Do You Squidoo?

Social Networks are the topic of the moment. With companies like facebook valued at exorbitant amounts [try 15 Billion!] the media is swarming for stories. These social networks are literally changing the way the economy and world works. Changing the economy in many ways because they aren't selling anything but are worth so much. A virtual economy of free.

Broad Concept: The New Economy
They are changing the manner that we connect and are actually illuminating the fact that people really do like people and not products as in the 90's. Relationships are valuable. Branding is dead or needs to be evaluated very differently. Relationships are the brand and the business. Literally. Thousands upon thousands of people connecting is extremely valuable.

Breaking Down the Concept
Now unless you have been living under a rock you are probably aware that these networks exist but may not be familiar with exactly what all the names are. If you are familiar with facebook, digg, del.icio.us, and the other myriad of social sites then count yourself among either the flock or the curious. For those unaware of these communities, it is time to do some homework because you are getting left behind...and so is your business. For this discussion, no matter your social media knowledge base we are interested in the concept of why they exist and why you need to maximize the macro concept. That concept is 'building relationships'. The question is, "Are you prepared to build solid trusting relationships, online as well as off-line?"

What Is The Building Block?
From a NO MONEY MARKETING perspective building relationships is the top of the pyramid. You need to network and foster great friendships. Friendships are what online social networks are about. People don't want to hear your offers and they don't want to listen to the online version of a bright pink sign yelling "SALE!"
Ignore.

Social networks take work because building any relationship is a serious matter. Just like being a friend takes work. Building a relationship requires commitment but the rewards it can yield are incredible. People will reward your hard work, honest opinions, regular contact and updated content with their permission and hopefully their purchases. Build your network online the same way as you build off-line [and if you aren't doing it off-line then you are in trouble. More on relationships and physical networking in the future.]

Don't Be Scared
You need to be a friend and a friend is someone that can be counted on to help, listen and just plain old be there with no strings attached. If there ever are strings attached those need to be transparent. Like this: one day we want you to purchase our NO MONEY MARKETING book. Our friendship is based on us saving you thousands of dollars and, better yet, making you more money. Hopefully we have your permission to discuss our concepts. Otherwise you will and can just leave. The point is we want to help and that is what we are basing our end of the relationship on. What are you providing your customers? Why do they want to be your friend?

The Over Excited Networker Loses
One note on the concept of friendships is that if you can't manage your "friendly" accounts because their are too many then, like in your off-line world, your friends will stop calling and inviting you to their party. I choose to run my blogs, like this one, with the most solid content I can provide [my commitment], answer my own emails, and operate only one, maybe two network sites. I don't facebook or myspace because I'm committed to the mediums I can handle. I'd rather have 10 great friends that would listen and respond than thousands that ignore me. Handle your affairs in a similar manner and you will honour those that you can help rather than nobody at all. A point we will continue to make.

Take this knowledge to the street and online. I am thoroughly engaged with the social network scene and how it can benefit a business [for free]. The thing I see is that many people make the same errors as their business enters into the online scene, whether with their own website, blog or their social network location. They think there is millions to be made over night and they egotistically think people want to hear from them, all the time or at all. Get over yourself. You have to assume you are writing for yourself but put yourself out there to be appreciated. If people like you it is because you are trying hard and putting your best foot forward, every day and every play.

A Bad Example
In January of 2007, in the hopes of promoting their PSP units, Sony created a blog that was based on a fictional character who wanted their video game unit. The problem was that they didn't tell anyone it was fictional, promoted the heck out of it in the search engines and hoped it would yield many people wanting a PSP as well. They were trying to dupe the public and that is egotistical. People are smart and they busted Sony like crazy. The site has now been modified, Sony was basically forced to apologize and they have since received countless amounts of bad press. They abused people's friendship and in the end were rewarded accordingly.

People will gravitate to great ideas, smart thoughts, good products and open communication. Hype is hype.

You Don't Have The Time
What's that you say? You don't have time to build your relationships one at a time. How can you possibly succeed at running your business if you are always building your friendships? The nature of your content, the layout of your website, the deal you make with your prospect and you never breaking your code of ethics are your basis point for growing a relationship with many people all at once. Lots of people want your information but don't need more than that from you. When you write you are talking to individuals and never groups. Bob in Maryland doesn't care if Sue in California is getting anything out of your information. He cares about the one to one relationship he is getting. Same with Sue really. It's the same with everyone. However, if someone does reach out and buy something from you, ask you a question or comment on your take then you need to respond in some way. You need to acknowledge their effort as part of building that relationship. There are blogs that get thousands of subscribers because the content is what they want and they continue to come back by choice. They come back because they get value. They are asked to come back and promised they will get great content without strings.

Social networks are just another way of connecting lots of people who are like minded. Don't abuse your right as a friend and you will grow your group accordingly.

Squidoo You!?!
I've recently tried my hand at Squidoo, a newish network on the net. It is a way to showcase one of my products and quite honestly very addictive. I have seven lenses, as they call them, and so far I'm not getting tons of hits or views but I'm having fun. I think this is a great site, easy to use and a place where you can grow friends, expose products and ideas, and more importantly build another voice for your business. It feels more professional than facebook or myspace and thus I think the type of person arriving there has a more mature expectation. There's nothing wrong with any of the sites, although most have discussion boards that would rival a war zone.

Squidoo seems to fit my personality better and it looks good. I'll give you an idea of how I fare with this NO MONEY tool as I use it to a greater degree and see more responses. You should check it out. Here are a couple of lenses for two of my books, Hire Me & The Principles of the Ride. Please give me your thoughts as I value your opinions. I've been live for about two weeks real time even though I discovered the site about three or four months ago. Hey, I've already made 20 cents in ad commissions!

Tread gently when you start your foray into social networking but make sure you try at least one of these relationship fortifying tools. Just don't commit the cardinal rule of disrespecting your friends.

Another Winner
Below is another network which is an article related site that help boost traffic to your site and exposure to the world. It doesn't require friend building but you can help others by promoting their content. The idea being that you help and someone will help you. Of course use your ethics and only promote what you feel deserves it. Please help us out while you explore it. I'm new to Digg from a networking stand point but have used it to research before. The concept is brilliant.

Digg this article please.
Thanks and how can we help you grow your numbers?