. Job well done!
You’re right social media is another string to your bow. You should use it, but not neglect the other forms of networking.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Wednesday Wisdom
Social media can be beneficial, but requires constant involvement and attention.
This is where I continue to struggle… I know it’s all about relationship building. I just get so tied down with all the myriad commitments – family, social media, blog, exercise every now and then. Oh, yeah, and work, too.
Great story. I met some people at a networking event recently – gotta go follow up now.
Gomez the windshield monkey´s last blog ..Saturday Silliness: The Fast Lane
Social Media is the chance for young business owners to really make the impact they are looking for. It helps drive traffic in their direction as well as their affiliates and allows their customers or clients to learn their business on a personal level developing trust. Great post bud I really enjoyed this story.
Ryan Hanzel´s last undefined ..Response cached until Fri 25 @ 18:32 GMT (Refreshes in 19 Minutes)
I think social media is highly effective and one of the most huge conversion giving tool for your business today!
I do have friends who are earning huge just because of social networks. Even many clients ask me about my social site links before dealing with me. Even if they are giving me a small work then also they would love to know more about me..
This is very important in today’s time that if you want business and want to get exposure in online universe you need to concentrate on social networking sites!
Anyhow, what do you think are the best networking sites that can get you good business and conversions? Following the comments so would visit it again to know your views!
Yes Social media is a real boon to small business owners and its all about “Trust and Relationship”. I think everyone in social media should follow the following (TOS)
Trust.
Organize.
Share.
Social Media gives us a great opportunity of making our communication with others easier and more effective, as far as our business is concerned.
Alan@Fast Weight Loss Diets´s last blog ..Fast Weight Loss Diets Confusion
There’s always been debate in the online marketing world whether search marketing is to be preferred over social marketing and vice-versa. I tend to believe that a mix of both is best. A well executed search marketing campaign can give you an excellent ROI, but there is no guarantee of any sort of retention. This is where social media comes in to add that element of trust that will keep customers coming back.
James@metal nail polish racks´s last blog ..Where to Buy Nail Polish Display Rack
Social Media has become one of the greatest invention of the Internet. It helps us to connect not only with loved ones but also with future business prospects.
Great Article