Here are the 15 Most Popular Social Networking Websitess as derived from our eBizMBA Rank which is an average of each website's Alexa Global Traffic Rank, and U.S. Traffic Rank from both Compete and Quantcast.
Read complete list with stats, here
http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/social-networking-websites
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Who Uses Social Networks & What Are They Like?
by Sarah Perez
A new study by Anderson Analytics looks into the demographics and psychographics of social networking users on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn with a goal of providing marketers with information about users' interests and buying habits as related to their network of choice.
Read Part 1 here:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/who_uses_social_networks_and_what_are_they_like_part_1.php
Read Part 2 here:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/who_uses_social_networks_and_what_are_they_like_part_2.php
A new study by Anderson Analytics looks into the demographics and psychographics of social networking users on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn with a goal of providing marketers with information about users' interests and buying habits as related to their network of choice.
Read Part 1 here:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/who_uses_social_networks_and_what_are_they_like_part_1.php
Read Part 2 here:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/who_uses_social_networks_and_what_are_they_like_part_2.php
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Why Twitter Followers are Better Than Facebook Fans!
by Biba F. Pedron
An informative article in today’s eMarketer shows that Twitter followers are more likely to induce advocacy and future purchases than those on Facebook. According to their data, 37% of respondents were more likely to purchase from a brand after following them on Twitter as opposed to only 17% of those that “like” a brand on Facebook.
Read article here
http://www.bibapedron.com/2010/09/why-twitter-followers-are-better-than-facebook-fans
An informative article in today’s eMarketer shows that Twitter followers are more likely to induce advocacy and future purchases than those on Facebook. According to their data, 37% of respondents were more likely to purchase from a brand after following them on Twitter as opposed to only 17% of those that “like” a brand on Facebook.
Read article here
http://www.bibapedron.com/2010/09/why-twitter-followers-are-better-than-facebook-fans
Sunday, September 19, 2010
6 Things You Should Never Reveal on Facebook
by Kathy Kristof
"You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?"
Read article here
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110674/6-things-you-should-never-reveal-on-facebook
"You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?"
Read article here
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110674/6-things-you-should-never-reveal-on-facebook
Saturday, September 4, 2010
'15 Ways To Maximize Your Networking Result'
Courtesy of Bibi Pedron, Maximize Your Networking Results
Stop wasting your time attending every event and start to
boost your business with networking.
=========================================
Tip #1: Show Up
The #1 success of Networking is to show-up.
When you join a group or an organization, it is very
important that you commit to the group, and attend the
meetings on a regular basis. Weekly or monthly depending on
the group you choose.
In order to build a relationships with other members, they
need to meet you more than once and you need to meet them
more than once. The more times you attend the meetings, the
more you will get results you will achieve. At each meeting,
you will learn a little more about them and their business,
and they will learn more about you. The more they see you,
the more they know about you, the more they trust you, the
more referrals they will give you.
Tip #2: Arrive Prepared
Always arrive prepared.
Conduct some research before you decide to attend an event
to know what kind of people will be attending. Are they in
your target market, will you face a lot of competitors or do
you have a clear way to stand out from the crowd?
Spend some time on the website of the group who organized
the event to learn about them. Do they specialize in a
specific industry? ? Does the group focus on small and
intimate events? Do they pack the room with hundreds of
people?
Sometimes I have people who come to my events, and are
surprised to see only 12 to 15 people, but it is mentioned
on the website that is what makes Biba4Network and our
meetings different from other groups' meetings and programs.
On our home page we mention : "Because networking is more
than just shaking hands and collecting business cards, most
of our events are limited to 15 people, to drive better
results. There's more time to introduce yourself and your
business to the group, more time to get to know each other,
so more time to get business." So if they had taken a look
at the website first, they would have known our style and
wouldn't have been surprised or disappointed.
When you go to an event, it is also very important to have
one or two important goals in mind. Are you looking for
leads, partners, new clients, services? You will not
approach people the same way, and you want to be sure to
send the right message and use your time wisely.
Tip #3: Always Have Business Cards
Never leave home without your business cards.
Wherever you go to a networking event, to the dentist, to
the movies, to a party, always bring your business cards
with you. You never know where you will meet an interesting
new contact, and you don't want to miss the opportunity to
exchange cards. Writing your telephone number or email
address on a piece of paper or a paper napkin, doesn't look
very professional.
Always carry a pen, or some people will prefer a PDA, to
take notes on the back of the cards you receive--something
you would like to remember about the person, something they
said, something you promise to send them.
Use your business card as a marketing tool to help you stand
out from the crowd.
