If you have set up social media accounts with Facebook, Linked In, or others, was it because you wanted a presence on the social media road, just to network, or a marketing move.

If the later, has it helped get business?

Do you have suggestions or comments that might be helpful to someone thinking of using social media to assist in business growth.

Thanks for the info!

alcbiz

Hi alcbiz

I think I have set up my accounts with to do a bit of everything: network, marketing and to have an online presence. I have not yet seen an effect on business (only just started) but I have always understood that it is a long process. You have to build relationships regardless of your ultimate aim.

I would suggest that a small amount of time everyday dedicated to social media would be most beneficial as I get the feeling that consistency is important. At least I am hoping that it will work for me!

Best of luck,

Sue

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Gray VA Services - Virtual Business Support
www.grayva.co.uk

I agree with Sue. I set mine up to do a little bit of everything. Unfortunately, I also don't dedicate the time I should to social media. Something I keep trying to change!

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Jama St. John
Gulf Coast Office Support

I set mine up for all the reasons... and yes, I've had business via LinkedIn and twitter.. nothing from Facebook yet.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

Hello!!! I agree with everyones suggestions. I just started my business and I have set up a Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn... I haven't gotten any business from them. I dedicate no more than 30 minutes a day on them and I use Hootsuite to create and schedule post.
Good Luck!!
Jessica
JYG Virtual Assistant

I just setup my Twitter and Linkedin accounts recently. I'm just getting started marketing my new business, and I think that the more people who know about my business the better! I hope those sites will help me get more exposure and connect me to people who need my services.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts!

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A L Camien
Manager Member

I've been on LinkedIn which is a professional networking site for at least 4 years. LinkedIn has connected me to many people I would not have met otherwise, and in my own town. I had a Facebook account but found I was on it too much and would rather meet eye-to-eye or a regular phone book -- plus to me personally, I didn't feel safe on Facebook. For a business, YES! I believe your business should have a Facebook page to market your BRAND and BUSINESS. The key is to get others to like you.

Thanks for the question.

Like most people have stated I use social media for networking, as I live in a little village in central Alberta Canada, not much room for networking. I have joined groups for my target market and have met a few people, but no clients yet but learning lots.

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Nancy Lynch
http://www.virtualnancysbusinesssuppo rt.ca

I use social media mainly to maintain (not expand) my presence. I make sure my profiles are always updated and post *something* every so often. I figure that's just enough so that when the times comes that I have extra client slots to fill--which I expect will happen this fall--the groundwork for reaching out will already be there.

LinkedIn: Yes, I've gotten prospects there. Besides networking and marketing, LinkedIn is good for learning new things and keeping up with your field. Check out the Answers feature for that.

Facebook: No prospects there...yet? My current page is a second try. I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to keep it this time around.

Twitter: I don't use it myself--it requires too much attention to do well. I have a client who pays me to write her marketing tweets, though. How's that for ironic!

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services