I regularly attend social networking events such as Chamber Mixers, Leads Luncheons, Industry Associations and Community Outreach Programs. These are perfect places, with some designed specifically for professionals and entrepreneurs to get together, trade business cards and obtain business from each other.
Networking events deliver value through idea sharing, communication techniques, relationship building and promoting goodwill in the perspective community. Over the years I have learned a few things from these events that I apply to Social Media/Web 2.0 Networking.
Like elbow-to-elbow networking, here are six ways to put social media to work for you!
HAVE A STRATEGY
You choose networking events wisely and should pick your social media communities the same way. Tools will change. There was a time when we all used AOL, Yahoo, MySpace … even MSN instant messaging. If you concentrate on tools, you’ll constantly be changing strategy. What’s your goal for gaining more business? Know what your target audience is looking for and how that applies to you. Focus on platforms that make sense for you your goal achievement.


It’s not very often you hear about an “overnight” success that doesn’t end up being an, easy come, easy go story. Rebecca Black is a recent example, although I think she is getting some commercial work and if that’s what she was trying to do as a young musician, well then, there ya go…
Is having a Facebook Page for your small business enough? More than likely it is not. While true, Facebook allows you to reach more of your customers and engage them in conversation, but if you only have Facebook as part of your online or 



Are you looking for an innovative and affordable way to reach new and existing customers? Do you want to get the most “bang for your buck” and connect with as many targeted customers as possible? If so, you need to try your hand in SMS text marketing, as it could dramatically change your business!
