How Does Social Networking Work

Social networking take the old ways of business networking and developing new contacts within your business field and puts them on steroids to a large degree. We live in a super-size drive thru world. It makes sense that we would eventually find a way to streamline making business connections online.

While more popular with those who do business online or those looking to reconnect with old friends and/or family members online there are many different types of social networks you can build. If your goals are to build an online business connection magnet then you will want to work, to some degree, to separate your business and personal social networking efforts. The good news is that most social networking sites allow you the opportunity to have more than one account so that you do not need to mix business with personal networks. It's a good idea to do this so that your family doesn't sift through countless messages on your latest blogging efforts and your business partners do not need to endure countless photos of Cousin Johny's first birthday.

But, how does social networking work for business? That is what most of you reading this are interested in knowing after all.

The short answer is that it introduces the products you sell, services you offer, or niche you represent to others who are looking for what you have to offer or may be interested in entering into a partnership of some sort with you. Social networking isn't a quick fix or easy solution and it isn't a sure path to Internet riches. It is a steady path to wide recognition within your niche and among other Internet marketers.

It works because it allows you the opportunity to let others know what you are doing. In many cases it is the platform where those who offer products and services connect with those who want or need the products and/or services they have to offer. It's a win-win situation. But the benefits do not end here.

Online social networking works because so many people actively participate in efforts to make it work. You do not need to go out and actively promote your products in order for others to find out about them. You begin by participating in the conversations that are taking place. As you make connections and gain respect, people will click on your profile to learn more about you. This is where they can learn about the products you are selling.

This doesn't mean that once you've gained some degree “fame” in various social networking circles that you can't offer links to sites, blogs, articles, and lenses. In fact it is welcome and encouraged. What is not appreciated is coming in simply to promote yourself and doing nothing to promote the relationships you've built or failed to build along the way. Social networking works because those involved in the networks make a conscious effort to make them work. Are you ready to contribute?