Using Events and Social Networks to Build Your Business

As a business leader, you are invited to countless conferences, events, and networking opportunities. After you've made the decision of which ones are worthwhile, here are some tips on how to use these events to gain more contacts for your business and followers on your social networks.

1. Spread the Word - Even if you are not able to attend an event, you can still promote it to your fans and contacts. Just be sure that it will be of value to your network or you'll just be another person taking up their time.

2. Share Your Schedule - Let people know which events you'll be attending. Share the link on your social networking sites and be sure to use popular hashtags (like #BAYMAM) and links to the event website so that other people who are talking about the event can find you.

3. Like It - Use social networks to research the speakers and other attendees of the event. It will help give you a better idea of which sessions will be the best use of your time and help you feel more knowledgable walking in the door. But don't stop there - be sure to friend them to stay in the loop on the latest updates.

4. Find Fans - When you meet people at the event, exchange contact information so that you can keep in touch after the event. Go ahead and add them as friends and request the same from them while it is still fresh on both of your minds.

4. Give Feedback - During and after the event, be sure to let others know what you found valuable. Use the hashtags and mention your new friends by tagging them with @their_name. You can also use tags to directly address any additional questions you have for the speaker after the event.

5. Build the Relationship - You've heard it before and still stands to be the hard and fast rule - Follow up! Use their name and personal details that you discussed to make the message more personal.

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