1. Add Social Networking to your business and marketing plan.

• In addition to your traditional networking events in Ocean Beach networking social networking is proving to be an effective business growth resource.
• Devote time for social networking activities and set specific targets.
• One of the edges that Obama had over McCain in the 2008 Election was his effective use of social networking sites.

2. Finding and learning to properly use the best social networking site for your business.

• It is predicted that there will be 2,500,000 social networking websites by the end of 2009 creating growth niches and opportunities for every business type.
• Finding and sharing social networking sites with your Encanto networking groups is part of the discovery process and learning curve. Websites like Networking Event Finders publish social networking events so you can see which networks are the most active in your local community.
• Schedule time to take the Social Networking Site’s online tutorials.
• Choose a site where you can your content from your blogs, pictures, slide shows and videos.

3. Add contacts and friends strategically

• Make your social network matter by selecting and choosing contacts.
• “Social Power” power doesn’t matter if the people in your social network are not or never will be relevant to your business.
• When adding a contact or accepting an invitation, review their contacts and ask yourself this question: “Do I want to attend University City networking events hosted by this person?”
• Your profiles on Social Networking Sites become a public rolodex. Ensure that it sends the message that you want to communicate.

By adding social networking to your business and marketing plan, you can expand your business network to market globally. The learning curve is worth the time and effort required to master social networking.