How often have
you come across (stumbled upon) a new social media platform, registered and
simply forgotten about it? Most people I see, middle aged professionals, scurrying
breathless to remain in the rat race, are “curious one-timers”, people who
browse, register but are not consistent in either their attendance or their
updates.
It is sad as by
being a regular, one can truly unravel the true potential of these platforms
and successfully market products and services. Let’s take Linked in for example
and see how by doing little things we can really go for the gold.
01. Referrals.
Online
recommendations and referrals work wonders as people are more likely to trust
someone they know. Go get them. Ask your friends, employers, satisfied
customers to put in a few words about your prowesses and reap the rewards.
02. Use
Headers
It is not only
about people searching for you per se, use the headers for maximizing your
presence. Use key words, terms, list your skills so that you may show up in
more searches. The more visibly you are, the better your chances of being
chosen.
03. Be
Warm
Personally welcome
your new connections. Respond to queries and requests directed towards you.
Greet and acknowledge your group members. Be as prolific as possible with
comments and posts. It is but a replica of real life – if you have a personality
that people like, you will have more friends and will be better suited to
spread your influence.
04. Build
Groups
Build your own
industry network by building groups. Suppose you are planning to organise a conference.
If you have a ready-made group you can float the news and connect with members –
people, vendors, and end users – you already know or are connected to. If that isn’t
“well begun is half done”, what is?
05. Ask,
engage and answer.
Small
businesses often face tough questions. Float your questions in the relevant
groups or to friends you are linked-in with. You will be amazed at the number
of bang-on replies you get from experts from around the world. You can also
answer queries pertaining to your field of excellence. Remember, these answers
are in an open forum and are watched by many who can be your potential
customers. So seize the day, share your knowledge and use the opportunities to
impress. It’s like a “cold-call” chances are, if you are good, you’ll convert.
06. Get
Funded.
From Angel Investors,
to Venture Capitalists through bankers to financial services providers – they are
all there. So go ahead and post about the start up you wish to float. Write
about the great things about your business. Discuss the salience of your
product and services. Who knows, there may be moneybags on the other end of the
net looking for just what you have to offer?
07. Convince
Content is what
pushes the sale. Use original content to convince potential customers about
your uniqueness. Act like a suitor and profess your love (for your product /
service) in the most heart rendering manner. Make your customer the object of
your desire. Say the right words in the right manner and then dare the world.
08. Watch
your back
“Keep your
friends close and your enemies (competitors) closer” goes the Chinese Proverb. Network
with friends and watch what the competition is doing. Go through the industry
figures, news items they post. Follow the stars of your industry segment and
read what they are up to. Profit from their expertise.
09. Use
Video
If “a picture
is better than a million words, need I say how much better, moving pictures
are? You tube is rewriting the rules of communication, be an early convert and
hit the jackpot.
10. Create
Events
Use events to attract linked in professionals. Either
take your existing events and throw them to the pro’s or create unique events
to cater to the latent demand. Linked has this unique events platform whose true
potential is yet to be exposed. Be among the primary movers and reach your
event led goal.
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