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Ask any business owner the definition of networking. More than likely you’ll hear something about developing relationships and finding new prospects by attending meetings and events. But if you Google networking, the results focus on computer networking, social media and the Internet.Networkers also find themselves divided, with the majority identifying themselves with either one tool or the other. Either you are a networker (attending events, shaking hands, building relationships) or you are a social network marketer (posting on twitter, writing articles and connecting with fans).So what happens when the two worlds collide?Done properly either tool may result in brand awareness, strategic alliances and increased sales. Combining both tools enable business professionals to leverage efforts to yield even greater results. The following is an example of what can happen with traditional networking meets social network marketing.LeTip International is the oldest privately-owned networking organization in the world. LeTip’s foundation is built upon highly structured weekly meetings. The time-tested structure of building strong relationships with Members acting as independent sales representatives for each other has created millions of dollars in “tips” and groups around the globe.CEO and President Kim Marie Branch-Pettid has a vision of moving LeTip forward by capitalizing on social media and allowing Members to connect in communities on- and off-line. While other networking organizations had begun to use social media, Branch-Pettid wanted to embrace the true nature of social media, building a community versus using social media as just another website.Working with local marketing communications firm Three Dog Marketing, LeTip International launched a Social Network MarketingTM program that combined training, online relationship building and good old fashioned networking. Though the program is still in its infancy, already several valuable lessons are apparent.1.) Whether online or in-person, the same networking rules apply.It turns out that Social Network MarketingTM and traditional (in person) networking are not that different. Both methodologies thrive on building relationships, supporting other business professionals and creating value for your product or service. Social media platforms allow networking groups to create the same atmosphere of support, education and community that successful groups create at their on-site meetings, but social media allows for others to experience this process and easily share it with their friends and business associates.2.) Use online networking to leverage in-person networking.A compelling testimonial is an excellent tool for any networking professional. LeTip Members are encouraged to deliver testimonials for deserving fellow Members. Nothing builds trust and support like fellow group Members bestowing kudos for a job well done. Social media allows those same testimonials to go out to your online community, multiplying its value. Now, not only do these kudos appear to your friends and networks, the next time a prospective client searches online, your testimonial appears unsolicited. Social Network MarketingTM also serves as an excellent follow-up tool, a great way to invite new guests and an excellent way to find out about other networking and educational events and who is attending them.3.) Use networking to build credibility and your repertoire of skills.LeTip’s in person meetings have always provided Members and guests the opportunity to learn from each other and to build public speaking, sales and other skills. Online communities provide the opportunity for Members to share valuable pieces of education and training with their fellow Members 24 hours a day, whether answering a specific question, highlighting your own writing, or sharing a particularly helpful article written by another expert. The value of this community of fellow business professionals to share with and learn from is multiplied by networking online and in person.Once you get past the terminology and pretense associated with networking and social network marketing, both tools have more in common than one would think. The differences between strategic network marketing and in person networking make the combination of the two even more effective – the opportunity to leverage your time and efforts and complement the strengths of both tools.Networking is networking, and networking is good for business.

As you build your network marketing or MLM business, you are going to realize very quickly that you have run out of leads. Chasing your existing friends and family is only going to get you so far, and most of them are probably already running in the other direction when they see you coming.MLM recruiting comes down to 2 things. And you already know what they are, because they are listed right in the name. “Network” and “Marketing”.That is simplified, but what growing your group comes down to, is building a big network, and then marketing to that network. Unfortunately, most of your existing network may already be tired of hearing your message.This is where social networking can come to the rescue for your business. In all of human history, there has never been a faster way to build up your group of friends and acquaintances. And then present them with your marketing message.Social networking allows you to meet more people who are just like you. People looking for a business opportunity. Or people looking for the product that you are selling.Remember how excited you were when you first saw your company’s compensation plan? Do you see the excited faces out there when you attend a conference?There are many more people like that out there. But they are unlikely to come from your small group of friends and family. However, chances are very good, they are using social media.Social networking is exactly what the name implies. It is “social” and “networking”. Do you see the common thread? Network. This is where the 2 activities, social media and MLM, mesh.You already know people will only be interested in your opportunity or products if they know, like and trust you.To understand how that works, think about this example. Many people in network marketing opportunities manage to recruit some of their best friends or family right away. You have to realize, that those people signed up because of you. Not your opportunity or products.It is the same when using social media. After you have built a group of “friends” who know, like and trust you, you will find they are open to your marketing message.The 3 steps you follow, and how they mesh is easy to remember. They are right in the names “social networking” and “network marketing”.
Social – Using social networking tools, be social, be friendly and give useful information.
Networking – Build a network of friends and associates who know, like and trust you.
Marketing – Put your opportunity and / or products in front of your associates who you know are looking for them.There are 2 social networks which are almost mandatory if you want to succeed in your networking marketing business. There are also many others which may be of value.The first is Facebook.Facebook has over 400 Million users. In fact, it is estimated that at least 1/2 of all Internet users in the US are on Facebook. And they spend an average of 1 hour per day checking updates.This is huge. If there are no Facebook users out there that are interested in what you have to offer, you are offering the wrong things.Facebook can be utilized through both your personal profile and through business fan pages. Can you imagine having loads of fans for your MLM business? Hundreds or thousands of people, in your circle, that are actually interested in hearing your marketing message.Would that be better than chasing after your friends and family?Next in line, for social media, is Twitter. A little smaller, with only 90 million users, Twitter still has a huge number of leads hanging out.Twitters approach is different than Facebook’s. It allows you to send short “status” updates to your friends, fans or followers. These short status messages can contain links to more information. But in general they are not followed as closely as messages that you post on Facebook.However, it is much easier for you to find hundreds, even thousands of fans very quickly. Out of those thousand, you can find gems that will look for more information on your blog, site or Facebook page.There are many other social media sites out there. Some will be general like Facebook and Twitter. Others are very specific, possibly for a niche that is related to your network marketing business. But Facebook is by far the largest social group on the planet right now. Twitter is growing quickly, and is almost as well known.Social media and network marketing mesh almost seamlessly. By being social, you are building likeability and credibility within a large circle that are open to your marketing message.And the best part is, you can start using these techniques starting today. Facebook, Twitter and most of the other social networks you will ever want to use are completely free.Running you MLM / Network marketing business can get overwhelming at times, but by using social networking, you can quickly build a large group to market to.