Social Networking - A Do or a Don't for Your Business???

PART ONE: YOU GOT TO KEEP THEM SEPARATED!

Okay, so I realize social networking is a very broad topic and that many of you have questions about this fairly new frontier. I plan on breaking down this social networking subject for you as I receive more feedback from you to see what exactly it is you all want to know (So please leave me comments below or send me messages on Facebook and let me know, I will be updating my blog weekly, more if needed). As you know the technology industry in consistently changing, not to make us feel old or out of date, but to better make our lives and businesses run more smoothly and efficiently. I continue to educate myself on the social media networking frenzy by attending seminars, both online and in person, as well as ongoing research on the World Wide Web and even more importantly applying these tactics myself!

One thing I have learned is that social networking can be a value to your business. However, I see many people combining their business with pleasure. Not always a bad thing, but not always a good thing either. Many people I see are killing two birds with one stone and using their Facebook profile (I will refer to Facebook because it is one I am most familiar with) for personal reasons but yet add many business prospects they come in contact with. How professional will your prospects think you are when they see photos of you doing a beer bong on the weekend or half naked pictures of yourself (No I am not making these up to be humorous, these are examples from people who want me to business with them)? Now I understand sex sells, but really let’s be classy about it. I also realize that people want to do business with other people who seem like they are fun, but how about you post pictures of you and your clients golfing or enjoying a glass of vino instead.

What is my solution you ask? You need to have TWO profiles for your social networking accounts. Yes, TWO!! One profile can be for you to connect with friends and old classmates and share enlightening photos from the weekend, the other profile will be your business profile. When I say business profile, I do not necessarily mean a profile for your actual business but one just for you, the business side of you. Especially if you are in sales. You could add photos of you and your clients, photos of you at a fancy social or a chamber event. Also, keep your clients up to date on latest news in your industry, new clients of yours, or specials you may be offering by updating your ‘status’ on Facebook. If you would like to add my business profile to your list of friends on Facebook, you can search for me by my business email, Ashley@enertiasolutions.com.

Lastly, I will leave you with one of my favorite business Facebook profiles: Sprinkles. Yes, the cupcake shop, I suggest you add them right now to your friends list. Nearly every day they will update their status with a new word that you can whisper to one of the Sprinkles employees, and they will give you a FREE cupcake! What a great idea! Let this profile inspire you!