Don't put only your name and address, but add your logo. I
know it may sound obvious but many professionals don't have
logo at least on their card. Add your website address, so
people can check it later to learn more about your business.
Ad your tag line which explains your business in one line; if
you don't have tag line or slogan, it is time to think about
it.
Let's say you are a coach or a financial adviser, no doubt,
you have a lot of competition. What makes you unique and
special? When people see your card, they will probably say,
"Oh, another one!" but if you mentioned your specialties on
your card, it will make a difference immediately.
Take my business card as an example.
Very often, when people receive it, even before they read
it, they say "Nice card". First because of the quality of
the paper, very thick, glossy, you can see that I didn't
print the card myself with my printer. It is very colorful
and matches my website. The card mentions "Seminars,
Workshops & Networking" which explains exactly what I do,
and my tag line "Build Your Business While You Build
Friendships" which is the purpose of the networking meetings
that I organize to help people to build relationships to
grow their business through networking.
You can also use the back of your card, to provide more
details about your business.
Use bullet points to emphasize the purpose of your products
and services. Show how you can be a problem solver to
others, to make sure that they will call you the next day.
A business card is a "space ad". When you pay for an ad in a
newspaper you pay a lot of money so you try to use all the
space, to get the most benefit. Do the same with your
business card; use the space available.
Need help for a business card Makeover?
Check Step 3 of the "Power of Networking Secrets"
* How to Design a Memorable Business Card
and an Outstanding Professional Image
Your personal look and your business card are
your first marketing tools.
Having a professional business card will help
to portray your image and make you stand out from the crowd.
Tip #4: Effective 15-30 Second Elevator Pitch
Patricia, do you have an effective 15 to 30 second elevator pitch?
We talked about this earlier in the e-course, but this is one of
the keys to successful networking. Remember to introduce
yourself, and tell them the old adage "What's in it for me"
or more accurately, "what's in it for them." Learn how to
"sell" yourself before you sell your services and products.
People want to learn about you - what you're about, what you
can do before they make a purchase or consider referring you
to one of their valuable contacts.
When you tell others about your business, be passionate,
energized and energetic. Personalize your story so that your
new contacts can picture themselves as part of your story.
This will help them become a part of your mission.
Then once they know you and trust you, they will either buy
your services or if they don't need what you offer, they
will [hopefully] refer you to someone else. They will
actually do the selling for you. If they trust you, this
trust will appear in the message they send to others.
When a friend tells you how much they loved a book, a
restaurant or a product, they put such passion in their
message that most of the time, you will buy the book or the
product because you want to have the same feelings. Do you
personally know the author of the book? No, but you buy it
anyway. So your friend did the selling, not the author. Do
you see want I mean?
Clearly introduce yourself, in 15 to 30 seconds, so people
will understand exactly what you do; that will help you
attract your target market and you will not lose potential
clients.
Don't have only one elevator pitch but 3 or 4, to be able to
adapt your message depending of your audience.
Tip #5: Do Not Sell
DO NOT SELL
Networking is not a place to sell. You have to be prepared
to give your elevator pitch to introduce yourself - who you
are, what you do, how you can help people. You attend these
meetings and gatherings to get contacts and build
relationships, not to sell.
That is the ONE AND ONLY purpose of a networking meeting.
The selling part will come later on.
If you attend an event expecting to find a client to close a
sale right away, chances are you will be very disappointed.
Furthermore the other attendees might not appreciate your
attitude.
Tip #6: Meet People, Make Connections
Meet people, make connections, ask about their business or
services. Be curious, ask about them.
People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions and
more important, listen to their answers. Use those answers
to see how you can help them, how you can assist them, what
resources you can share with them...And as I mentioned
earlier, this will always come back to you. People you meet
will also be able to help you, give you referrals and
resources, even if is it not today, the time will come.
Tip #7: Solve Problems
Be a problem solver.
People will be more interested in you if you tell them how
you can solve their problems and challenges instead of just
telling them your story. Blah, blah, blah. Be different from
the crowd. Over the long run, you'll win all the business
you desire.
Tip #8: Go to People
Go to people; don't wait for them to come to you.
Some people are very shy, and they will be very happy if you
make the first move. Remember, people attend networking
meetings to meet other people and expand their circle of
contacts. Help them ; make it easier for others to meet
you.
Go to events with a friend, colleague, or client, and
introduce people to each other.
You will be considered as a "PRO Networker." People will
think that you know almost everybody, and as a result other
people will come to speak with you. This tactic puts you in
the center of the group and brings people to you.
Tip #9: Present Professional Image
Give a professional image.
