Social media has become as much an integral part of the today's life as iPhones or satellite TV; everyone talks about it, and it's hardly possible to go online these days without coming across a discussion related to social media, or stumbling upon a new social media website. They all look different and try to offer their subscribers something unique to succeed – and many do. Why are people so attracted towards social media? What does it give them?
Apart from the obvious benefit of socialising online, acquiring new friends (often half-way across the globe from you) and just spending time having fun, one of the most often mentioned benefits of social media is its business application. Some networking websites are called "social and business networking resources", making it clear from the start that they are focused on business.
Unfortunately, many people misunderstand the business-related side of networking and start hard-selling through a network as soon as they have registered with it. Others make another mistake of registering and then doing nothing at all and waiting for it to work fir them without a smallest effort on their part. Neither of the above groups really "get" online networking, which is actually far more sophisticated and is mainly about building trust, connecting with new people and creating a network of potential advocated around yourself and your business.
In many ways online networking is similar to offline networking. Both are about building trust and getting to know people who might one day become your advocates. The best effect is achieved when the two work hand in hand. At the same time, online networking has a distinct benefit: it can connect people living on the different sides of the globe. Separated from each other by distances and borders, they become friends online and do business together. People might object and tell you that real friendships – as well as real trusted business partnerships – can never happen online without a face-to-face meeting, but that is only until the first time it happens to them.
Often connections initially built online grow into international initiatives. People from different countries who first met online organise great events attended by international audiences, raise funds for charities that work abroad, and so on. One of the main destinations of international business interest is definitely Africa – a continent stricken by poverty and starvation, but at the same time rapidly developing, rich with resources and actively exploring different paths to a better future. One of those paths is social media marketing – the new and revolutionary way of promoting businesses.
Imagine an event taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, organised by two business-oriented ladies who both have their roots on the African continent, who currently live in London and who have come to know each other through a networking website populated mainly by people from the UK. How far is London from Cape Town? An event of this kind is actually scheduled for November and it will be dedicated to discussing business opportunities available for South Africans and how social media marketing could enhance those opportunities. It all came back to where it had started – that is, to social media and online networking activities. Needless to say the forthcoming event is being effectively promoted via various social media resources like Twitter, Facebook and other groups .
Social media has helped countless businesses. It can help yours. What do you need to do for this? Easy – all you need is to observe two main rules. The first rule is, be proactive. Talk about yourself, participate in blogging, groups and other activities. Make yourself known. The second rule is, be generous. Share your knowledge. Advocate other businesses. Give of your time freely.
The results won't be instant, but with time and patience your efforts will bring you rewards.
Romany Thresher
Direct Assist Online
www.directassist-online.com
Follow: @romanythresher
