Facebook Vs Twitter

How the HECK is Facebook and LinkedIn Going to Grow My Business?
This is a question that I hear almost everyday when talking to friends, clients and business connections. Many people understand they NEED to be on these social networking sites, but are not sure exactly WHY they need to. The reason - they are an excellent marketing tool for their business!

Think about the networking cocktail parties that happen around the globe every day. These networking events can be held by associations, professional groups or even local chambers of commerce. While sometimes they can be niche and packed with your target market, many times can be sporadic and unfruitful. And not to mention the time and money your have to commit to them!

What if I told you that Social Networking sites are JUST like these local cocktail parties and networking events, BUT that the differences are astounding. “online cocktail parties” are running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year…even on holidays! You choose when you want to get involved in Social Networking Sites:

*Allow you to choose the EXACT target market you want to engage and connect with

*Have absolutely no travel or telephone work associated with them

*Allow you to be flexible.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn allow you to connect with large masses of people including your old friends and professional colleagues, but more importantly they allow you the opportunity to meet and connect with new and exciting people who are willing and able to build your business, purchase your products, learn from your expertise and spread that all too valuable word of mouth!

By connecting with people on social networking sites you are enabling a wide group of people to benefit from your area of expertise while engaging them in conversation, asking/answering questions and gathering valuable information to help you market more effectively to your target audience. To be honest, the opportunities are endless.

Social networking sites allow you to build real relationships with your audience, inform them instantly of new developments in your industry, your company and your life.

Have a new ebook you want to promote, let your friends on Facebook and LinkedIn know about it first! Tell them about your new blog posts, your new staff members, a professional award, your television interview

At the end of the day, sites like LinkedIn and Facebook allow you to bring the human factor into your relationships with your consumers. This is why major international corporations have been using these networks for years to connect with their consumers with excellent levels of success.

What are your thoughts on this?