I work with business people helping them to get their online marketing right and there is a strong tendency to put their social media into boxes. Business people think that they should be business only on Linked In and social animals on Facebook - they don't always realise that both platforms (and many others) have the potential for business and social interaction.
In today's world social connections are the way people get to know their future business suppliers and partners. The days of finding new suppliers only from a directory or because they happened to cold call are gone.
Even 30 years ago most business people were more likely to do business with someone they either knew or who had been recommended to them. There's a comfort factor in doing business with a known entity. There's also the likelihood that someone recommended by a mutual connection is not going to let you down - if they want to keep the business from the person who made the connection.
Today that pool of known and trusted contacts has not just expanded - it's exploded!
Without access to your social media you simply couldn't keep track of all the people you now 'know'. In fact, the chances of you finding out that they existed, let alone what they can do, what they're like and who they know would be minimal.
In today's world your connections online can run into many thousands - without too much effort. In among all those people you either know the perfect supplier for you or you know someone who does.
What does this mean to you?
Firstly, always ask your connections for help and recommendations first.
Secondly, make sure your connections know what you do and share your expertise freely. If they know your talents, they'll be able to refer you to their other connections.
Sharing your knowledge will win you business in the long run.
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