Maintain a brochure and/or a website. Some people will
probably want to learn more about your business later, so
give them the opportunity to get the information they are
looking for in a format they can digest and on their own
timetable. Make it easy for people to get to know you.
I get very frustrated when I meet someone and can't
understand what they do. Sometimes the reason is that we met
only for a few seconds and other times because they were not
very clear when they described their business or because I
just didn't understand. Remember English is not my first
language, so sometimes I can get "lost in the translation."
When I came back home and wanted to look at their website to
learn more about them, I noticed that they didn't have a
website. If you don't have a website now, put this task high
on your to do list. In the meantime, at least create a
brochure.
Personally, I don't like brochures. I realized that a
brochure wasn't the best medium for my business. I use
postcards instead. Postcards are relatively small, more eye
catching than a brochure and easier for people to read
quickly. Postcards send your message immediately.
I increased by 20% the number of members as soon as I
started using postcards. It is an intro to learn more and to
invite people to visit my website.
I don't like to receive brochures either, because it takes
too much room, and I don't know what to do with the paper
once I get home. I already have hundreds of business cards
in my organizer; that is enough.
But this is my personal opinion. For some industries
brochures work very well.
Tip #10: Make the Right Impression
Project the right image, make the right impression, and
create the right impact.
What makes you unique? Every person I have ever met is
different from all the other people I know. Everyone is
unique in one way or another. This carries over into the
business you create. When you display your individualism-
your best traits- you will stand out from the crowd. When
you are proactive, you will meet many new people, and you
will ensure that others remember who you are.
Tip #11: Send a Thank You
In the 24 to 48 hours after an event, send a 'thank you'
note or email to your new contacts.
Thank them for their time and reintroduce yourself in a few
lines. They probably met many people during the event and
your business card cannot say everything about you,
especially if you had a meaningful conversation with the
person. So, it's worthwhile to reinforce your introduction
and reestablish that connection.
Give them the link to your website, so they can learn more
about you and your business. Tell them about your newsletter
if you have one, and invite them to subscribe. That will be
the best way to stay in touch on a regular basis, so they
will always know what you are up to. Hopefully they will
forward your publication to others and this will expand your
network further.
Tip #12: Follow Up
Follow up, follow up, follow up.
Schedule follow up meetings with the people you had a good
connection with, or if you think that you can help each
other. Put an organization and a follow-up system in place;
don't become overwhelmed with all your business cards, be
organized; put your cards in a binder, for example a
business card file or portfolio. Or, use a database system
like ACT® or Microsoft® Outlook ®.
Send follow-up emails; contact your new contacts on a
regular basis; again sending your newsletter is often the
ideal way to stay in touch. Develop your A, B, C lists to
know how often you should contact people and reconnect with
them. Follow up as soon as possible, when someone gives you
a referral. Your contact took the time to give you a
referral, so don't spoil it; contact the referral source to
thank them and then let them know how your interaction went.
If the association works well, they will be glad to be part
of the success and more than happy to give you more contacts
in the future. Volunteer to give them contacts in return.
Stop wasting your time attending every event and start to
boost your business with networking.
Do not attend another event without reading
"Power of Networking Secrets"
Get Your Own Copy NOW >>>
==> http://tinyurl.com/PON-StudyCourse
Biba Pedron, Maximize Your Networking Results
http://www.TheConnectionQueen.com
http://www.bibapedron.com
info@biba4network.com
Biba4Network, LLC
3625 N Country Club Dr
Aventura FL 33180
Tel: 917-573-9808
Stop wasting your time attending every event and start to
boost your business with networking.
=========================================
Tip #1: Show Up
The #1 success of Networking is to show-up.
When you join a group or an organization, it is very
important that you commit to the group, and attend the
meetings on a regular basis. Weekly or monthly depending on
the group you choose.
In order to build a relationships with other members, they
need to meet you more than once and you need to meet them
more than once. The more times you attend the meetings, the
more you will get results you will achieve. At each meeting,
you will learn a little more about them and their business,
and they will learn more about you. The more they see you,
the more they know about you, the more they trust you, the
more referrals they will give you.
Tip #2: Arrive Prepared
Always arrive prepared.
Conduct some research before you decide to attend an event
to know what kind of people will be attending. Are they in
your target market, will you face a lot of competitors or do
you have a clear way to stand out from the crowd?
Spend some time on the website of the group who organized
the event to learn about them. Do they specialize in a
specific industry? ? Does the group focus on small and
intimate events? Do they pack the room with hundreds of
people?
Sometimes I have people who come to my events, and are
surprised to see only 12 to 15 people, but it is mentioned
on the website that is what makes Biba4Network and our
meetings different from other groups' meetings and programs.
