How does Social Networking Lead to Real-Time Sales?

Submitted by peek on Thu, 06/07/2012 - 1:33pm

How does Social Networking Lead to Real-Time Sales?

So do you prefer to network online or face-to-face? Before you answer, think deeply. Remember how Dale Carnegie’s world known sales book from 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People demystified the process of making friends out of strangers and inspired legions of business coaches to carry on Carnegie's message? NOTHING beats face to face meetings, nothing. Business dealings are just better presented in person. Networking is also best in person. But that doesn’t mean that online networking isn’t valuable–far from it. Online networking is a powerful tool to use in our arsenal of networking strategies.

Let’s break down the definitions of Business Networking and Social Media Networking:

By Wikipedia, definition of Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of social network whose reason for existing is business activity. Business networking organizations create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationships and generate business opportunities. Business networking can be conducted on a larger scale via the Internet and easily connects people from all over the world.

How does Social Networking Lead to Real-Time Sales?

Let’s break down the definitions of Business Networking and Social Media Networking:

Social Media networking by my definition is quite similar with a couple major distinctive differences. Online is current, it is real-time and it can be greatly influenced immediately by public opinion. Think Egypt’s revolution, Susan G Komen vs Planned Parenthood and even comments and news of public figures’ happenings. However, online shouldn’t be the only tool we use because sometimes it’s simply not the best one.

For me, the bottom line regarding face-to-face networking vs. online networking is that I don’t think it should be an “either-or” scenario; I think it should be a “both-and” scenario if you want to build a strong personal network. Effective social media branding requires a unique voice and personality and of the various social platforms. I am certain, as I have done it for my business and clients’ that one can leverage social media marketing like Facebook into Real Time Sales. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, FoodSpotting, Pinterest and other social media sites typically give a good amount of design freedom and customization to users and if used well, these are terrific mediums to gain notoriety, fan support. So learn the different platforms, each has a unique, language or social speak, if you will.

I actually take a Dale Carnegie rule to heart in my social media management. Repeat the person’s name. You see, people like to hear their own name, Another one of Carnegie's basic principles—that a person's name is the sweetest sound to that person. So when you meet someone, use his name in conversation. Doing so makes the other person feel more comfortable, like you really know him and he knows you. And isn’t that what building trust and relationships is all about?

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