How can we use social media networking sites/groups to turn relationships into lead exchanges? We spend time & energy networking, but we ultimately have a goal to improve our business. Thoughts?
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This is a great post. Yes, it's about relationships and adding value. Show them the value that you add to their lives, businesses etc. Spend more time being interested instead of interesting. This is old but still true "They don't
care how much you know until they know how much you care." Actually networking is about adding value and helping another get where they are trying to go. It's more about giving than getting, however, as a result you receive. If we all do this with integrity we will discover the richness of the law of giving.
I have an event coming up that we will seek to allow opportunities for valuable connections.
When it comes to turning social media networking into leads I think people forget something I like to call "The Big R".... R for Recommendations that is. Most times, I make direct sales on social networking websites from people asking me questions and me recommending a product or service ... sometimes its my own and sometimes its not ... sometimes is an affiliate product I've used and find to be useful.
Social networking in my opinion is mainly about conversations... you are supposed to be creating them and also responding to them on a regular basis with genuine information and clear value. When the value you bring is clear people remember you, the befriend you, the recommend you, and the come to you when they are in need of advice or a product/service they want to buy.
That is my first thought on the topic, hopefully more folks will chime in and we can get a good discussion going :)
Lesa Kent > LaShanda HenryAugust 6, 2010 at 2:39pm
Hi Majorie what is LeTip. And I agree its important to build relationships. I have relationships that were built online that have lead to great insight about other subjects. I love running ideas across someone else to find out if they did it or what works for them on their side of the country or world.
That's right, Lavada. A win-win situation. After being on the BBWO for 2 years+, and actively on other social networking sites, I agree trust and referral sharing has been the key. It does take time. However, continuously allowing your integrity to shine through, helps your business to grow. I have such a group (personal) that I started building, and as I come across other professional women, I add them. As I receive helpful sources, etc, or, "meet" someone that should "meet" someone, and email or social network message is sent with detailed information. In turn, I receive information, sales, etc.
Great question! Here is my initial thought. We all have clients who need services that we cannot provide. As we get to know and trust each other on BBWO and other social networking sites, why not create a referral group and commit to exchanging leads on a regular basis? A lead for a lead. I can say "Hi, Vanessa. Two of my clients are in need of services similar to the ones you provide." Here are their names, numbers and email addresses. You then return the favor and provide me with two leads. I think the key here is to create a win-win situation. You don't want to be the one always referring others, but getting nothing in return.
Vanessa Wilson > Lavada ThompsonAugust 4, 2010 at 10:51pm
Thanks Lavada for your reply. I do a lot of face to face networking in the Twin Cities, BNI, Women In Networking groups and there are a ton of Meet Up groups here where you can do one on one - establishing relationships and generating/exchanging leads. I'm just trying to establish the flow of that same concept in the social media world. I just need more time on this site and others. I have benefited tremendously so far from the knowledge I've gained from others and exchange of ideas. I look forward to continuing in that matter and building leads as well.
Replies
care how much you know until they know how much you care." Actually networking is about adding value and helping another get where they are trying to go. It's more about giving than getting, however, as a result you receive. If we all do this with integrity we will discover the richness of the law of giving.
I have an event coming up that we will seek to allow opportunities for valuable connections.
B2B Referrals:
http://mybbwo.com/group/b2breferrals
Black Affiliate Programs:
http://mybbwo.com/group/blackaffiliateprograms
Keep those recommendations coming! -lh
Social networking in my opinion is mainly about conversations... you are supposed to be creating them and also responding to them on a regular basis with genuine information and clear value. When the value you bring is clear people remember you, the befriend you, the recommend you, and the come to you when they are in need of advice or a product/service they want to buy.
That is my first thought on the topic, hopefully more folks will chime in and we can get a good discussion going :)
Lavada
www.gems-shine.com
www.mysuccessdependsonIT.com