Creating an Online Presence- 6 Simple Tips

It seems that more and more companies are joining in on the social networking trend. Every day, companies are setting up profiles on Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook, trying to tap into the power of social networking to market their products and services and to be more in tune with their client base.

Even for a small company, the Internet can provide many ways to connect with distributors and clients alike. If you are considering entering the social networking world, here are some tips to help:

1. Create an online presence- Before you can get started, you have to create a profile on social networking sites. It helps if you already have a website, but if not, you can create a page on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. Once you have your accounts set up, you can look for others in your field to follow or interact with.

2. Search for potential suppliers- When you visit websites for potential suppliers or clients, look around their site to see if they have links to their Twitter feed or Facebook page. This will make it easier for you to build a relationship with them, and also will allow you to get more information about who they are, what they do and if you want to work with them. You will be amazed at the amount of information you can find out just by looking at social networking profiles.

3. Look at the profiles of leaders in your industry- Take a look at what others in your field are doing. You can get some new ideas from them and also post questions and get advice. Connection with the leaders in your field allows you to see what discussions are important right now and help you keep up to date at what is going on in your field.

4. Participate in the community- Don't be afraid to jump in and participate in any community discussion. No matter how big or small your business is or whether you are a business owner or logistics manager, there will always be people who you can help and people who can help you. It is important to establish yourself as someone who is interested in the community and is eager to help others.

5. Find new logistics employees- Social networking sites can be an invaluable tool when looking for new employees. Although it isn't the primary tool, it can be a great way to get information about a potential employee. Many employers screen candidates by taking a look at their internet profiles. Find out who they are and how they see themselves within the community.

6. Connect with customers- By paying attention to what is being said about your company on social networking sites, you can find out what you are doing wrong and what you are doing right. One of the simplest ways to connect with your customers is by creating a Facebook “like” page. Encourage your customers to “like” your company page on Facebook. Take the time to read the comments on the page. You will most likely receive some compliments and some complaints, but it will help you determine what is working and what needs some adjusting. Ask your customers for feedback and suggestions on how you can improve.

With a good strategy in place for how to use social networking tools, you can build relationships with clients and suppliers alike that will help you grow in your field and build your business. It doesn't matter if you are a business owner or an employee, growing a professional network is essential to career longevity and success. Especially for small business, establishing a presence on social networking sites will allow you to be connected with your business.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.