On our home page we mention : "Because networking is more
than just shaking hands and collecting business cards, most
of our events are limited to 15 people, to drive better
results. There's more time to introduce yourself and your
business to the group, more time to get to know each other,
so more time to get business." So if they had taken a look
at the website first, they would have known our style and
wouldn't have been surprised or disappointed.
When you go to an event, it is also very important to have
one or two important goals in mind. Are you looking for
leads, partners, new clients, services? You will not
approach people the same way, and you want to be sure to
send the right message and use your time wisely.
Tip #3: Always Have Business Cards
Never leave home without your business cards.
Wherever you go to a networking event, to the dentist, to
the movies, to a party, always bring your business cards
with you. You never know where you will meet an interesting
new contact, and you don't want to miss the opportunity to
exchange cards. Writing your telephone number or email
address on a piece of paper or a paper napkin, doesn't look
very professional.
Always carry a pen, or some people will prefer a PDA, to
take notes on the back of the cards you receive--something
you would like to remember about the person, something they
said, something you promise to send them.
Use your business card as a marketing tool to help you stand
out from the crowd.
Don't put only your name and address, but add your logo. I
know it may sound obvious but many professionals don't have
logo at least on their card. Add your website address, so
people can check it later to learn more about your business.
Ad your tag line which explains your business in one line; if
you don't have tag line or slogan, it is time to think about
it.
Let's say you are a coach or a financial adviser, no doubt,
you have a lot of competition. What makes you unique and
special? When people see your card, they will probably say,
"Oh, another one!" but if you mentioned your specialties on
your card, it will make a difference immediately.
Take my business card as an example.
Very often, when people receive it, even before they read
it, they say "Nice card". First because of the quality of
the paper, very thick, glossy, you can see that I didn't
print the card myself with my printer. It is very colorful
and matches my website. The card mentions "Seminars,
Workshops & Networking" which explains exactly what I do,
and my tag line "Build Your Business While You Build
Friendships" which is the purpose of the networking meetings
that I organize to help people to build relationships to
grow their business through networking.
You can also use the back of your card, to provide more
details about your business.
Use bullet points to emphasize the purpose of your products
and services. Show how you can be a problem solver to
others, to make sure that they will call you the next day.
A business card is a "space ad". When you pay for an ad in a
newspaper you pay a lot of money so you try to use all the
space, to get the most benefit. Do the same with your
business card; use the space available.
Need help for a business card Makeover?
Check Step 3 of the "Power of Networking Secrets"
* How to Design a Memorable Business Card
and an Outstanding Professional Image
Your personal look and your business card are
your first marketing tools.
Having a professional business card will help
to portray your image and make you stand out from the crowd.
Tip #4: Effective 15-30 Second Elevator Pitch
Patricia, do you have an effective 15 to 30 second elevator pitch?
We talked about this earlier in the e-course, but this is one of
the keys to successful networking. Remember to introduce
yourself, and tell them the old adage "What's in it for me"
or more accurately, "what's in it for them." Learn how to
"sell" yourself before you sell your services and products.
People want to learn about you - what you're about, what you
can do before they make a purchase or consider referring you
to one of their valuable contacts.
When you tell others about your business, be passionate,
energized and energetic. Personalize your story so that your
new contacts can picture themselves as part of your story.
This will help them become a part of your mission.
Then once they know you and trust you, they will either buy
your services or if they don't need what you offer, they
will [hopefully] refer you to someone else. They will
actually do the selling for you. If they trust you, this
trust will appear in the message they send to others.
When a friend tells you how much they loved a book, a
restaurant or a product, they put such passion in their
message that most of the time, you will buy the book or the
product because you want to have the same feelings. Do you
personally know the author of the book? No, but you buy it
anyway. So your friend did the selling, not the author. Do
you see want I mean?
Clearly introduce yourself, in 15 to 30 seconds, so people
will understand exactly what you do; that will help you
attract your target market and you will not lose potential
clients.
Don't have only one elevator pitch but 3 or 4, to be able to
adapt your message depending of your audience.
Tip #5: Do Not Sell
DO NOT SELL
Networking is not a place to sell. You have to be prepared
to give your elevator pitch to introduce yourself - who you
are, what you do, how you can help people. You attend these
meetings and gatherings to get contacts and build
relationships, not to sell.
That is the ONE AND ONLY purpose of a networking meeting.
The selling part will come later on.
If you attend an event expecting to find a client to close a
sale right away, chances are you will be very disappointed.
Furthermore the other attendees might not appreciate your
attitude.
