How do you Use Social Networks to Market your Business?

This is a question, without understating the obvious, that "appears" to be without a relevant answer. I say this because the simple fact that 98% of the people working in the world of Web 2.0 are not doing things correctly points to the statements proof.

Log in to your inbox on ANY major social network. I'd be willing to bet that you can't do it without finding more spam than value.

Most of what we have been shown concerning the use of social networks to market a business has been theory. Many people "think" they have it figured out, but are not getting any results.

One of my favorite "newbie" mistakes is the comment board posts (for example) that read, "Hi, it's great to see you here! Have you heard of...?" Sound familiar? Of maybe, "Hi, welcome to our network. Would you mind taking a quick look at this and let me know what you think? Here's my link...

"This is NOT social marketing... it's spam. It doesn't matter how you word it... if you are not GIVING value as a network marketer then you are spamming... period. By definition, spam has been tagged with the UCE title (unsolicited commercial e-mail) for years. However, Web 2.0 has given spam a whole new meaning. Just because you aren't posting or sending a blatant ad does not mean that it isn't spam. It's, most likely, creative spam.

So, what is the right way to marketing a business effectively using the social networks?

One word... GIVE! That's right... GIVE! Give and give and give and give some more and just when you think you have given enough, give more. Here's why...

1.) Internet marketing is about branding.
I cannot build a brand effectively if no one knows who I am. If all I am doing is posting ads everywhere, people will get to know me alright, but instead of being attracted to me, they are going to run.

Think about what it's like when you walk onto a car lot or retail outlet where the sales force works on commission. In many cases, people feel like a piece of meat. They go out of their way to avoid being spotted by sales people. Posting spam on the blogs, forums, groups, comment boards and messaging system of the social networks isn't going to attract people, it's going to send them running in the other direction.

Those who GIVE are respected, thus helping your brand.
This is the basic fundamental of attraction marketing.

Solution: The next time you get the itch to post something about your business opportunity or (Lord forbid) money making scheme, take a different approach. Take a couple of minutes to run over to Google and find some information, of true value, and then create a message, forum discussion or blog post based on that. You might even take a look on YouTube to see if you can find a video that actually teaches people something, and just share it.

Social networking is about building a reputation as a GIVER and INFLUENCER in your network.

2.) Take this same information sharing strategy and apply it to your blog, Twitter, Plurk, Rejaw, Friend Feed, Jaiku or the like and watch what happens.

If you want a huge following on Twitter, that's the way to get it! If you see someone who has requested a retweet, then help them out, send the retweet! If the information is solid and you continue this in practice, your followers will refer their followers to follow you.

Twitter Strategy: Take a minute and go to YouTube or one of your favorite informational resources. Do a search and find a video that offers value to those in your niche market. Open up notepad on your computer and start creating a series of Tweets that you can distribute randomly throughout the day, that point to the information you found.Once you've done this for a few days and have a buzz created, create some decent blog content around your niche market.

For example... if I'm selling a mangosteen based product, create a blog like "10 health benefits of mangosteen." Once you have completed the blog post, use something like Ping.FM to let your network know that you have updated your blog with "10 health benefits of mangosteen." If Ping.FM is set up correctly, you can send the message to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Jaiku, Friend Feed, Plurk, Rejaw and numerous other resources with one click. This will not only save you time, but because people are already seeing you as a giver and influencer in your network, they are going to come read what you have to say.

At this point, if your blog is set up with a few "niche oriented" ads and links, you will begin to see affiliate sales, sign ups and RESULTS!One more thing before I wrap this post up for today. When you have the opportunity to comment on a blog, rate a video, or do something to help another, do it!

That's what social networking is all about. If you're only here for the money, you will find yourself disappointed when you try to force it. Put the laws of attraction, abundance and reciprocity to work for you.

"That much gathers more is true on all plains of existence! - Charles Haanel"

Remember, attraction marketing is about GIVING! Giving is LOVE in action! Share the the love and it will come back to you!If you would like to learn to use Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, Jaiku and more to build your business, you are invited to download my new e-book/report entitled "Micro Blogging Muscle" and no charge by either clicking here or visiting muscle.twittermethis.net.

Best of success and God Bless!
Rex - RexHarris.NET