Social Networking is a very much misunderstood phenomenon. Some people, particularly poor internet marketers, see Social Networking sites as nothing more than a way to get more customers. Others see them as a way to pass the time. Some people even view them as a complete waste of time and effort.
HERE TO STAY
Whatever Social Networking is, one thing is for certain; it’s not going to go away. Much like the internet, it’s here to stay. This being the case, why not make the most of it?
What are the social networking sites that I’m referring to? Well, there are dozens of them and new ones are being created EVERY MONTH, but at the time of writing, they are sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and so on.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND SOCIAL NETWORKING
The best way to view social networking is to imagine each of the sites as a party. If you think about it, each time you go to some kind of social event such as a party, you are there primarily to have fun. You want to meet people, you want to enjoy their company, you want to learn from them and you want to relate some of your stories to them.
DON’T TRY TO SELL AT A PARTY
Trying to SELL some of your products at a party (be they books, audios, software, memberships or video-tutorials) would certainly NOT be considered appropriate. Some people would call it downright rude (and I would be one of them). Let’s face it; you really wouldn’t do it, not if you have ANY sense of propriety that is.
Likewise, while on a social networking site, you shouldn’t try to sell people your products. If you tried, you’d be ignored at the very least and at worst, you’d be ridiculed.
HELP NEW FRIENDS
However, if somebody at a party asked you how you managed to look so fit, you might tell them of a fitness club that you belong to; you might even offer to take them along the next time you visit your ‘invitation by member’s-only’ club. This would be the complete OPPOSITE approach to selling them something. In this case you would actually be HELPING them, by offering your advice and your contacts.
Part two tomorrow.
Luke.
