Learn the hidden power of social networks to grow your business

Does the word social networking sound playful to you as it does to over 79% of business people in South Africa? If that is so, then allow me to alert you that the world is changing and marketing is no longer a formal process that requires big budgets.

In today’s business culture, you can create meaningful connections on social networks. One of the key functions of a business owner is to keep up with market changes and advancements in terms of technology, culture and strategies to name a few. The challenge is often on how you keep up with these trends, as many business people still expect to go to formal networking sessions to discuss and catch up with peers in their line of business. If the greater business population of the world is actively participating in this type of practice, shouldn’t you at least try it? Most business people still fail to see the relevance of this practice in their businesses, but what the hell, it’s often been said that what you don’t know won’t hurt you.

But what if what you don’t know is costing you millions of rands? Simply put, if you don’t try something, you will never know the impact of its success or failure in your business. I know you might be saying your current marketing campaigns are working very well for you. I’m not advising you to stop using what has been working for you, but to try an alternative from the marketing strategy you have in place; even better you can simultaneously apply them and see the results. The downside of not having an effective participation in social networks is that you are losing profit that you could have earned with very little effort. Again, if you don’t mind losing out, keep doing what you are doing. What are these social networks I’ve been going on and on about? I’ll mention just a few that I know you are familiar with: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace. What’s even more beautiful is that most of these great network portals are totally free. If you’ve got nothing to lose and much more to gain with regards to market share and free publicity, why are you not using them? How do you feel about people who work hard and achieve very little results and those who work less but achieve great results?

This is just how using social networks can benefit you, little effort and great results. Best of all is that the various social networks assist you to get the best out of their sites.

Even better is that you can access them and update your profile and also track your feedback and level of success while on the move as they can also be accessed from your cell phone.

Kholo Pholafudi is the author of The Psychology, Science and Art of Turning Contacts Into Connections