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LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter...or NOT?!!

By
Mortgage and Lending with Innovative Capital Solutions

There seems to be mass confusion surrounding the social media networking frenzy that is raging online right now. Many business people say "Why should I tweet?", "Why should I Superpoke?" or just plain..."What's the point?"

While I'll admit I didn't quite get Facebook at first and the jury is still out on Twitter, I'm starting to turn the corner on the value of Facebook. I have been a HUGE LinkedIn fan for years but just came to understand it's "power" this past January when I found myself unemployed for the second time in 1 1/2 years. I am now connected with some of the biggest and brightest stars in social media networking, let alone LinkedIn.

The largest growing demographic on Facebook is the over 30 group. It is important to realize all social media networking serve a specific purpose. Although LinkedIn is the only "business networking" site, it's important to remember we're all in the relationship business. The success I get from Facebook comes from:

  1. Inviting ALL of the friends, relatives and other contacts I know to join.
  2. By building a company page and inviting them to invite their friends AND my clients to join, you've just created an online community surrounding your business all sharing photos of their kids, vacations, silly moments etc.
  3. Invite them to become a fan and create a link on THEIR profile to YOUR business page.
  4. They typically share comments about how great your service delivery was for them. 
  5. It's all about marketing and the BEST advertising is word of mouth. Many of the people on Facebook have hundreds if not thousands of "friends." It would be much more effective for them to tell everyone they know how great you are than for you to do it?!

I am coaching some young professionals on how to parlay their social networking skills and social success on Facebook into business success and financial success on Facebook and LinkedIn. I would be remiss not to share my knowledge, skills and success with those that I know and love who are struggling in a down ecomony. Only if we are able to offer fresh, creative solutions that can be duplicated will we be able to work our way out of this recession.

What are your success stories on Active Rain, LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter?

Comments (5)

Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

It takes a while to get the hang of all these things.  Once you do, the next trick is finding the time to be on all of these sites.  I think I need a clone.

Mar 07, 2009 08:25 AM
Denise Gray
Realty World Alliance - Wichita, KS
Realtor SRES, Wichita Kansas Homes

My use for twitter is that it does distribute a blog here to facebook an myspace (time saver). As far as being a twitter I don't get it.

Mar 07, 2009 08:37 AM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

The point you make about different networks serving different purposes is very true.  It's definitely not a 'one size fits all' proposition.  And I also think that each individual needs to determine what works for them.  It took me awhile to understand Twitter, but I use it more often now.  I've found that even if business is not generated directly, people look at the profiles when doing their research and that has a lot of benefit.

Mar 07, 2009 08:44 AM
Anonymous
Patrick OMalley

Good article. 

If you are looking for a job, I have a free, time-saving tip on how to use the LinkedIn toolbar at

<a href=" http://www.the-linkedin-speaker.com/blog/2009/03/03/linkedin-training-tip-faster-job-hunting-with-linkedin-toolbar/
" target="_blank">LinkedIn Toolbar Description</a>

Thanks,
<a href="http://www.patrickomalley.com">Pat O'Malley</a>

Mar 08, 2009 06:04 AM
#4
David Orsini
Top of Mind Networks - Atlanta, GA
{Real Estate and Mortgage CRM}

I couldn't agree more.  FaceBook and Linked in are great outlets to drive business, build your brand, and establish yourself as a subject matter expert.  We recently did 2 webinars with industry guru Brian Brady on some tactics you can use on these sites.  The links to the webinars are below.  If you want to watch them; be forewarned they are kind of lengthy.  Each one is about 50 minutes.

http://www.topofmind.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/webinar-replay-brian-brady-training-on-linkedin-and-meetup/

http://www.topofmind.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/webinar-replay-brian-brady-on-facebook-and-social-networking/

Mar 11, 2009 10:43 AM