You’ve narrowed down your ideal client or group of people you would love to work with.

You’ve figured out where they are online.

The next step is showing them how you can work with them and why they should choose you!

Yes, regularly sharing updates on your social media profiles or in your chosen online forums is one way to get seen. It’s vital to get your key messages out there reaching as many people as you can.

But, the Dine N’ Dash isn’t going to work

Dine N’ Dash def.
In which a patron orders and consumes food from a restaurant or similar establishment, then leaves without paying.

I call it the dine n’ dash. Posting about your services, latest paid offering or blog then dashing gets you labelled as pushy and selly. It gives the impression that you’re only interested in a sale.

It’s as likely to convert customers as not posting at all.

It’s the people who post updates in groups this way that get ignored.

Exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve!

So if this is what you do, don’t be surprised that you’re hearing crickets in response.

From your ideal customer’s point of view this feels like you have no interest in who you’re communicating with.

It looks like you’re not listening to what they have to say (even if you are).

That you’re only out for what you can get.

You’re making yourself visible (great!) but not building the Like, Know or Trust factors that result in more enquiries, sales, recommendations or business connections.

It could be that networking online makes you insanely uncomfortable

That even though you’re great at what you do you HATE promoting your business.

It feels awkward and you hate making a noise about what you do.

You know it’s important but you’d rather get it over with quickly because you’re nervous about the response you’ll get.

Your intentions may be honest and true but marketing this way has the opposite effect.
I totally get it. Truthfully, it’s the same for me. I was always the shy girl at the back of the room – not wanting to draw attention to myself.

Then, when I went self employed, I had to step up and put myself out there to survive.

I pushed myself into uncomfortable situations constantly until it became second nature.

Until I could recognise that it was fear of the unknown (or making a tit of myself) getting between me and success.

And then doing it anyway.

It’s how I went from stumbling over my 1 minute ‘pitch’ at group networking events to presenting to an audience of 200 and loving every second.

That l’il shy girl is still in me but I’ve found the systems, motivations and structures that work for me so that networking and business building is easier.

And, I want it to be the same for you too!

I’m going to share with you how to promote your business online in a way that builds your reputation as a reliable, resourceful, team-playing professional that everyone will love to work with.

The answer is simple. It starts with this:

Make friends and be a valuable member of the community

Pin it on your wall, on your schedule, on your fridge, to your computer…

Remembering this will build your reputation faster and cheaper than any other method using the internet.
It’s how I built my first business using Twitter, and how I continue to grow my business reputation today.

My methods may have evolved and changed over that time but essentially it’s the same. I’ll say it again:

Make friends and be a valuable member of the community

Whatever online (or offline) place you’ve chosen it’s the same.

Let’s break it down so you understand exactly what I mean…

Research and find 2-3 active communities online

These can be Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, Twitter, Google+ or Instagram communities, niche forums. It doesn’t matter so much where they are but you have to be 100% about this:

• they are where your ideal clients are
• they are active with plenty of networking and posts from others
• you enjoy participating on the platform

There’s no point being in a Facebook group created for wedding and events planners if you are also a wedding planner, and you hate Facebook.

That sounds as much fun as rolling a boulder uphill.

You need to find another group, on another platform that jives with you and is buzzing with newly engaged brides-to-be!

Smaller community type groups are perfect for you if you’re shy or lack confidence because the group is smaller than broadcasting to the WHOLE internet. What’s more, your attention is focused on your target group which means they are more than likely already interested in what you have to say or offer.

Schedule 15-30 minutes each day to participate in your groups

Put it in your diary and stick to it like grilled cheese in a pan. It’s a non-negotiable appointment. Like a client call or doctor’s appointment. (If you struggle with accountability, this will help)

If you’re not sure how or what to post, mix n match these ideas:

• interesting resources you’ve found (interesting to them, not necessarily you)
• blogs – including your own, if you are able
• answer questions posted by others – even if it’s not your area of expertise
• offer advice and cheerlead achievements by others
• post questions – find out what they need, how you can help them (this is great for your own research)
• ask for help and feedback on your own ideas and creations

Form bonds and establish 1:1 connections away from the group

Once you’re a regular participant in the group, it’s time to establish solid relationships with a select few. Take the relationship to another level – one on one – elsewhere. Hop on the phone, buddy up on email, go out for coffee.

This may sound strategic – underhand even – but in reality it’s part of nurturing natural bonds and friendships. We all gravitate towards others who have similar interests, values – people we like.

That’s why we have the friends and partners that we do.

It’s the same in business. Growing a business with like minded friends is the best fun of all. It’s the way business has always worked since the days of secret handshakes and working men’s clubs.

The best way to get the results you want

I can guarantee that taking these steps will lead to more positive exposure for you, which leads to client enquiries and referrals and more business opportunities for you.

Even with this plan it can be a struggle to know exactly how to behave online to benefit your business. If that’s something you need help with, let’s chat! Book yourself a free consultation with me by clicking here and choosing the Initial Consultation option from the list.