Don’t Be A Caveman

Social networking is the hottest trend these days. Recently sites like myspace, twitter, and facebook have become widely popular and accepted as valid sources of information. If you haven’t signed up for one or all of them you may have been living in a cave! There is more to networking online than posting pictures of the new pup or your status on what’s for dinner.

You can spend a lot of time on these sites, so setting things up the right way may take a little planning. If you do it right you will create a profile that will attract both clients and colleagues to join your network.

Here are some of the A, B, C’s of social networking.

A. Always keep your business and personal profiles separate.

a. When being exposed to a large online community you should practice the art of compartmentalizing (for example when facebooking set your business up as a “page” instead of a “profile”. Your clients won’t be interested in your summer vacation and your friends and relatives might not be interested in your self-promotion. This doesn’t mean that they can’t overlap, just draw the line and keep it relevant to your audience.

B. Be prepared with a robust personal profile.

a. Create a text document with the basics about you. It can be a livelier version of your resume including previous job experience, awards and current projects. A short bio with your networking interests accompanied by a nice profile picture should give you the essentials for most networking sites. For graphic design sites plan on creating an online portfolio and links to your website(s).

C. Consistent contact.

a. Narrow down how many networks you belong to in order to achieve this goal. The best way to build reputation and credibility is to consistently blog, post, comment and upkeep your profile. People won’t visit profiles that are stagnant and unresponsive. Don’t open a profile and then neglect it. If you find that you haven’t visited a site for several weeks consider closing down that particular account.

The Value Of Niche Networking

Also, never underestimate the value of niche networking. Joining a graphic design network is imperative to your growth and validity as a designer. Networks help you see more designs and get in contact with good designers. If you don’t know who’s good, look at who’s being followed the most and try figure out why?

Some specialized sites allow you to follow websites, setup feeds and notices for people and agencies that interest you. They can place you in contact with clients looking for freelance and forums to connect with other designers to share ideas or vent frustration. Best of all they are a source of motivation and inspirations. An amazing way to feel connected through a virtual community.

The final no-brainer of social networking is just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean you can act recklessly. Everyone potentially can view your profile; abstain from making rude comments, pointless arguments, or sharing TMI (too much information). Get ready to make some real, robust relationships that go beyond geographical limitations. The Internet is your virtual power-lunch, treat every online contact as a real face-to-face relationship.

Cost: Repeat Business < New Business

Your marketing costs for repeat business will be significantly lower than marketing for new business. Don’t neglect your new customer marketing, but make sure you don’t forget to seek opportunities to work again for existing clients. Give them a call and check in. A simple “thank you” card for past business is a great reminder as well.

It is always good to keep in touch with your clients. Repeat business is easy to snag if you are fresh on their minds. When you check in with people, make sure and let them know that you are available for anything that they might need. They may not need you at the moment, but the first time a new project comes up they will remember you. Be supportive and in tune to what their business is doing, are they planning a product launch soon? Need extra help for a convention that they do on a yearly basis? Approach them during those times when they are most likely to need your help.

Use Social Networking

You can also use social networking, twitter, facebook, and LinkedIn to advertise yourself to your existing connections. If you have the opportunity to create a unique self-promotion, keep it readily available to hand out when you are ready for new business. Try something that they can keep on their desk, like a calendar or small book of quotes or local photography. Approaching your local businesses is a great way to meet new clients.

Network with other Graphic Designers to catch work overflow. We all get bogged down sometimes with projects and it’s great to have pool of resources. Stay in tune to you Graphic Design forums or local chapters of the AIGA. It’s a great way to make relationships to build future business on.