Richard Tubb

MSP Consultantrichard@tubblog.co.uk

Effectively using Social Networking to build your IT

business

Webinar Agenda» The principles for using Social Networking

» The ROI of Social Networking

» Social Networking vs. Social Media

» Tips for Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

» Why Blog?

» Content Loops

» The Tools to use

» Social Networking vs. traditional Business Networking

» Question and Answer (also tweet us now at @autotask and @tubblog)

The Principles of Social Networking» Do not sell!

» Use to educate

» Add Value, not noise

» It’s a two-way conversation

» It’s about quality, not quantity

The ROI of Social Networking» Establishes you as a subject matter expert

» Begins process of building trust in you

» Gives you visibility

» Typically used as a conversation starter

» Business can be won thanks to Social Networking!

All about conversations

Social Networking

Social Media» Primarily about content

» There are still opportunities for conversations though!

Content Loops» Create a video on YouTube – create a link to your web-site

» Create a blog post talking about the video

» Tweet about the blog post

» Create a LinkedIn status update about the Video

» Add photos to Flickr showing how you made the video

» Your e-mail newsletter references the blog article

» Different people consume information through different channels. Help them to find you!

The tools to use» Tweetdeck

» Outlook Social Connector

» SocialOomph

» Google Alerts

» Bit.ly – Shorten and track the links you share

» Autotask – Capture client & prospect Social Media details

» Read my blog article – “The Tools I use” (http://bit.ly/ydaECR )

» 140 Characters – micro-blogging!

» What you say will be open for the world to see!

» Share links that share your viewpoint – add your thoughts

» Follow like minded individuals, start conversations

» Use Groups to categorise those you follow – Business, Friends, Local, Vendors, Prospects, etc.

» Getting started? Re-Tweet (RT) some articles, ask and answer questions

» Use Hash-Tags (#) to discuss specific subjects

Tips for Twitter

Tips for LinkedIn» Solely business focus

» Offers status updates like Twitter– but use sparingly.

» Use as part of your process for managing business cards

» Scan the Weekly LinkedIn update e-mail for opportunities to reconnect with people

» Use LinkedIn Groups to engage with peers and prospects

» If cross-posting to Twitter, don’t use Hash-tags (#) on LinkedIn!

» Facebook primarily for personal relationships,but is used extensively for business too

» The line between personal friendshipsand business friendships is blurring

» People do business with people they like– don’t be afraid to be yourself on-line!

» Use Facebook Privacy settings to separate your friends and colleagues where necessary

» Use @ sign to tag other people – in status updates, in photos

Tips for Facebook

Why Blog?» Blogging is free – it doesn’t matter if anyone reads it!

» It teaches you to effectively articulate your thoughts and points – it’ll make you a better salesmen, a better speaker, a better party guest!

» Be consistent with your message and your frequency of posting

» If you’re good at it, people will read. If you’re no good at it, you’ll get good at it.

» Effectively builds trust in you and your brand

Social Networking Etiquette» When in doubt, treat like “real world” networking

» Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want to be quoted on

» But do be yourself!

» Don’t “Friend Collect” – *always* write personalised introductions within connection requests

» Read my blog post – “Thanks for your Friend Request, but who are you?” http://bit.ly/tubblog-friendrequest

Social Networking vs. traditional Business Networking

» Social Networking compliments traditional networking, and visa versa!

» Putting all your energy into just one or the other will only get you so far

» Use a balanced “linked up” approach to networking both on-line and off-line – Face-to-Face, Telephone Calls, E-Mails, Social Networking

» Always try to “Be The Connector”

Any questions?» Blog – opinions, info and news for SMB IT companies - www.tubblog.co.uk

» Twitter – www.twitter.com/tubblog

» LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/richardtubb

» Google+ - http://bit.ly/z7tPQP

» E-Mail (remember that?) – richard@tubblog.co.uk