Social media is one of those terms you hear buzzing about, but perhaps aren’t sure what it means. To make it even more confusing, social media is often used interchangeably with social networking and social marketing.

Social media refers to the many websites designed to encourage communication among members. It’s the modern version of word of mouth. Some of the more popular ones are Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

As you meet people through these websites, you network by exchanging ideas, tips and leads. As you get to know each other, you will gently market your services or ask for tips on how to market your service.

If you are still hesitate about whether or not you need to be involved with social media, it’s time to take action. According to Forrester’s Research, 51% of online Americans have joined a social network and another 73% are consuming some form of social content.

Your present and potential customers are on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media websites. So you should be too.

Some of you are not convinced because you think

• it takes too much time
• you don’t know what to say
• you don’t know how your participation will lead to more business

I don’t blame you. I had these same questions at first. But my success with building my business through social media convinces me that it is one of the most powerful marketing tools.

My tips for building your business through social media are:

1. Become a member of one or two to start, let’s say Facebook and Twitter, with a carefully chosen username.

It only takes a few minutes and it’s free. Be sure your user name reflects the way you want to be viewed by customers and colleagues.  “Singleandgoodlooking” may be your current status, but think about how this name relates to your business as well as future employers, customers and your constituents if you ever run for public office.

2. Complete your profile with a photo.

I won’t confirm friendship or follow anyone who hasn’t taken the time to post a photo, write a description or include a link to their website.

3. Write a brief description of your service and interests that will attract your target market.

We don’t need to know about all your hobbies or your favorite hamburger joint. We do need to know enough about your service and niche to help us decide if we want to hire you or collaborate with you.

4. Read what others are posting.

One of the easiest ways to get started is to respond to what others are posting. Many give links to articles of interest. You could thank them for pointing you to the article.

Some posts are direct links to a radio show or video in progress.  It’s good practice to go back and leave a comment to let the user know you appreciated the lead.

5. Agree to be Facebook friends or follow folks are Twitter who are in your area of expertise or can offer ideas, resources that will help your business grow.

You aren’t obligated to accept everyone’s request to be your friend or to follow everyone who’s following you.
This isn’t high school. Follow and friend those with whom a business relationship will be mutually beneficial.

6. Select the settings or tools that allow posts directed at you to come to your email. That way you don’t have to manually visit these sites to keep with messages that are relevant to you.

Maximum your time by linking the social media sites with each other. There are hundreds of tools that can do this. One of the best is ping.fm . Once you sign up on this free service you can post one message and it’ll go out to all your other sites.

Many services allow you to link to some of the others when you sign up. When I post an article on Ezine Articles, for example, it is announced on Twitter and Facebook.

When I schedule an episode on my radio show at www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown it is announced on Twitter and Facebook as well.

7. Respond when you can offer tips, resources and content of value.

Blatant self-promotion will turn people off and tarnish your credibility.

To build your business with social media takes time and patience.  With the contacts you make, you will network and market your services.  Just like marketing offline, nurturing quality relationships online builds your business and increases your profits.

Get busy with social media to bring about positive results.