by Jamie Bessett

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 07, 2009

Social networking can have a great impact on the success of a small business. Building relationships through social networking will enhance low cost marketing aspects of growing a small business. There are several avenues available to promote social networking that include physical relationships as well as relationships formed with the use of the Internet and other electronic devices. First and foremost, a small business owner has to put themselves out into the local community and make it known that they are readily available and willing to build various relationships. It is also of great importance that a small business owner make relationships with both allies and adversaries in business. Being open to networking with competitors can be a learning experience and rewarding at the same time.

One of the strongest tips for social networking is becoming a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. Chambers offer a great deal of resources to magnify social networking. Chambers offer business contact lists with physical addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, emails, and business owner's names to begin networking. Often, Chambers of Commerce will hold weekly and monthly social networking events to build relationships with other business owners in the area. Chambers are continuously recruiting new members and the weekly events become larger with the constant addition of members. Continuing education is also a big part of the agenda for Chambers of Commerce. Often times classes are developed from the knowledge and actions of fellow chamber members. Classes are advantageous for learning and networking with business owners that have similar interests.

Grass roots marketing is another form of social networking that small business owners can't ignore. Modern day business practices pull away from grass roots marketing. The influence of technology, TV, and radio advertising have influenced the decline of grass roots marketing. Small business owners will find that getting out and hitting the streets will be beneficial in promoting their small business. It is always nice to put a face with a particular business. Social networking through marketing assists with drawing people into a business because an owner has gained "front of mind" status and consumers are more apt to choose businesses that hold a stake at the front of their mind.

Technology has become a large avenue for social networking. Applications such as Facebook, Linked, and MySpace offer a variety of advantages to a small business owner. With millions of users for each application, a small business owner would be naive to think that they couldn't touch at least 1% of users with a message through a web page or email. Furthermore, several of these applications have become readily available on cell phones. Again, this is a way to put a small business at the forefront of consumers minds which can draw a great deal of business.

Social networking shouldn't be a choice for small business owners. Now, more than ever, social networking is becoming a mainstay for successful small business. With less money available in today's economy, social networking has become an inexpensive way for small business owners to advertise or let their product become known in such a competitive environment. Don't ever underestimate the power of word of mouth. The effects of positive or negative word of mouth can spread exponentially in the market. However, social networking allows for a small business owner to somewhat control the immediate environment by making themselves socially available to consumers and competitors. Social networking is a powerful tool in creating a foundation for small businesses to grow in a positive direction.

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