What type of advice would you give a micro-business or freelancer considering using social media for their business development needs?

Erika’s no newbie to social networking. Her query was more of an experiment with LinkedIn’s Q&A feature than anything. Still, the answers she garnered are good advice. And since a refresher in social media best practices never hurts, here’s what I added:

1. Be Valuable. Whatever platforms you choose — blogging, Twitter, video, a combination of tools — create and share useful information with people. Think first about what others need, then create.
2. Be Patient. Generating leads and new business via social media and social networking takes time. If you need immediate income, other vehicles might work better. On the other hand, if you commit to building your network and delivering value over the long haul, the rewards will be far greater over the course of your career.
3. Promote Others. While you’re feeling the pressure of your immediate income needs, you’ve gotta resist the urge to focus just on you. Help others achieve THEIR goals, and it’ll come back to you tenfold.
4. Set Goals. Start with small goals — no need to bite off more than you can chew. One mistake a lot of people make in social media is thinking they have to do everything, be everywhere, and know everyone. Focus on one achievable goal at a time.
5. Help Someone Else. See a theme emerging? You may be uber-talented, but the key to getting someone to part with their money isn’t being talented…it’s solving a problem. Everyone out there has a need — how can you help them resolve that need?
6. Step Away From the Computer. My biggest weakness is using social networking as a crutch. I spend too much time “building relationships” and “engaging” with people who can’t help me grow my business. You have to step away from Twitter, pick up the phone, pound the streets, schedule meetings, send emails, follow up, follow up, follow up. Nobody is as attuned to your need for income as you are, so you can’t count on them to come to you with checkbooks open. You have to go ask for the business.

What would you add?

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It’s a question I’m asked often in seminars, consulting gigs, and client visits. For many newbies, LinkedIn is their gateway into social networking sites.

There’s no right or wrong way to use LinkedIn. Most people connect with co-workers past and present, then ignore LinkedIn until they get another request. Seems ineffective, but I consider that a failure of LinkedIn to make a more engaging, interactive platform.

LinkedIn to People I Don’t Know?

With rare exception, I don’t get LinkedIn to people with whom I don’t have an existing relationship. It limits me, yes, but I’ve found those folks typically need/want something from me. The relationship is a one-way street, and dissipates once they get what they need.

If you want to connect with me, use Twitter. Cross swords with me on my blog. Meet me in real life at an event. Take me to coffee. Engage.

If you can’t take time to build a relationship, it sends a message: You’re just looking for a quick hit.

Sorry, that’s not networking.