Benefits of online networking

Jun 15 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

EFFECTIVELY using all business tools at your disposal will give you an edge over competitors. So it’s worth considering if your business could reap the benefits of digital social media?

You wouldn’t be alone if you thought online networking is only for young people, but this misconception could prove costly. Small businesses are beginning to tap into the benefits of these tools. Can you afford to be left behind?

Small businesses rely on making connections to find new customers, whether it be through face-to-face networking, a marketing strategy, handing out business cards or customer referrals. The flexibility of digital social media means it could complement all of these activities.

There is a diverse range of personal and professional networking sites that could provide a platform for you to raise awareness of your brand and make connections with interested communities and groups. You might have heard of sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Five reasons to get online:

1. Free services or membership – if you don’t have an online presence, digital social media will provide a cost-effective introduction to the web. Creating an online profile on LinkedIn or Facebook will start you off making connections and building relationships.

2. Share your expertise – digital social media provides vast opportunities to stimulate discussions, exchange advice, ideas and information with people who have similar interests. By putting yourself out there as someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy you could give your reputation a boost.

3. Customer feedback – an online presence will provide your customers with an opportunity to give you feedback. Word-of-mouth isn’t limited to face-to-face communication – you could get your positive feedback noticed online.

4. Knowledge is power – keeping up-to-date with what’s going on in your business community could open up new opportunities or business partnerships.

5. Enhance your marketing strategy – an online presence will allow you to join communities and groups which could be utilised to reach your target audience generating potential sales.

If the thought of getting into digital social media is a daunting one, why not consider getting a tech-savvy employee involved? Just look around the office on a lunch time to see who is tapping away on their keyboards, keeping their friends up to date on Facebook or Bebo to identify who could help you harness the power of digital social media.

Carole White is business support manager, Tedco