3 Ways to Make Profitable Connections on Social Media
It takes time to create a good relationship
Our business relationships are not something to be jumped into lightly. They take time to create. The most worthwhile relationships are not formed overnight. They take time to create. We need to get to know each other. We need to build trust on both sides.
It’s exactly the same with social media. When we form a social media connection, it doesn’t yet mean that we can take this further. The connection needs to be worked on to create something worthwhile.
Sometimes we expect too much too soon
Many people make a social media connection and assume that they can immediately start doing business with their connection. This has about the same success factor as assuming that the person who answers a cold call will become an instant client.
People who take care in growing their social media connections are more likely to create worthwhile relationships. They have more control over turning a connection into a true member of their network. They are also more likely to achieve sales from this connection, if that is what they desire.
People who assume that a new social media connection is already a full relationship will not achieve so much from their social media activity. They won’t create the business partners and network connections that they are looking for.
Here are three ways to create a worthwhile social media connection:
- Communicate personally
Stop sending the dreaded LinkedIn standard connection invite. Connect from someone’s LinkedIn profile and take the time to send a personal message. If they accept your connection, acknowledge it and follow up. Don’t assume that they all make the next move. It is up to you to develop this connection.It’s the same on Twitter and Facebook. Make sure you take time to send messages to people who may become valuable connections. Make it personal! - Share good content
Be seen as a provider of useful resources by your social media network. Share interesting content that is likely to be useful to your connections. This is not an invitation to start selling your company. But it is fine to share educational content that revolves around the sector that your company operates in.Remember, the content doesn’t have to be yours. I regularly share content from other people that I believe is worth sharing. However, you should try and create some original content as well. If this feels too time-consuming, or you don’t know where to start, contact me to find out about my content writing services. - Reach out to a connection, one-to-one
The best connections are those where you can take the relationship beyond the world of social media. Reach out to your network. Suggest one-to-one calls. Create a real-life networking meet-up. Let people know when you are attending events where they may be.
If you can take a social media connection into the real world, then you have a much better chance of being able to help each other. You also have a much better chance of doing some business together.
P.S. Learn how to sell print successfully online: download my free e-guide “Ten Social Media Rules For Print Sales People.” You’ll also receive my regular “Views from the print buyer” bulletin, full of ideas on how to use social media and sell print effectively.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Many printing companies are frustrated how hard it is to engage buyers in today’s world. That’s where Matthew Parker can help. He is a gamekeeper turned poacher. Parker has bought print for more than 20 years and received over 1,400 print sales pitches. He now uses his buyer’s point of view to give practical advice to printers. He helps them engage with prospects and customers to create profitable relationships.
Download his free e-book, "Ten Common Print Selling Errors And What To Do About Them" and check out his recently launched book, "How To Succeed At Print Sales: Setting targets, planning the right activities and making sure goals are met."
