Social Networking in the Marketplace

Ever hear the phrase “go back to the basics” when all else fails? One marketing concept that has been around for years is “networking”. With the Internet it is becoming more popular all the time. Some of the latest networking we have seen has been via the Internet. ActiveRain, LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook are just some of the more popular networking sites. With technology however, the face to face networking has been less convenient but it is still very important in today’s society. It is a grand opportunity to obtain customers, business opportunities and share ideas and the like.

There are a vast number of social networking groups active today. The Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, the American Legion and Business and Networking International are just a few. They are in almost every market in the US and the world. The potential for untapped prospects in these networking groups are endless. Several of these groups require no fees or are minimal in annual dues.

Another option would be to start your own networking group. Likeminded professionals meeting once or twice a month at a pre-determined location to “tout” the services or products they provide. Starting your own group gives you control over the size of the group and the types of professionals who will be attending.

As business entrepreneurs, we want more prospects, clients, customers and the like. With the same goals in mind, we can share ideas and meet new and exciting people. Business success always begins with getting in front of people, communicating and sharing our knowledge.

Don’t forget your business cards when participating in a social networking group. Hand out two to every person you’re introduced to, one for them and the other so they can pass it on to a colleague or friend. If you don’t give them something to remember you by, they will most likely forget you.

At each meeting, you will be given the opportunity to give a one to two minute commercial about yourself and your products or services. Rehearse what you are going to say. Then rehearse it again. The spotlight will be on you and you want to make your first impression your best impression.

When joining or starting a networking group, evaluate the variety of professions attending. If there are only 10 people in the group, are they all real estate professionals? If there are a mixture of real estate professionals, Insurance Broker, Doctors and Contractors, which one would be a bigger plus to enhancing your business objectives? These questions are important so consider them carefully.

Face to face networking is an inexpensive way to meet new people in a short amount of time that are looking for other successful businesses to help promote each other to achieve a common goal. It’s a fantastic avenue. And who knows, you may make a few friends along the way.

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