Social Networking is at the beginning of new and shifting global business strategies that will allow businesses to do one important thing: prosper. The fact is that most businesses can no longer ignore that there is a new way to do business. Understanding global business strategies is the key to unlocking how we as small business owners can improve our business.
Global Business Strategies In Action!
This weekend was pretty busy for me. I got the chance to go through a lot of blogs for my fellow members of TSA (Tribe Syndication Alliance) as well as spent an inordinate amount of time on Warrior Forum learning some cool tricks from internet marketing greats around the world. I also went to some family outings and then just hung out with my wife Sunday evening.We watched X-Men: First Class. Great movie, but completely out of touch with the comic book versions of what happened.
Oh, and while I was on the run I got a chance to talk to my team in Bangladesh, Phillipines, India, and here in Chicago. All in all I spent about 1 hour on my blackberry going back and forth with a few contractors about different projects for clients and myself that need to be completed. We did this through Skype. That was all free, in real time, with people that I have never met face to face.
This morning already, my Skype is on, I have created some new connections with people on Google+ and have checked out Facebook on my phone. I know I have some Skype conversations with people in the state of Georgia and also one in Bangladesh later today.
But enough about me. This is to just give you a teaser of how global business strategies effect your business. Because the reality is that it is about the global business strategies of all small business owners.
Get Your Global Business Strategies Moving!
1. Have a plan of action. I know that I might be the first (or the millionth) person to tell you this, but have a way that you can move people from initial connection to valued client, partner, or team member. For example, go to my Facebook page and you will notice I have a lot of posts getting you to my blog. Why? Because this is my central hub for my social networking activities. My plan centers around my blog.
2. I know this might buck the trend a little, but do not just choose one social network to rely on for all of your connections. I understand that for some industries, such as financial professionals this might not always be possible. But for those who have the ability to join Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Youtube, Foursquare, and Skype please do so immediately. Then as you discover what works go with those social networks.
I generally focus on a few social networks each week. The past few weeks has been a Google+ bonanza as I am in a huge learning curve there, but also have been going on Facebook as well. Other weeks it is LinkedIn and Twitter. Youtube might be forgotten for a week or two at a time, before it becomes my favorite friend as I create a flurry of videos. Update: 2-18-12 Part of the reason why I started the Social Networking Minute was to use Youtube more often.
Why limit yourself to just one social network when you can have the opportunity to double or triple your chances of meeting a prospect on different networks? Just be consistent with your social networking.
3. Think bigger! The problem with being from one country is that we never see the others as a proud national. Yes, if you live in the United States you know that there are places called China, India, England, Brazil, and Nigeria. However, we have a preconceived notion of what we do not know.
The greatest change in business will be a cultural change. It will be a blending of the traditional American standard, the Chinese resourcefulness, Japanese imitation, hopefully a little of bit of Brazilian carnival, and a large helping of Italian fashion.
Twenty years from now we will find it funny how bewildered we were at other cultures, and how people would never leave their homeland to visit new places and people. A global walkabout is being created where learning about the different cultures is not only a preferred ideal, but a necessity in a global culture. Where you learn how to build relationships with people all over the globe in order to do business.
Global Business Strategies Final Thoughts
It amazes me how I can have a Skype conversation with someone in India, chat with someone on Facebook from Bermuda, and then have a phone call with someone here in Chicago. Getting rid of the old ideas of how business get done will free small businesses to become more profitable in the years to come. After all global business strategies is about finding the right mix for your small business to prosper. Social networking is making these global business strategies a reality.
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You’ve really inspired me Andy! Back when I was in the travel industry I prided myself in having contacts all over the world … after I left my “world” began to progressively shrink and now it pales by comparison. While my international traffic has continued to grow, especially in Europe – and two of my books have been translated into Spanish and French – I have really made no effort to network outside of the U.S. I think this is something I’ll be looking at very closely in the months to come.
Marquita,
I understand exactly what you mean. For a long time I have just focused, and for today still do mostly on the US market. However, I have also slowly been building my connections around the world.
Andy
Hi Andy
I still have moments when I’m amazed at the global communication at our finger tips these days. Being on the board of directors for an international corporation where meetings are held on skype and discussions in a private group in facebook – such a thing would have been impossible just a few short years ago. An exciting time to run a business and work with people globally.
Anne,
It is very cool what you can do with some of the technology available today for businesses. That is what makes living now such an exciting time as an entrepreneur.
Andy
Hi Andy,
Great choice for a topic as this phenomena is becoming more of a reality every day.
On my Global Mastermind group, we have members from the U.S., United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Australia. It’s not always easy to get everyone together on Skype at the same time due to time zone differences, but when we do, it is amazing how the Global community comes together.
When you factor in all the members of our team, the Global factor really comes into play.
Between the interactivity of blogging and social media, as you mentioned it brings the Global world into your own backyard. With the technology we have and the developing technology, the channels of communication and our capabilities have expanded greatly and there is no telling what the future holds.
It is a business strategy that small business owners definitely have to be aware of and tap into.
Keep Schmoozing,
Marc
Marc,
That sounds awesome! I have been part of a national mastermind group in the past that met weekly on a conference call, but I have never done a full blown international mastermind group. That is really cool!
Andy
Most businesses today uses social media marketing to promote their businesses and they found it effective. Social media marketing can drive traffic as well as direct communication with possible customers.