How to use online business networks to get the most for your brand and your business.
Professional Business directories are like online marketing platforms for your business. Here are five key areas that you must make the most of in order to build relationships, establish yourself as your industry expert, and promote your brand using online business networks
1. Research, Focus and Target Research and visit several networking groups. Don’t waste time with groups that will not provide the type of connections your business needs. If you are a real estate professional, for example then make sure you target relevant groups. What is good about online business directories is that they make it easy to target the right audience with their searchable databases and relative ease of use. Professional business directories and the various upgrade features can really help your brand.
2. You need to make sure you are genuine and that you stand by what you are talking about. It is easier than you think to see through you if you are not genuine, and on the flip side to this – it is really hard to keep up appearances if you are not the genuine article, excuse the pun. Be professional not a bothersome bore. Find groups and people you enjoy, people who are fun to be with. It makes being yourself more comfortable. This also makes the whole process a lot more fun!
3. Ask good questions and more importantly – ask the right questions! The biggest part of networking online is engaging through conversation and referring others. Make sure then that you are not only asking the right questions, but listening to the answers and to the market in general. It is a lot easier to anticipate the needs of an ever changing market when you have been listening to what people are asking and saying.
4. Be the Reliable Expert. What is your business truly ‘the experts’ of? What is your business known for. Let’s assume (and hope) your business is known for many great things. Are you reliable, does your business have reliability at its core? If so, be sure to confirm this with your clients and reaffirm this fact through your reliability on the online business networks you are engaging on.
5. Business networking has to be active to succeed. This includes being active in places like Linkedin, and also utilising Facebook Marketing to network online. In order to do this then you need to set goals with relation to your social business networking. Are you spending the requisite time engaging with others? Is it having the impact you thought? if not then perhaps you need to look at setting aside more time within each network. Not spending enough time will undo all the previous efforts you make in relation to professional business networking.
Our Professional business directories and various upgrade features can help your business grow. Utilize the best Online Marketing Platforms and learn how to promote your brand the right way.
Tags: brand, Business, business listings, directories, Facebook Marketing, local business, marketing, marketing platform, professional listing, real estate, searchable database
