| It seems like all the news is about business on the | | | | school with is in just your line of work. You just never |
| global level, so it seems tough to decide how to help | | | | know. |
| you find local businesses. But just like global enterprises, | | | | First, Observe - Then, Reach Out |
| smaller businesses can harness the power of the | | | | Now that you've got a network established, watch |
| internet. And for free. | | | | how those people are using the social media venue. |
| How? Social media. It's free to join in the social media | | | | Contribute to the conversation before plugging your |
| fray. Yes, we're talking about sites and services like | | | | local business. When you do bring it up, make sure you |
| Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and for professionals, | | | | don't risk alienating the very people you are trying to |
| LinkedIn. Just like all business tools, you must learn how | | | | reach. |
| to use social media effectively. | | | | Here's an example: a circle of high school classmates |
| Join & Grow | | | | reunites online. The guy who now owns a local |
| First, if you're not already involved in a social media site, | | | | appliance store occasionally talks about his business, |
| get on one, fast. Create your profile and establish a | | | | but mostly sticks to 'what a great vacation we just |
| network of contacts. People you already know are | | | | had' and 'my kids just did this' type small talk. When a |
| certainly a part of whichever site you've joined. Start | | | | new energy efficient appliance rebate program starts, |
| looking for them. | | | | he mentions his store is participating. He reminds his |
| You have friends, family, colleagues, professional | | | | network of his store's name and location. Later in the |
| contacts and former college, high school and grammar | | | | week, he offers thanks. He sold $100,000 worth of |
| school classmates. Go through the names on your | | | | inventory in two days. Now that's business growth, |
| company holiday greeting card list, as well as your | | | | more than the entire two months sales combined. |
| personal list. Most social media sites allow members to | | | | Why? Because his social media announcement about |
| upload their email contact lists. Voila, instant network. | | | | the rebate plan encouraged his contacts came in to his |
| Most of them are indulging in some sort of social | | | | store to buy instead of going to the local big box |
| media venue. Get them in your network and catch up. | | | | store...and just as importantly, they sent their contacts |
| That freckle-faced girl who sat behind you in high | | | | in. |
| school science class might soon be looking to find local | | | | That is how social media works to help people find |
| businesses just like yours. If not, when her co-worker | | | | local businesses. |
| is, she's sure to mention that a person she went to | | | | |