Business Social Networking for New Zealand Businesses

Whatss the best social networking tip?

My latest is consistently, whatever you do, just do it consistently. What's your tip?

Permalink Reply by John Veitch on May 12, 2009 at 9:14pm: Write something, have and opinion, say something, pour a little bit of yourself into the network. When YOU do your interest RISES.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa Lomas on May 14, 2009 at 12:12pm: Hi Debra,

My best tip is Communicate, let people know there is a real person first.
The rest follows, then you use attraction marketing not pushy tactics.

One thing that is shyed away from is talking to others, I think this is very
important.

Also I think its good not to talk shop, think of it like a party, just get to know
others first.

Lisa; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Heike Miller on May 15, 2009 at 7:31pm: Don't go on every social media network under the sun as you will not be able to keep up with all the communication. Since starting with social media and online businesses, I've been bombarded with invitations to online networks, especially ning sites. Even when you love what the network is doing you need to check it out and make a decision. If you spread yourself too thin and just have a profile, but don't really frequent the network it won't help you much.

I have met many people online on networks, but usually in those ones I was often on and shared a strong interest with the other members. This way you also get business, joint ventures, etc.

Make good decisions when it comes to social networking, go where other people are who have similar interests and make an effort to participate in your chosen networks.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karyn Riley on May 26, 2009 at 9:49pm: Hi Debra

My tips are to connect, interact and build genuine relationships, give freely without expectation, be willing to share and champion others, don't try to "sell", choose the social network(s) that best suits your needs.

Karyn.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Heike Miller on June 1, 2009 at 6:48pm: Maybe a bit off topic, but check out www.bubbletweet.com. ;); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VBIZNZ Administrator on June 1, 2009 at 8:40pm: thats pretty cool, have you done one yet? :)

Heike Miller said:
Maybe a bit off topic, but check out www.bubbletweet.com. ;); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Heike Miller on June 7, 2009 at 9:03pm: It's very embarrassing: http://bbltwt.com/mes2c

I need to record a new one soon. ;)

Debra, VBIZNZ Administrator said:
thats pretty cool, have you done one yet? :)

Heike Miller said:
Maybe a bit off topic, but check out www.bubbletweet.com. ;); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debra E Clark on June 8, 2009 at 8:03am: That's so awesome :) I'm guessing it will take a few goes to get used to it :) I might try it this weekend :) Deb

Heike Miller said:
It's very embarrassing: http://bbltwt.com/mes2c

I need to record a new one soon. ;)

Debra, VBIZNZ Administrator said:
thats pretty cool, have you done one yet? :)

Heike Miller said:
Maybe a bit off topic, but check out www.bubbletweet.com. ;); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steven Morey on June 16, 2009 at 10:22pm: I have been spending a lot of time on the social networking thing.
Personally I see it as a fad that won't go away. So last month I bit the bullet and have started to find my niche.

My Company now has a strong presence on twitter (twitter.com/privateboxNZ) and even a fan page on facebook.

One trick I learnt was to get publicity to my facebook page was to create multiple areas of interest. For example today we have a New Zealand fan page that is just over 6 weeks old and has around 52,000 fans on it. What makes it better is that I can actively track sales leads from facebook and it is doing a great job!

Check our one of our newer pages; New Zealand Business http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Zealand-Business/96182981611

My $00.02; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Fiona Miller on June 25, 2009 at 12:26pm: I see Heike says don't join every social networking site. I imagine this is wise advice.

Where can I go to find the difference between them? I'm interested in twitter, facebook and Linked In but do not want to join them all at once!

As I am wanting to do some research around 55+ year olds (Esp professionals leaving full time work and business owners leaving their small businesses ie transitioning into some form of retirement) where would you recommend I start?

Fiona; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gabrielle A Barnett on June 27, 2009 at 1:37pm: I have found the easiest way is to contribute "naturally" from the easiest point of contact. Where you are enthusiastic - always wins. I love Twitter and VBiz, they both work, show your talents, be yourself - the contacts will be rich wherever you put your main focus! Quirky works, consistent works, Unique works, I am proof of these approaches. Above all, be yourself, don't try to be "anyone" else, shallowness will show through otherwise. Good luck.

Fiona Miller said:
I see Heike says don't join every social networking site. I imagine this is wise advice.

Where can I go to find the difference between them? I'm interested in twitter, facebook and Linked In but do not want to join them all at once!

As I am wanting to do some research around 55+ year olds (Esp professionals leaving full time work and business owners leaving their small businesses ie transitioning into some form of retirement) where would you recommend I start?

Fiona; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa MacFarlane on September 13, 2009 at 8:43pm: I like your comment Lisa - and agree, it is a bit like the nibbles and drinks (without the nibbles and drinks!) networking time at the end of a conference. My 10 cents is that if it's something you are genuinely interested in you will find it a much more natural process. e.g. don't join a group you're not interested in (like one you joined just to generate business) because you'll struggle to make valid contributions compared to a network where your interest and passion is already there.; ▶ Reply to This