Faith and Business 101: The Nitty Gritty – Part 2
Social Networking is huge for Moms in business. My entire business is based online, mostly with moms I have never met! However, I started networking with other moms on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Cafemom and Twittermoms and that has made a tremendous difference in my business. Not only did these women become colleagues, customers, and advisers….they became friends! Let’s talk about how this works today!
First of all, Facebook and Twitter are not just for teenagers and college students. These online social sites are great places to connect with potential customers and increase your business. I could spend months showing you the ins and outs of each of these sites (and we may in the future) but for this week let’s just focus on the basics. There are 5 social networking sites that are important to join and become good at if you’d like your Mom Business to grow.
Think you don’t have time for all of this? I firmly believe that you don’t have time NOT to do this if you want your business to succeed! Almost all of my sales have been from clients I have met on the following social sites:
1. Facebook. I have made the most connections, sales…and friends from Facebook. If you have no idea where to start with Facebook, go to www.youtube.com and search for Facebook training 101. This will show you, step-by-step, how to set up your account and how to get started on Facebook. Start adding friends, joining groups that apply to you and making conversations with people. If you have a Mom Business, you need to set up a fan page. You can also search for directions on how to do this online. I have experienced much success from Facebook networking and I believe it is your #1 resource for connecting with potential clients and mentors. Start here and then add the others as you master each.
2. Twitter. Twitter is also a fantastic tool to make connections, share your blog giveaways, promote your business, and keep up with friends. It’s important to establish relationships on twitter, as well, instead of just always tweeting about what you’re doing. Respond to other tweets. Care about what other people have to say. Share scripture and ask for prayer requests. Promote your business in between being personable.
3. CaféMom. Cafemom is a great place to connect with other moms. You can join groups just like you can on Facebook. Some of the groups are specifically Christian Moms groups and many of the groups are established primarily for other moms to promote and share about their business. I get a ton of traffic to my website from CafeMom. Make sure you really develop your profile with links to your website and information about yourself that other moms will want to know.
4. Twittermoms is a fun group for….you guessed it: Mom’s who tweet on Twitter! There are also Christian Moms groups here, and this is a good place to find quality people to follow and network with on twitter.
There are many other social networking and ning sites out there including this one: Moms of Faith. Another favorite is Moms United In Business (MUIB). If you do a google search for Christian networking sites, you’ll find plenty of places for you to connect with other Christian moms.
IMPORTANT: please remember to be yourself online (go back and read my previous post called Be Real and Be Upfront!). You do not always want to be promoting something. Be human. Talk about yourself, your life and your relationship with God. This is how you build real, long-lasting connections with people and potential clients online.
In closing, I feel the need to remind you that I have learned the hard way that no amount of networking or advertising is going to help you out if you are not doing what God wants you to be doing! If you want His blessing….seek out what He would have you do. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:11-13
Until Next Time…
MariLee
Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Thanks, MariLee! As always, great advice. I love facebook and twitter. I was gun-shy of both for a while but once I jumped in, the relationships I built were amazing. ARE amazing. You, in fact, are one of them!! :-) I think you are right that it’s about giving and not simply about taking. So many people are involved in social networking to be heard but oftentimes it’s even more important that we listen. Thanks, friend!