Effective social marketing: using push and pull networking.

• Author: Mason, Ron 'Cat'
• Position: Marketing Works

There is never a wrong time to use "push and pull" networking. Push and pull networking allows job seekers and business owners to socially market themselves and their businesses. Push and pull networking can be an effective means of marketing that will deliver the desired self-promotion message in front of an ideal employer and other businesses. The main advantage of push and pull networking is having control of the message that is to be sent, how it's seen, along with the when and where.

PUSH

Some current forms of "push" networking are online venues such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Large, medium and small companies are becoming more involved in online social networking sites to look for good prospects for employment and business contacts. Networking on these sites increases opportunities to connect with businesses looking for qualified professionals to employ. Online social networking sites are a great way to attract a business' target market as well, and best of all it is free.

PULL

"Pull" networking consists of getting involved in activities that will give more visibility to prospective employees and business owners. The purpose of pull networking is to have the prospective employers seek out and find a possible candidate who may have something of value to offer them. Pull networking activities encourages the building of business relationships. These activities can, and should, include blogging, podcasting and networking--online and offline.

Pull networking has the ability to attract contacts by attending different social venues that will place a name and face out there in the business world. Examples of easily implemented pull networking include attending job fairs, chamber events and trade shows.

NETWORKING

Networking should be a constant and never-ending activity when talking to people in social situations, to include standing in line at the grocery store. The best place to start developing a push and pull network is with family, friends and neighbors--and with "their" family, friends and neighbors. Push and pull network with co-workers, colleagues in the same business field, and people met at industry gatherings, such as trade shows and conferences. Make contact with former co-workers, as well as others in your...