Here are 3 qualities you will need to call upon and prominently display if you intend to build your business by using social sites.
Sincerity
What you say and your actions will be closely monitored by others once it becomes apparent that you are representing a business or product.
You want to take every opportunity to build your business within these communities but do not lose sight of the importance of the relationships you have developed! Remember, you are laying the groundwork for things to come so put your emphasis on relationship building initially.
Building relationship can take time therefore your patience will be required! As a business person obviously your intentions are to generate sales and to make a profit. On the other hand this is not something you can expect to do until you first build trust with others. Remember these sites are intended for socializing therefore people will tend to ignore those who are only interested in promoting goods and services. You must make it clear that you have something to offer of interest other than trying to always make a profit. It is much like attending a party, you need to mingle and become familiar with others in attendance!
Remaining sincere and maintaining the patience to develop relationships first, as mentioned above will help you build trust with others. Breeding familiarity and trust on these sites can help increase your marketing effectiveness however this trust must be maintained. This also carries over to what you do promote and how you represent what it is your offers can do for others. Your product claims must be truthful and honest and you must also be willing to stand behind anything you are marketing. Remember, you are working within a community and the word, good or bad, will get out and circulate like wild fire!
Social network marketing can be a bit 'restraining' since initially in most cases the emphasis is placed on relationship building and not promoting anything, ugh! However in order to build your business successfully using any online social communities you must first build trust with others. Failure to do so will likely make any promotional efforts futile. Obviously your patience will be required along with the 2 other qualities as discussed above to establish a strong foundation for your future marketing efforts. In the end however by applying a little of your patience you will likely find much success using these communities to build your business. Just be mindful to NOT expect long term results overnight!
