Social networking and blogs are new buzzwords that we are starting to hear about, a lot more often. The big question that many companies ask is “How does this apply to the housing industry”. As I meet and talk with housing companies and sales people, I am finding that many of the companies that are proactive in today’s changing market and maintaining their business growth, are the same companies that are staying on top of the new technologies.
The way consumers shop and buy is changing very rapidly. Internet search, web shopping, e-mail marketing, blogs and the social networking sites, are all part of the new ways consumers communicate. Companies, who want to move forward, need to look at these new methods if they want to stay on top of things.
From a business aspect, social networking and blogging are just a few of the many ways, to reach out and connect with potential consumers and past customers. Becoming part of various social networking sites, can be a great asset in building your search engine ranking for your company and website. It can build exposure in new markets and open up doors to new connections.
Networks such as Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo, ActiveRain and various “ning” sites, have created specialist groups for individuals with common interests and backgrounds. What a great way to get exposure for your company and to establish contact in your local market!
Many business owners think that this networking frenzy is only for the younger generation. This is not the case. Baby boomers and the older traditional generation are using the networks to connect with old friends, business associates and families. They are comparing notes, buying experience and asking for recommendations from their network.
Younger generations are just not using the networks to chat and see what everyone else is doing. They are using the social network and blogs to talk about their buying experience on-line. They value the experiences of the individuals in their network and they will take everything at face value. Companies that excel in customer services or have a great Brand name, can capitalize on these networks by having their company named in a positive manner or for the introduction of a new product or promotion.
On the other side of the coin, if your service and your staff are not performing to par, the word will spread very quickly and this same new technology can also be your downfall. Negative exposure on networks or blogs, can undo thousands of dollars of advertising.
You may have no control on what consumers will say about your product or service, but you do have a lot of control on how you treat your customers. Excelling in customer service is one of the fastest ways to build your business. Training in the areas of customer service and human relations, will bring any company a big return on their investment.
Encourage your staff to join the various social networking programs and comment on various blogs. It is like advertising, but it doesn’t cost anything. Utilize the networks to get your name out there in a soft, subtle way. If your presence comes across as a sales pitch, it will work against you. Be creative. One thing to remember is to always post your name, company and website information, when you post a comment on a blog and sign onto a social network . You’ll find that by doing this, you’ll start to see your name and company showing up when consumers do Internet searches.
Remember, that for every dollar you spend on the Internet for your website and other technology programs, you get 30 times more value, than those dollars spent anywhere else.
Take the next step and get involved with these various networks. You’ll be amazed to see how many of your contacts have common connections with you. The six-degrees of separation really does work. If you are not familiar with this concept, it’s basically a concept that you can get connected to anyone, within six connections. Should you want to get started the easy way, send me an e-mail and I’ll connect with you on a few of the sites
Best of success!
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