Business Networking Strategy

I recently received this message from a fellow member of Ecademy: 'How does one become a Professional Referrer ?

The last two questions from the recent article in The Sun newspaper Isn’t Facebook just for kids, can I network there? Since Facebook opened membership to the public, people have looked at the business networking potential of social networks, with mixed success. Facebook have started ‘brand’ pages where people can become a ‘Fan’ of your business. Facebook is ‘viral’ by nature, meaning that you can spread your message. But you have to understand how to do so and your business needs to be a good fit. Why would a bunch of strangers want to help me?

If someone asks you how they can help you, how clearly can you let them know how they can best make a difference to your business? If I was to ask you to tell me the ideal introduction for you, how effective would your answer be? For most people, the response offered is normally ineffective. We all know our business really well but that makes it difficult for us to focus in on one key area when we are offered support. Yet, if you ask someone to do too much for you, the chances are that they will do nothing. Why do I say that?