Business Owners: Use Social Networking to Get Speaking Invitations

As a business owner, I have had a presence on Facebook and other social networking sites for almost three years. Social media is a great way to market your business. But, it is also a great way to network with other business owners. In the past two years, I have been asked to speak to various Mompreneur Groups, College Student Groups, Chamber of Commerce events and Women Business Owner Groups. I have been also been the guest on various online radio shows discussing my ebooks and teaching my ecourses.

Speaking to various groups allows me the opportunity to share my message with others throughout the United States and in other countries. This is the power of compound friending. Remember, social networking and public speaking are free ways to grow your business. When I speak in front of a group whether in person or online it is exposing me and my business to potential clients. It is allowing me the opportunity to share tips and resources that will help others grow their business.

When you use my five tips you will grow your business:

1. Be Yourself: Type your status updates in your lingo and language. Do not try to type, speak or present yourself in a manner that is not you. People that meet me and hire me resonate with my personality. They do not want a stiff executive who speaks or writes using big words. They like my down to earth no nonsense approach to life and business with a dash of humor.

2. Engage in Real Conversation: I try to spend a few minutes each day establishing rapport with people who give “the thumbs up” or “like” my posts. I click on their names to see who they are then I start engaging them in conversation.

3. Keep it Real: You will notice that my personal pages have tidbits and posts that reflect who I am. I love dogs and cats. I love pit bulls and post regularly about Miss Savanna my blue pit and Mr. Skittles my old grouchy cat. These posts let people see that I am not perfect and my life is not perfect. I don’t fret over an occasional typo so they can see I am human. I even joke about the fact I can’t type a complete correct sentence until I have consumed an entire pot of coffee. Social media is about presenting yourself just as you are – warts and all.

4. Keep it Clean: I know I just said keep it real however, I will add keep your posts clean. If you do not want grandma to see something do not post it online. Do not post things that would present you or your business in a negative way. Do not post inappropriate photos or use foul language. Also, do not get into a fight with someone online. Never ever speak poorly about someone. Keep your words and photos nice and squeaky clean.

5. Share: In order to grow your business you will need to show off your expertise so that you are seen as the expert. You do this by sharing your knowledge with your followers or list. If you are using Twitter you only have 140 characters. So you can share one small industry specific tip with your peeps. People love using social media to learn new things. When you share your knowledge it opens up opportunities for you to get new clients or customers, joint venture opportunities and invitations to speak at events.

When you use my five tips people will see you as human. They will see you as the expert in your niche. This will lead to invitations to speak to various groups either in person or online. When you accept invitations to speak you will get to promote your business for free. When you promote your business you will attract new clients, grow your business and put more money in your bank account.