Social networking has become one of the primary ways many people communicate with each other. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are great for keeping in touch with your friends and family. They’re also an excellent way to connect with prospects. Here’s how:

• Create a Social Networking Profile

The first step is to create a profile on the networking site of your choice. Start with one site, for example, Facebook, and focus on that before you add multiple sites. You don’t want to have to spend hours a day networking. If you’re using Facebook consider creating a Fan page instead of a profile page.

Fan pages are designed to promote businesses. Profile pages are for personal use. You can of course do both. Your profile or Fan page needs to represent your business. Include links to your website or blog. Include a photo and provide information about who you are and what you do.

• Provide Valuable Content

With any social networking site the key to connecting is to provide valuable content to others. For example, link to and comment on industry news bulletins. Share insight, articles and information about your industry or information related to your industry.

Think about what your clients or prospects want to know or would benefit from and share it with them. Create a plan to provide consistent value. For example, you might publish one article or blog post each week and one motivational quote. Schedule that interaction on your calendar so you don’t forget.

• Promote Your Social Networking Profile

Use your social networking interactions to announce sales, discounts, and specials that you’re offering. You can even use it to promote affiliate relationships and partnerships if you’re looking for other ways to monetize your business. In addition to traditional promotion consider also sharing any testimonials you receive or accolades.

• Invite

Host events like teleseminars or workshops online and use your social networking efforts to promote those events. Make them free and short so people are excited and able to attend. Also consider making transcripts from those events available for those who could not attend.

For example, if you’re a copywriter you might host a teleseminar and talk about how to write a great headline. Or you could host a webinar about how to hire a great copywriter.

• Comment and Interact

Finally, the most important thing you can do to connect with others via social networking is to comment and interact with people. Share links. Comment on posts. Offer insight when people ask questions and cross promote people you connect with.

Social networking is a great way to help build your business. Create a plan and strategy. Schedule your activities so you do have time to network but you don’t spend hours a day on the sites – it’s really easy to do!

Be good to yourself,

James