What You Need To Know About Managing Social Business

The social networking arena seems to expand daily, and while it offers many opportunities, it can also be confusing and overwhelming. But the fact of the matter is business social networks are not going away any time soon. Adding social business networking to your business's marketing and sales plan is an easy way to boost your name and brand recognition, boost your product visibility and boost your sales all at the same time.

Once you've chosen two or three social networking sites that will most effectively help you achieve your marketing and business goals, such as Facebook and Pinterest. Business blogs or Twitter, it's important to use them wisely and consistently to attract customers. As you get more familiar with business social networks, you'll be able to incorporate them into your marketing and sales plans a lot easier. Use the following benchmarks to ensure your use of social networking is benefitting your business.

• Your Networking Efforts are Local, Not Just Global. Social media can bring your business worldwide exposure, but if you're not including local customers in your efforts you're missing out on a big market. Include local expositions, trade fairs and other promotional opportunities in your marketing plan. Take the time to encourage local customers to spread the word as they'll appreciate being able to support local businesses.

• People Are Engaged. The longer you blog, Facebook, tweet or pin the more your following should grow. Getting good comments and activity on your account from people following it shows they are relating to your social media offerings. Follow customer reaction closely so you know when you've tapped into a "hot" business topic so you can capitalize on it.

• You're Seeing Measurable Results. Have your followers mention something memorable such as a code or comment when they react to your status change or Tweets. When customers frequently tell you "I saw your post about such-and-such on Facebook, you'll know you're on the right track.

• Social Networking is Your Business's Fluid Marketing Tool. Traditional marketing methods can be very costly to change, but social networking is not. If you've got your finger on the pulse of your customers' needs, you'll change your social networking efforts to meet them. Keep your social media use fluid to stay on top of trends and avoid falling behind.

For social business networking to be effective for you, it must be used consistently. You won't be able to build a following with any social media if you aren't using it or are on only occasionally. Be ever-present without being pesky so your name, business, products or services become a recognized and welcome part of your customers' social media experiences.

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Dell Garraputo knows the importance of the social business side of things to get the word out to customers. NewsGator can help your business get on the path with social enterprise software, SharePoint social solutions and more. Visit http://www.newsgator.com/customers.aspx for more information.

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