During the past 6 months I’ve started experimenting more and more with social networking sites. Before that, I did a good bit of research on the subject, and kept tabs on what other people were saying.

Now I’ve got an entire section of my marketing plan devoted to social networking. My profile is on a variety of Website like www.linkedIn.com, www.biznik.com, www.fastpitchnetworking.com, PlaxoPulse, and a whole bunch more. I’ve also got a page on www.FaceBook.com and have joined a couple private groups. And of course, I have this blog.

So what have I discovered? The first thing is that online networking is like in-person networking in that it isn’t enough to just connect online. That’s about as effective as showing up, collecting a fist-full of business cards, and heading back to the office.

If you really want to benefit, you have to participate. That means being active on networking sites by posting articles and events, and answering questions. Or sending out email updates.

And, just like blogging, you have to post or connect regularly. Otherwise people forget about you.

The other aspect that’s like in-person networking is that you need to connect on a deeper level. Again, it’s not enough to add them to your list of friends or connections.

I like to set up phone meetings with interesting people I meet online so we can get to know each other better. Only then do I think you truly have a chance of working together to grow each other’s businesses. And that’s really the goal, isn’t it?

The downside is that, yes, all this social networking can be a HUGE time suck!! So I’ve decided to focus on a few sites in particular and this blog. That way I don’t end up spending my entire day on the Internet (I do have other things to do in my life and business, after all).

What results have I seen so far?

Having my profile posted on a number of sites has certainly helped get my name out there. I’ve found posting articles to be especially effective. Because then people get a better sense of who I am and what I offer.

And I have definitely connected with some amazing folks I wouldn’t have met anywhere else.

So I’m going to keep trying new things to get the most from my social networking efforts. Meet new people. Help more folks grow their businesses. And most of all have fun with it.

Are you using social networking to grow your business or raise your profile online?

If so, I’d love to know what you’re doing, and what’s been working best for you…

Please post a comment so we can all share and benefit from what you’ve learned!

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