Social networking offers endless potential for companies to promote and build their business online. But savvy businesses should remember “social” is just as important as “networking” when it comes to using tools like Twitter and LinkedIn, marketing expert and entrepreneur Drew Gerber says.

“While the new social networking tools are a powerful way to reach a lot of people, what really makes a difference is the personalized touch,” says Gerber, CEO of Blue Kangaroo and creator of PitchRate.com.

It’s a little like that bestselling book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten, according to Gerber. “To be successful with social networking, you have to play well with others.”

Here are 5 tips on how to use social networking tools without forgetting the relationship aspect:

1.  Share your goodies: To be successful with social networking, remember to provide valuable information that people can use. Provide 12 things of value for every one thing you are getting back.

2.  Take interest in others: Engage with people online just as you would if you were building a business relationship one on one. If someone comes in and all they want to do is promote, promote, promote themselves, it doesn’t go anywhere.

3.  Be polite: People have a tendency to say things online they would not say face to face. Avoid that pitfall, and don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your parents to read.

4.  Make sure everyone is included: If you are participating in an online discussion, let other people have a chance to share their ideas and perspectives and wait your turn.

5.  Have fun and be creative: Think of ways you can share information about your product, your business or yourself that are fun and make people want to follow you.

These tips work because social networking is all about building community, Gerber says. “Just like the community you live in offline, the people that have a say are the people who are engaging and really provide value for the community,” he adds.

To learn more visit: www.PitchRate.com.

For articles or interviews, send requests to Jennifer@publicityresults.com or 239-573-0088.

Thursday, June 11th, 2009, 1:20 am   |   Social Marketing, Web 2.0  |  RSS feed |  Respond  |  Trackback