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I recently read a blog post titled How to FAIL at Social Networking that really drilled down in simple terms why folks don’t achieve the results they are seeking:

“social networking requires you to be active and visible to others.”

Let’s face it, the quickest way to fail at ANYTHING, is to do absolutely nothing, and social networking is no different. The whole purpose is, well, to be social.

Misconceptions

All too often people have this “just build it, and they will come” attitude about sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other popular social networking sites.

You know, create a profile, write a few blurbs about who they are and what they do, and abracadabra, just the sheer presence that they are there, people will reach out to them. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it doesn’t exactly work that way.

Relationships Matter

Like a fine wine, aged to perfection, it takes time to establish and build relationships. As we all know, relationships are a two-way street - what you put in, is what you get out.

Make no mistake, people aren’t going to know who you are, or that you even exist, unless you join the conversation in whatever form that may be.

More importantly, if you’re looking to partner on deals, or make other business contacts, it’s critical that you step from behind the curtain and get noticed. You’ve heard this more times than you can count: “People only do business with people they know, like and trust.”

Become a Social Butterfly

If you remember what it was like in high school, it never was the wall flower that people paid any attention to, it was the social butterfly people were attracted to. Get up off the wall and take the time to do little activities each and every day.

If you’re in a forum, introduce yourself, after that, participate in forum discussions. If you’re on Facebook, respond to people’s comments and/or get involved in targeted real estate investing groups. If you’re on Twitter, follow people in your niche and reply to their posts.

These conversations can morph into just about anything, possibly a partnership of some kind. It is an awesome thing when that happens and is so well worth it in the long run. A virtual goldmine is at your fingertips!

One Last, and Vital Point

Get involved for pete’s sake!

Action plan:

1. Join the conversation

2. Take the time to do little activities each and every day.

3. Leave a comment below