Tips for Salespeople to Network on Social Media

  

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You go to many networking events.  You understand how to do that.  You walk in, shake hands with someone, talk a bit and exchange business cards, right?  Isn't that the way it works?  Sometimes these conversations are stimulating and fun; other times they are deadly dull, and you can't wait to exit.  Salespeople have to meet and greet all the time.  Good salespeople have learned the art of networking.  They understand that these events are not places for the hard sell.

Why then do we try to push our products on people online?  Why do we receive so many emails, tweets and Facebook notices that do no more than tout the latest whatever?  When will salespeople understand that the art of networking face-to-face is no different than the art of networking online?

Before I share a few tips for salespeople to network with social media, let me emphasize the importance of building a relationship before you try to sell.  That process takes longer than most of us think.  The funnel of trust online begins with someone clicking onto your site.  If they like what they see and there's an opportunity to sign-up or get a freebie, they'll do that.  If you come through with quality information either on your blog or with your freebie, then they might purchase a small product from you.  If that product proves successful, then they'll move further up the line and buy more.  As a salesperson your goal is to get as many people to the site as possible in order to increase the likelihood of creating a buyer. 

Trust is critical for online networking.  It is even more critical than face-to-face networking.  Why?  If you don't come through in that one second that the person clicks on your site, you've lost.  It's over.

Here are some tips for salespeople to network with social media:

• Identify the niche you want to network with.  It could be sales managers, human resource managers, recruiters.  The  narrower the niche the better your chances of creating opportunities that will attract buyers.

• Share information that you think would be helpful to someone as you might face to face at an event.  LinkedIn gives you lots of opportunities to do this in the Discussion section of their groups.  Look over the discussions.  Can you add anything that might answer someone’s question?

• Sign up on other people’s sites.  This is like asking for someone’s business card.  You also become more aware of that person's needs, wants and interests.

• Comment on other people’s blogs.  And follow those blogs that give you the best information about your service, your customers or your industry.

Remember networking online takes longer and more patience.  But, the opportunities are endless.  We'd all rather purchase from a "friend," "connection," or "follower" than someone who spams us day in and day out.

What suggestions do you have to help salespeople network with social media?

Want to learn more?  Download the free tips to boost sales with social media.