Needed: Best practices for getting referrals from online networking sites.

Hi Jen, I think the main problem here is in your focus...

Just like networking in person, you can't really expect to just show up, collect a fistful of business cards (or online friends), and get a bunch of new clients.

Instead, you need to look for ways to help other people...Whether that's connecting two people who can help each other, posting suggestions to comments like this, or offering your wisdom in the form of articles.

People need time and plenty of opportunities to get to know you, like you, trust you, and see the value you offer. Doing these things helps.

I've also found that, just like in-person networking, you need to make a deeper connection than that first meeting allows.

So I contact people whose work is of interest to me and might benefit my clients, then set up a time to chat on the phone. That way we can really learn more about each other and see if there is synergy. If so, I look for ways we can work together to grow each other's businesses.

In a nutshell, my suggestion is that you change your priorities...Don't do all this online networking to get new clients. Do it to expand your community, get your name out there, and help others with your expertise.

If you're good at what you do, the referrals will come on their own.

Best of luck!

Stacy

You've made a great start with your article on time management, Jen. It certainly was helpful to me.

Social media can be overwhelming at first, but, as Stacy said, it helps to focus on one or two and do it really well. The building of trust and credibility that takes time, for sure.

It helps to keep contributing to the forums, that I know. The more active you are, the more people will start checking you and your profile out. And if you can host or attend events in your area, that helps to make stronger connections with bizniks you have been communicating with online. I have already gotten some requests to present at various events and so that widens the circle even more. Now if there were only more hours in the day!

I agree with everyone else that has posted. Articles and posting comments help get you in front of others online.

I'm mainly posting to say hi. I grew up in RI and worked in Mass for years. Two of my kids were born in Concord. I passed Foxboro on a daily basis. I miss the area except game day traffic! LOL I'm sure if you host an event in the area that you would have people show. Good luck.

Hi Jen,

Stacy Karacostas hit the nail right on the head, which is not surprising. She is one sharp cookie.

I would add that when you approach these communities with an attitude of giving first, you always get far more in return.

Jen,

The key to getting anything out of these sites is to be a giver.

Write articles that have actual value, answer questions on the forums, go to or host events and give, give, giev.

Acutally, this is a key networking concept overall. Approach every networking event wondering what you can do for the people you meet. I never go to conferences or events looking for clients, but I almost always leave with people wanting to hire me.

Why?

Because I focus on what other people need.

I agree that Stacy summed things up perfectly. Online communities like Facebook are just that, communities. Your level of genuine interaction with the community will dictate how the members look at you and thus your business. Seeing how you can enrich the community and engage the people who share similar interests to yours is the best way to "talk" about your business.

People do not enjoy feeling like their community area is being spammed or pitched. People do enjoy taking part in discussions and that is the key.