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Sunday
February 17, 2008 Social Networking 101Filed under: Marketing So I am back in the office after a blink of an eye maternity break with my new baby. While I was out, I kept in touch with the outside world by exploring social networking sites connecting with friends and colleagues, old and new. Social networking is the hottest new, unconventional vehicle for marketers to reach out to potential buyers. Savvy marketers are taking advantage and incorporating social networking into their marketing mix. ASInetwork.com is an industry example of social networking. As an ASI member, you can create your own personal profile and begin connecting with thousands of distributors and suppliers. Social networking is about meeting people with common interests, sharing experiences, bouncing ideas, finding solutions and having fun. To connect and reach out to people outside our industry, you could try social networks such as LinkedIn.com, geared towards professionals and Facebook.com, a more casual way to hook up with friends from present and past. Might I mention that all social networking site members are potential buyers of promotional products? As a marketer, how can you jump into the pool? Proceed with caution! A social network is a community. And just like in any community, you need to respect the members, abide by the rules and behave. Know your audience. How you present yourself on LinkedIn may be different than your postings on Facebook or other social networks. The number one rule is…people do not want to feel like they are being sold or marketed too. Once you have determined which social networks to join, you’ll be asked to create a profile. Create a network within the network with your own user group. Use this feature to start a professional group that members can join. Post videos demonstrating the latest product ideas or give them a tour of your office. I have a friend with a clever new invention for a game controller organizer. On his profile, he posts a video demo of his product which I have often shared with family and friends that may be interested. Blog your marketing expertise. Most social networking sites have a blog feature. Post your articles on how to select the right product for their next campaign. Share your recent tradeshow experience. What did you learn and what ideas did you bring back with you to help your customers. Sprinkle in product examples and a link to your web site. Blogging establishes you as the expert and builds your credibility. Now get out there and make the connection.
Friday
October 5, 2007 ASINetwork.comFiled under: ASINetwork.com ASI has just launched another way for you to network with fellow industry members at ASINetwork.com. Start discussions or post to one of the forum, group or blog topics. You can also share photos, videos or chat with other members. Use the ASINetwork.com to gain perspective, share concepts, give advice and connect members just like you. LogoMall has started a user group on ASINetwork.com that I encourage you to participate in. Not only is this a great way to communicate with other LogoMall users, you can ask questions and express your LogoMall program needs to our team members. The latest LogoMall user group topic is on ASIsecure.com, the support site that helps you manage your site design, view traffic reports and online requests. I’d like to hear how you use the site, what is the most beneficial to you and what you would like to see added. You can post to the LogoMall user group on ASINetwork.com or you can email me directly. To get started, visit the ASINetwork.com and send a request to join. The ASINetwork.com is exclusive to ASI members. You will then create a member profile and start interacting with members through forums and groups including the LogoMall user group. |
