10 Steps for Using Social Media in Business And In Sales

Here are 10 steps to being social:

1. Getting Started: Locate your professional headshot and/or business logo. Create a summary about yourself, work, skills and expertise. Take that information and go sign up and complete your profiles on the following networks:
A. LinkedIn
B. Facebook
C. Google +
D. Twitter
E. Blog
Note: These sites are cataloged by Google, Bing and Yahoo and will not only make it easier for people and brands to find you, it will also BOOST your organic SEO rank and help your websites rank.

2. What Comes Next: Follow the favorites in your industry, join popular groups, and connect with key influencers and referral partners.

3. Friends, Invitations & Connections: Send personalized invitations to connect to your network and suggested friends.

4. Testimonials Written & Received: Request recommendations and favorites politely and return the favor (that's good LinkedIn etiquette). If your LinkedIn profile is completed, you will have skills listed for easy endorsements and your connections can endorse you easily with a click-of-a-mouse.

5. 1 Time Per Day Rule: Update your status 1 time daily. Facebook is a bit tricky and shouldn't be posted on multiple times on a daily basis until you have many fans that are actively engaging with your posts (like, share, comment). If you're not sure about the best way to use Facebook for business, review information on how Facebook rates your activity called "EdgeRank"

6. Interacting: Share and comment on other people’s posts at least once per day.

7. New Connections: Send invitations to connect to new people at least one per day. Just make it a personal invitation, like you are shaking hands or being introduced at a Chamber event.

8. How to Get Noticed: Comment or answer questions in groups 3 times per week.

9. Getting Brands & Businesses to Engage: Cross-promote your other profiles, email newsletter, and website or blog once per week.

10. And What About the Competition? Spy on your competition, research potential clients, and help referral partners.