Social Networking - How to Communicate Effectively Using Twitter and Other Social Media For Business

By Felicia Slattery

Social media and social networking using sites like Twitter and Facebook have become some of the hottest buzz words on the Internet today. For those solo professionals and entrepreneurs who work at home, one of the major benefits of social networking is having the opportunity to communicate with people from all over the world using the power of the Internet.

People from all walks of life and from all around the world are hanging out by the millions on places like Facebook and Twitter.

Of course meeting new people, whether it’s in your own neighborhood or across the globe, means using effective communication. Particularly if you’re using the Internet to get the word out about your business, you need to communicate effectively because you don’t have the same nonverbal cues others do face-to-face or even over the phone.

The main thing to remember when you’re communicating about your business to others online is this: always keep your “audience” in mind. It’s not about you. Every one of us is tuned into our favorite radio station: WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?).

With that in mind, here are my top 3 tips to communicating effectively to market your business using the power of social networking:

1. Build relationships

Just like when you build relationships in person, you have to have a conversation. Ask people about them and their interests. Share a bit of yourself (not just your business) to gain that all-important “know, like, and trust” from people reading your posts.

2. Offer Value

People will continue to flock to you if you offer them some value. Provide links to free resources you come across, articles, others’ blog posts you found interesting, or other information relevant to what your audience wants/needs.

3. Answer Requests

Very often people will post surveys, ask questions and in general look for feedback on their ideas, websites, etc. Take a moment or two to help someone out. Then when you need help, others will be there for you in return.

I personally have experienced many benefits to building relationships online. As a result of following these tips, I’ve quickly learned that sites like Twitter and Facebook can be highly effective for business and help savvy entrepreneurs make more money and have fun too while social networking.

I’ve personally had a lot of success using Twitter right from the beginning. I’ve been invited to speaking engagements and sold my products and services all using Twitter. I’d like to invite you to learn the basics of what it takes to succeed by marketing your business on Twitter here: http://www.communicationtransformation.com/twitterbasics.html

Regardless of the method you choose, effective communication with your clients and prospects is the key to making your business successful. The first thing you need to communicate– and continue to communicate — is your credibility. Without credibility, your business will go nowhere. With it, you’ll automatically attract new clients and see positive cash flow.

I invite you to discover what you need to know about Credibility and Cash Flow now. Visit http://www.CredibilityAndCashFlow.com to get your free e-course that will help you customize a credibility plan for your business and get you more clients, more business and more money.

Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now.