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Social Networking - Are We Missing the Point?

Time:2010-03-10 18:42:02 Source:Ezinearticles Author:Lucas Cantoni

The concept of social networking exploded in early to mid 2000 with the launch of MySpace, Facebook and ultimately Twitter. In years past, these networks were primarily used as a way for us to stay connected with our friends and family... it was a way for us to share what's happening in our lives.

With the ability to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at anytime, the social networks have evolved from being a place where we could maintain relationships and develop new friendships, to an online swap meet where vendors can pitch their products or services.

Being an entrepreneur myself, I agree that the social networking sites provide, many, the opportunity to network and reach potential prospects, however lately the "pitch fest" has simply gotten out of control.

For example, we had one particular Twitter follower that tweeted variations of the same message conservatively twenty to thirty times a day. One evening, this individual had sent no less than ten tweets in fifteen minutes and as if the excessive tweets weren't bad enough each message included a link to the same place...a poorly constructed sales/landing page.

Social Media is first and foremost just that, a place to be social. It is a place to connect with others, express thoughts and ideas, share information and experiences or even a funny video while developing new friendships or maintaining existing ones.

Although many marketers may disagree, we believe that you can attract prospects to your business by providing valuable content such as education, solutions to problems, and/or answers to questions. Simply put, when you present yourself as a leader and deliver value to others, people will begin to follow you naturally.

For most businesses, promoting on the social sites is a "no brainer." What business wouldn't want to take advantage of the free and/or low cost opportunities presented by the increasing popularity of social networking sites? These sources provide a great way to reach potential new customers and prospects; however businesses need to use social media sites in a way that does not create the perception of someone who is nothing more than a pushy used car salesman.

Again, I'm not recommending businesses cease promoting within the social networks, I'm merely suggesting that it be done with more discretion and coupled with value added content.

Think of the social media sites more like a party...a place to meet new people, engage in conversation, and enjoy yourself and the company of others in a relaxed atmosphere. You wouldn't go to a party and say to all the guests "hi I'm John Doe and by the way buy this and invest in that." You'd be social, get to know people, discuss your interests, ask questions, and then naturally move on what you and your business do.

In closing, be less pitchy, become more social...then watch how quickly you begin attracting customers or prospects when you start delivering value and building relationships.

Lucas Cantoni is a mentor and business coach specializing in delivering value and education while creating success and wealth in others. To learn more about Lucas visit: http://www.lucasandcarricantoni.com/about-us

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucas_Cantoni

Lucas Cantoni - EzineArticles Expert Author

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