Money Secrets

Although I’m a member of numerous social networking sites, the reality is that I am only active in a few. And this is probably the same for most folks. After all, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to visit every social networking site, and have any meaningful relationships with the zillions of folks that are using them.

And social networking is about building relationships. If you’re using social networking sites simply as a way to get backlinks to your site, or worse still, to throw up some spammy posts in the hope of making some fast cash, you’re not going to have much success. And given the TOS of the most reputable sites, wouldn’t allow it anyway, you’ll probably end up being banned.

So if the world and his dog are using MySpace, Facebook, Twitter… how do you get to stand out. Are you sure you want to compete with millions of other users? There are much better opportunities if you invest your time in well respected but much smaller communities. And of course, the added benefit that as smaller social communities grow, you are percieved as an expert because of the contributions you’ve made during your time there.

I’ve already told you how Google is helping us all to become social butterflies and there’s a reason for it. Social Networking is such a huge part of the Internet experience these days that Google wants to help ensure we all get the most from it.

And you can only do that by building relationships with people. As you do it, think how much your presence grows throughout the Internet, as they tell their friends about you, and their friends tell their friends…

But I’ve got to tell you, making a dent in the likes of MySpace and Facebook, is far from easy. In fact, it’s almost impossible if you’re just starting out. Plus, let’s face it, 90% of their users aren’t Internet Marketers. Hardly ‘targeted’ traffic is it?

So get out there and start working on the smaller social networking sites. You’ll have a much better chance of making an impact and building real, solid relationships.

And yes, (you didn’t think I’d miss the chance to tell you about my faves, did you? ) I can highly recommend a couple of pretty nifty sites that have done wonders for yours truly.

The first social networking site I joined was Apsense. It’s now evolved into Apsense 2.0. And thankfully, is totally spam free! Not something that can be said of any other social networking forum specifically for business owners. So head on over and join up. Be sure to join 2.0 after signing up. Unfortunately, the original Apsense came to a grinding halt due to being overtaken by spam. And btw, if all you’re going to do is spam, then don’t bother joining. Trust me, you won’t get very far.

Same goes for my other fave social networking site. BetterNetworker is more geared towards Network Marketers. But has some awesome training from some of the most well respected marketers on the planet.

So leave those big guns alone and go build yourself some real relationships, with real people, in a forum where you can stand out and make a difference. After all, isn’t that the purpose of networking socially?

Susan

Yes, I use Google Alerts. As should you all, I might add. They’re free and let you know whenever you or someone else is up to something.

And God bless her little cotton socks, today Google advised me that, according to Twitterholic.com (the England edition), I am ranked 32nd according to ‘number of followers’.

I confess I didn’t even know about Twitterholic - does this mean I’m not a Twitterholic? My reputation as a social networking butterfly is perhaps not as well deserved as I thought. Still, now that I know, I can set to and do something about it.

So, follow me now people. Top guy (Jim Connolly - who’s he?) has over 11,000 followers so I have some serious catching up to do.

To Social Networking Butterflies everywhere
Susan Coils