Social networking sites are a great way for small and mid-sized businesses to build a customer base. There are several different types of social networking sites that are designed for different purposes, which one you choose depends on the product or service you are trying to market as well as what your ultimate goal is.


With its 150,000-person invitation-only network, ASmallWorld is an exclusive network meant only for the super rich, whereas newly launched IncBizNet is designed to be a small-business networking site. Facebook and MySapce are huge general interest networks which have primarily targeted the under 30 crowd.


Once you get your business connected to a social networking site, it's a simple process to build your contacts. But how do you turn a contact list into a client list? In reality, the better question is, how can I get contacts to turn themselves into clients?


Choosing the correct network is the key to converting contacts into loyal customers. Below are strategies that can help you turn your social network membership into an effective sales generating tool.


Grow your Contact List


It's when you have a sizeable amount of contacts, 50 to 60, that you will really be able to market effectively. How do you increase your contacts? Most sites make it easier for you to increase your contacts with built-in tools that allow you to locate classmates or former co-workers.


Another contact-building strategy is to issue invitations to acquaintances and business contacts whenever you meet them. Sending invitations to people you've met helps them remember you. You never know when someone you meet might have a large network that you can tap into.


Diversify Your Contacts


Don’t restrict yourself to getting contacts from the same or related industries. Have you ever wanted to break into another industry but didn't know where to start? That's what diversifying your contacts will do. You'll meet people who know other people in other industries. Don't neglect this powerful networking component.


Create Real Relationships


If you find that one of your social networking connections knows somebody else you are interested in meeting, pick up the phone and call. Social networks can't replace face to face relationships. Stepping outside technology will show others that your are willing to be personable.

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