Get Connected to Grow Your Business

It's a Whole New World of Connectivity We are truly living in a very technologically-advanced world that offers the ability to get connected in so many ways (and without even leaving your home!). Today there are Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, StumbleUpon, YouTube, digg, del.icio.us, vimeo, and so many more.

Keeping up with the latest and greatest technology such as smart phones and video cameras is difficult enough, but figuring out how to stay up on emerging and developing sites that keep you connected to your friends, colleagues, and the world can be quite a big chore.

Why should you get connected? I view the Internet as the opportunity of a lifetime. Never before have we been able to reach so many people as we can now. Never before have we been able to get so much information from so many sources, albeit not all credible or trustworthy. But the point here is the power that the Internet brings right to your fingertips is what creates the opportunity of a lifetime. We witnessed our new President develop from a “nobody-knew-his-name” to the 44^th President of the United States in a very short period—in large part—thanks to the Internet, viral marketing, and social media.

Whether you own your own business or are employed, chances are you are using the Internet. Growing along with it is the smartest way to remain on the cutting edge. So often I hear people say they don’t have time to learn about these new sites and online gadgets. That’s kind of like saying I don’t have time to learn to drive a car. I guess you can still get around on horse, but you’ll eventually find that you’re left in the dust.

The Internet is a tool and an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a chance to utilize (many free online services) to build your business, connect with friends, create campaigns and market them to make the world a better place, raise money for an important cause, or?

Don’t be intimidated. The problem is that many people who use computers are still intimidated by what it takes to get involved with some of these sites. It can be a bit overwhelming—remembering hundreds of passwords and usernames is certainly a daunting exercise for your brain. Then creating accounts and uploading pictures, biographical information, videos, etc. is definitely time-consuming. It is, however, important. These days the connections you make online can lead to job opportunities and, in this economic crisis where the unemployment rate is skyrocketing, this could be a helpful advantage for job seekers.

Find what you like. Not every site works for everyone. Some love Facebook; others prefer LinkedIn or Plaxo for connecting online with friends or business associates. The key is explore and try. I resisted for quite a while and then realized I could help grow my business through these types of social networking sites. Many entrepreneurs, authors, and businesses upload information to sites such as these and create an amazing marketing network. I’ve asked for help online to draw attention to an article that I wrote by using the “digg it” button at the bottom of my column. But the real beauty is that it’s not a one-way street. I learn a lot from the people online. Some are in my networks but others I’ve never met face-to-face. Still more, I’m following on Twitter (a micro-blog) or reading their blogs, or listening to their podcasts, or their Webinars. Stories, ideas, and business concepts are shared in a virtual idea-producing, anything-goes kind of arena.

Helpful sites to get you started. It bills itself as the best way to discover the things you like on the Web. The site launched several years ago. It directs users toward good content. Using a classification engine and friend recommendations, StumbleUpon helps visitors custom surf the Web. It helps its visitors peruse sites that they will likely find interesting because they have given StumbleUpon information about their hobbies and interests—the site then seeks to appropriately match them with like-minded Web content.

Collaborative opinions about Website quality are rated by a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” symbol. The site boasts that “This helps you discover great content you probably wouldn’t find using a search engine.” A StumbleUpon Toolbar can be integrated with your browser so that one-click access to StumbleUpon’s recommendations becomes super simple.

Want to learn more? Join me in March for a Tele-Seminar on Take Your Company into the Spotlight. Click here to register for the free class.

Another good article on how social networking can better the world, click here.

Another good read about advertising to social networkers, click here.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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