Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. They are not just for college kids anymore. 2009 is the year of Social Media Marketing and Social Networking and this is a train that, if you're not already on, you certainly don’t want to miss. There are many valid reasons for using social networking, but the main reason should be to establish relationships. While the business benefits of social networking are becoming more and more obvious, it is really the cocktail party atmosphere in which you are engaging that provides new friends who are more than willing to share information, tools, resources, opinions, knowledge, and support. Social networks are a place to demonstrate your expertise, engage with your community, and present yourself as a thought leader. All of these things combined will give you ROI. Not only the ROI of Return On Investment, but the ROI of Return on Influence, which is even more powerful. And, actually, with the exception of time spent in engaging someone in strategy or training, there is no cost. Most social networks are FREE to set up and use.
Setting up a profile on a Social Network is as important as a business card or a website. Be clear in your description of what you do and take advantage of any applications that may be offered to make your profile stand out. An example application is the Profile HTML application on Facebook. This is a fabulous tool to bring graphics or an opt-in box to your profile.
Here are some other ways to make your profile stand out:
1. Define your specific skills, passions and expertise that set you apart from the rest.
2. Add a Professional Photo.
3. Provide Your “30 Second Elevator Speech” in your Introduction. (Tailor this to the specific Social Network).
4. Be Interesting and Memorable. Share your passions, interests and unique traits or accomplishments – be friends! Post pictures!
5. Tag your profile with keywords relevant to your business.
6. Include key links to your blog, website and possibly other Social Networks (Twitter).
7. Make sure your profile is readable and easy to follow. Keep paragraphs short and concise.
For success in social networks it really boils down to some basics which are to just have fun, make friends and always use good judgment and common sense when posting.