As long as people have engaged in commerce, they have generally done business with people they liked and trusted. Today, with online social networking, we can become acquainted with people worldwide. This has opened up a whole new mode of promoting our businesses.
A very powerful way to market businesses, especially home businesses is “relationship marketing.” Using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, IBOToolbox and others, we can connect with potential customers and business partners.
With relationship marketing, we primarily focus on building and sustaining mutually beneficial associations. We can also establish friendships with people who may never have any interest in our product or business. We can learn from some of our contacts and educate others.
The most important thing to remember is that we are using social media. The name is a clue as to how to behave on these sites. Don’t just jump in and start promoting your product. Remember that I began this post by saying that people do business with those they like and trust, and it can take time to develop a relationship.
Participate on social media sites with relevant information. Your posts can be educational, newsworthy, humorous, interesting or helpful. Those with whom you are establishing a relationship want to know about you, so include your opinions, information about your background, perhaps a little about your family. Always keep your posts positive, and avoid controversial topics. It is very important to include photograph of yourself as part of your profile. Your profile picture should not be your logo or an avatar. People want to know that there is a real person writing to them.
Remember that it is not always about you. Ask questions and get to know your contacts. We’re sowing seeds. Any one of the relationship seeds we plant may turn out to know someone who needs your product or who is seeking a business just like yours.
As I said earlier, don’t begin selling too soon. Find a balance between sharing your information and sharing other people’s. Being social is the first step, and eventually people will begin asking questions about your business.
Don’t be surprised if it takes a few months to establish enough relationships to benefit your business. Be patient and get to know people. I have built my business almost entirely through social media. Your patience will prove worthwhile.
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