Social branding: social networks give an effective brand to your business

Are you the Mary Kay mommy? A new face breaks the silence as she enters the networking room, her little bundle wrapped in a Sophist-a-Wrap on her shoulder. She sleeps with her toes sticking out of the soft cocoon where she spends many hours while her mother works.

With a face fresh as the morning dew, she greets women with a smile and the joyous sound of laughter. Her products shine when she presents herself and her products in the soft glow of a halo of dark hair that sticks out from the white wrap that keeps your child close and safe while working. In the middle of the morning, she finds a safe place to unwrap it and snuggle up to enjoy a few pleasant moments of breastfeeding before turning it over to face the world, happy and content. Mary Kay Mommy meets her client's needs and keeps her son with her.

Social media offered her the opportunity to share her products and develop her business while becoming a recognized BRAND in the community. Her niche has been well represented, through her own efforts, recognized as the Mary Kay Mom.

You can use the same niche Affiliate Marketing tool to brand your business on social media events. Although most of us would have to borrow a baby to use the Sophist-a-Wrap for recognition, the principles work.

Principle # 1 - Arrive cheerful and presentable with your best face forward. Make an entrance. No, I didn't say make a scene, I said make an entrance. Arrive in a way that others know that you are an important person to get to know.

Principle # 2 - Be polite and greet everyone in the room. Your winning smile will go to the darkest corners of the room, if you just wear it. Let laughter break out and draw attention to your smile. Not a loud, loud laugh, but that soft, tinkling laugh that grabs your attention.

Principle # 3 - Shake up your world. Be different. Dare to present yourself in an unexpected way, but one that suits your business. If you sell hats, wear the loudest, most gregarious hat you sell. If you sell bags, bring one that makes a statement. If you have a specific audience, market your product to that audience, from step one to the room.

Principle # 4 - Introduce yourself to everyone, get their card and tell them you will call them. Even if you KNOW they won't buy from you, sell YOURSELF. Get your card and contact them. Get a referral and build your contact-based list.

Principle # 5 - Follow Up. Create a well-structured contact plan and stick to it, religiously. Your business and your brand depend on it. Reach out to everyone you've met and remind them of who you are, ask when you can visit, and ask for references. Get names, numbers, and emails, then follow up with them too.