When you spend some time within internet marketing circles, people are always talking about the importance of building relationships.
That's because, it is really that important.
While it may seem odd to develop relationships without the face to face connection, it works! It is crucial to building an online presence and a solid customer base.
It's just that it seems expected that everyone would know what that means.
More importantly, once the concept is really grasped, do you know how to actually implement it into your daily business tasks and goals? Being authentic and genuinely corresponding with people you meet, online or off line is what building relationships is really all about.
It happens to be a rather natural process when we meet people face to face.
When you talk with someone new, you make a connection, find a common ground, and develop a respect as you learn about them.
You may pass business cards, share a website or number and decide to be in touch.
But, what happens when you want to transition this to the world of the internet? For today's purpose, we'll focus on the online aspect and how to create new and exciting "friendships" and with people you meet online via the social media mediums of FaceBook, Twitter and Blogs.
Since starting my internet building business, I've been fortunate to build relationships with many online entrepreneurs.
I refer to them as my 'online friends'.
We communicate on a regular basis, we support one another by congratulating and celebrating each others successes, and we help out with encouragement, ideas, and guidance when needed.
So where do you start? Here are some things you can do to start nurturing these relationships which can become a crucial part of building your business and even better, bring you to know some fantastic people.
Facebook: When spending time on Face Book take the time to read the status of and check in with the people you hope to build a relationships with and comment on the things they are doing.
Ask specifics and start a conversation.
My internet buddy Helen Rappy once made a recommendation to pick a few different people each day to connect with on FaceBook.
I love this idea, it's a great way to get yourself around in addition to talking with your favorite FB friends.
Twitter: Twitter is a great tool for building relationships.
Find a few friends on twitter that you want to engage with.
Set up their tweets with the mobile update, email alert, or be sure to check their timeline often.
When you come across something that you like, Re-tweet (RT) it, reply to it and start a conversation, and/or @mention them.
A referral is one of the highest compliments you can pay someone.
So, why not recommend a fellow tweeter with things such as #FF (follow friday) or simply posting a mention of them with a praise about what they do.
Blog Posts: When you post a comment on a blog be sure to directly address the content you just read.
Stay away from general statements, give real opinions, genuinely compliment, and always be professional.
I've seen comments left by individuals that are so hung up on making a point that they are insulting and rude.
Consider that you are in someones home and be polite even if you have a different point of view.
(Well, there's a little bit of my conservative upbringing coming out.
) But, hey, the whole purpose is about building relationships, not burning bridges...
better to win friends than create enemies, right?
That's because, it is really that important.
While it may seem odd to develop relationships without the face to face connection, it works! It is crucial to building an online presence and a solid customer base.
It's just that it seems expected that everyone would know what that means.
More importantly, once the concept is really grasped, do you know how to actually implement it into your daily business tasks and goals? Being authentic and genuinely corresponding with people you meet, online or off line is what building relationships is really all about.
It happens to be a rather natural process when we meet people face to face.
When you talk with someone new, you make a connection, find a common ground, and develop a respect as you learn about them.
You may pass business cards, share a website or number and decide to be in touch.
But, what happens when you want to transition this to the world of the internet? For today's purpose, we'll focus on the online aspect and how to create new and exciting "friendships" and with people you meet online via the social media mediums of FaceBook, Twitter and Blogs.
Since starting my internet building business, I've been fortunate to build relationships with many online entrepreneurs.
I refer to them as my 'online friends'.
We communicate on a regular basis, we support one another by congratulating and celebrating each others successes, and we help out with encouragement, ideas, and guidance when needed.
So where do you start? Here are some things you can do to start nurturing these relationships which can become a crucial part of building your business and even better, bring you to know some fantastic people.
Facebook: When spending time on Face Book take the time to read the status of and check in with the people you hope to build a relationships with and comment on the things they are doing.
Ask specifics and start a conversation.
My internet buddy Helen Rappy once made a recommendation to pick a few different people each day to connect with on FaceBook.
I love this idea, it's a great way to get yourself around in addition to talking with your favorite FB friends.
Twitter: Twitter is a great tool for building relationships.
Find a few friends on twitter that you want to engage with.
Set up their tweets with the mobile update, email alert, or be sure to check their timeline often.
When you come across something that you like, Re-tweet (RT) it, reply to it and start a conversation, and/or @mention them.
A referral is one of the highest compliments you can pay someone.
So, why not recommend a fellow tweeter with things such as #FF (follow friday) or simply posting a mention of them with a praise about what they do.
Blog Posts: When you post a comment on a blog be sure to directly address the content you just read.
Stay away from general statements, give real opinions, genuinely compliment, and always be professional.
I've seen comments left by individuals that are so hung up on making a point that they are insulting and rude.
Consider that you are in someones home and be polite even if you have a different point of view.
(Well, there's a little bit of my conservative upbringing coming out.
) But, hey, the whole purpose is about building relationships, not burning bridges...
better to win friends than create enemies, right?