Social networking is taking off both online and off.
Sites such as Face book, You Tube, and Twitter are the top five social networking sites.
These sites have created new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and services to reach people online which they would have probably never been able to reach.
One thing is certain that the people that go on social sites are leaving a finger print of who they are and what they are looking for, this defines their self-identities.
Every time you join a social site and connect with other people you are leaving your mark.
Face book gives you the ability to set up a fan page for yourself, business, product or service.
With Twitter you have the ability to customize your background personalize the profile and post your link.
This draws attention to you and helps to enhance your self-image.
Everyone likes to see their name in print! And a picture can tell a thousand words.
Once you get on several social sites you will realize that not only will you learn who is who and what they want but they will also know you.
You only get one chance to make a first impression, therefore, be mindful of leaving a dramatic and impressive imprint.
You do not want them to forget you, yet you do not want that to have left a negative perception.
The goal is to take this online finger print and develop a face to face relationship.
The benefit of meeting individuals online is that this may become an opportunity for you to meet offline.
Realize, you have already made an impression and you are now a trusted 'friend'.
You are meeting to further solidify your association and share your business, product or service.
For all intent and purpose this is marketing.
Amazingly enough relationships are built to market.
Even if for some reason this particular person has no interest in what you have of offer they have a network therefore, by default your network has grown.
Everything you do is Your Brand! Your presentation from beginning to end is your finger print in branding.
From the first blog or article to your appearance, each relationship you build on and offline sets the stage for your trademark.
The first impression is how people will remember you.
You must realize that even if your competitors may have a better starting hand - a stronger sales organization, higher awareness, greater market share or larger budget this does not assure victory.
What is setting you apart is that you are marketing your brand with each gesture.
This beats any ad, flyer, brochure or other stale old fashion methods of branding.
Building your presence online will always remain open for business no matter what the product may be.
Present yourself exactly how you want to be known.
Be cautious, and pride yourself carefully in creating a positive image that will re-direct more traffic to you.
Attract the people you want to join you in your network, and remember your brand is your finger print everywhere you go both on and off line.