Tip #6: Meet People, Make Connections
Meet people, make connections, ask about their business or
services. Be curious, ask about them.
People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions and
more important, listen to their answers. Use those answers
to see how you can help them, how you can assist them, what
resources you can share with them...And as I mentioned
earlier, this will always come back to you. People you meet
will also be able to help you, give you referrals and
resources, even if is it not today, the time will come.
Tip #7: Solve Problems
Be a problem solver.
People will be more interested in you if you tell them how
you can solve their problems and challenges instead of just
telling them your story. Blah, blah, blah. Be different from
the crowd. Over the long run, you'll win all the business
you desire.
Tip #8: Go to People
Go to people; don't wait for them to come to you.
Some people are very shy, and they will be very happy if you
make the first move. Remember, people attend networking
meetings to meet other people and expand their circle of
contacts. Help them ; make it easier for others to meet
you.
Go to events with a friend, colleague, or client, and
introduce people to each other.
You will be considered as a "PRO Networker." People will
think that you know almost everybody, and as a result other
people will come to speak with you. This tactic puts you in
the center of the group and brings people to you.
Tip #9: Present Professional Image
Give a professional image.
Maintain a brochure and/or a website. Some people will
probably want to learn more about your business later, so
give them the opportunity to get the information they are
looking for in a format they can digest and on their own
timetable. Make it easy for people to get to know you.
I get very frustrated when I meet someone and can't
understand what they do. Sometimes the reason is that we met
only for a few seconds and other times because they were not
very clear when they described their business or because I
just didn't understand. Remember English is not my first
language, so sometimes I can get "lost in the translation."
When I came back home and wanted to look at their website to
learn more about them, I noticed that they didn't have a
website. If you don't have a website now, put this task high
on your to do list. In the meantime, at least create a
brochure.
Personally, I don't like brochures. I realized that a
brochure wasn't the best medium for my business. I use
postcards instead. Postcards are relatively small, more eye
catching than a brochure and easier for people to read
quickly. Postcards send your message immediately.
I increased by 20% the number of members as soon as I
started using postcards. It is an intro to learn more and to
invite people to visit my website.
I don't like to receive brochures either, because it takes
too much room, and I don't know what to do with the paper
once I get home. I already have hundreds of business cards
in my organizer; that is enough.
But this is my personal opinion. For some industries
brochures work very well.
Tip #10: Make the Right Impression
Project the right image, make the right impression, and
create the right impact.
What makes you unique? Every person I have ever met is
different from all the other people I know. Everyone is
unique in one way or another. This carries over into the
business you create. When you display your individualism-
your best traits- you will stand out from the crowd. When
you are proactive, you will meet many new people, and you
will ensure that others remember who you are.
Tip #11: Send a Thank You
In the 24 to 48 hours after an event, send a 'thank you'
note or email to your new contacts.
Thank them for their time and reintroduce yourself in a few
lines. They probably met many people during the event and
your business card cannot say everything about you,
especially if you had a meaningful conversation with the
person. So, it's worthwhile to reinforce your introduction
and reestablish that connection.
Give them the link to your website, so they can learn more
about you and your business. Tell them about your newsletter
if you have one, and invite them to subscribe. That will be
the best way to stay in touch on a regular basis, so they
will always know what you are up to. Hopefully they will
forward your publication to others and this will expand your
network further.
Tip #12: Follow Up
Follow up, follow up, follow up.
Schedule follow up meetings with the people you had a good
connection with, or if you think that you can help each
other. Put an organization and a follow-up system in place;
don't become overwhelmed with all your business cards, be
organized; put your cards in a binder, for example a
business card file or portfolio. Or, use a database system
like ACT® or Microsoft® Outlook ®.
Send follow-up emails; contact your new contacts on a
regular basis; again sending your newsletter is often the
ideal way to stay in touch. Develop your A, B, C lists to
know how often you should contact people and reconnect with
them. Follow up as soon as possible, when someone gives you
a referral. Your contact took the time to give you a
referral, so don't spoil it; contact the referral source to
thank them and then let them know how your interaction went.
If the association works well, they will be glad to be part
of the success and more than happy to give you more contacts
in the future. Volunteer to give them contacts in return.
Stop wasting your time attending every event and start to
boost your business with networking.
Do not attend another event without reading
"Power of Networking Secrets"
Get Your Own Copy NOW >>>
==> http://tinyurl.com/PON-StudyCourse
Biba Pedron, Maximize Your Networking Results
http://www.TheConnectionQueen.com
http://www.bibapedron.com
info@biba4network.com
Biba4Network, LLC
3625 N Country Club Dr
Aventura FL 33180
Tel: 917-573-9808
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