I hear a lot of people complaining about social networking sites - “I’m not getting any new clients using Facebook”, “I’m wasting so much time on the computer talking to people, but I’m not closing any deals”, “I don’t see how Twitter will help me get more money for my business”. I disagree with all of this. If these thoughts are running through your mind, then you are not using social networking sites effectively. Remember, clients/customers want to build a personal relationship with you and your business and these sites are perfect for that.

The social networking sites help me in a different way. My online business, The Pet Biz Helper, is still in the developing stages so at this point I’m using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to build a list of potential clients and start identifying people I can do joint ventures with. Right now, I have 2 joint ventures with people I met on Twitter and Facebook.

Joint Venture No. 1

I met Paul Reynolds (@bakersdog) on Twitter. He is The Baker’s Dog! co-owner in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and their treats are really good. My dogs really like them so I tried them also and let me tell you…I also like them! To make the story short, I contacted Paul via Twitter to see if he will give us some coupons for the goodie bags we will be giving out in a yappy hour benefiting the Montgomery County Humane Society and he said YES without hesitation. I don’t even know Paul in person, but Twitter helped me build a relationship with him and now The Baker’s Dog! coupons made it all the way to the Maryland/DC area.

Joint Venture No. 2

On Facebook I met Denise from Camp Bow Wow, an amazing dog daycare and boarding facility in Columbia, Maryland. She is the marketing coordinator for that facility and she’s always looking for networking opportunities that can help Camp Bow Wow grow. Denise is the sweetest person ever and I was so happy when she wrote me a message on Facebook for networking opportunties. We are now working in our business relationship and I’ll be able to help them with marketing in the near future.

To all pet business owners out there using social media sites - Be patient and build that personal relationship. You never know when a joint venture will show up at your door (or your inbox!).

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