Make Social Networking Work for You

Social Networking is the new trend for doing business.  I am a virtual assistant and I conduct my business through Facebook, Twitter, Merchant Circle, LinkedIn and blogging.  It has helped me a lot in promoting services of my clients.  In fact, this is all I need. 

How many profiles are there in Facebook and Twitter?  How many businessmen have a LinkedIn account?  How many articles are there in Blogger?  Millions… How can this not be the best way to get clients?  In the case of realtors and insurance agents, referrals usually come from your own network of friends. 

Isn’t that why we  have Facebook profiles to keep in touch and to know what is going on with our own circle of friends?  We post pictures of where we have been and what is happening to us…isn’t this the best way for us to know if anyone from our circle needs something that we can provide? Tips on special photos or events in your own list of friends:

1. Birthdays: it might be that some of your friends are thinking of getting something special for themselves.   Why not consider sending an email and greet them and ask what are they thinking of getting for themselves?  We rarely think of buying for “me” -- remind your friend that maybe it’s time to think of the “me” on my birthday.
2. Engagements:  They are in the planning stage, this is the perfect shot to get your friends to know you have something that they will need.  
3. Weddings:  some may not have announced their engagement but they will definitely post pictures and shout their joy of being married.  This is when couples get a lot of stuff.
4. Party invites:  when a friend posts that they are having a party, why not find a way to be invited?  This is your shot at meeting more people, but find a subtle way of getting invited. :)
5. Search for Public Events:  There are plenty of public invites circulating and the good news is that Facebook is used as medium of invites nowadays.  If you are interested in doing leafleting, connecting with groups that send invites for special public events, then ask for their guidelines with leafleting or getting a booth.  
6. Chatting: Being online will give you a chance to chat with friends and mention that you have a special project and ask if they want to have coffee with you.  

Get yourself involved in your own circle of friends and don’t hesitate to ask friends for help.  Keeping in touch is the key to being remembered. Being online gives you this tool to keep in touch with friends. Take advantage, it's free.