What is social networking - how to benefit and avoid common mistakes

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What is Social Networking – How To Avoid Common Mistakes

What is social networking? We define social networking as a group of people with the same or similar interests communicating and interacting with each other.

We all need friends and social support, whether it’s in your personal life or professional life. We endure and grow through our shared experiences. As human beings we all thrive on good relationships.

What is social networking? It's what your freelance business relies on - a network that supports you and helps you reach out to your target market.

The ever-growing popularity of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn shows that online social networking has taken the connected world by storm.

So what is social networking for translators? Well, let’s face it - Your potential clients could be anywhere and everywhere. Many of them are 'plugged in' for their businesses and work. They are looking for talented translators like you. The more visibility you have, the more likely you'll get hired.

As a tool and resource, free social networking sites can be amazing means of communication. If you are not using social media to maximize your potential and profit, you are not up-to-date.

If you are already on the band wagon, congratulations! But that’s just the first step - becoming a member of the online community doesn’t guarantee success for your translation business. Like the story of every Olympic medal winner, it begins with a lot of hard work and some hard lessons.

First we need to clear up some myths:

1. Social networking online is easy.

What is social networking? It's relationship building. It takes time and effort. You have to put in hours and hours learning all the functions and tools and figure out what works and what doesn’t.

You need to have a plan, you need to implement your plan and you need to make a commitment. This is not easy. But if you know your target audience and know how to promote your own skills, you have a foundation to build on.

2. Social networking is good for finding clients only.

While some people might contact you directly through a post or the info you put out there, it is rare you find clients in large number simply by joining the online community.

One of the benefits of social networking websites is to connect with people who may provide you with opportunities via word-of-mouth referrals.

You can also find out:

What do clients want from a translator?

What is the market trend in your industry?

Who is looking to hire people like you?

How are other translators growing their business?

Who are looking for business partners with the language expertise such as yours?

Knowing the answers to these will help you redesign your translation business to suit the market demand.

Don’t limit any possibilities. Keep an open mind.

3. Social networking is too time-consuming.

It can be if you don't have a clear plan as to what you want to achieve and how to get there.

Not all activities online are productive. You have to pick the most effective way to spend your time. As much as 30 minutes a day can make a difference for a freelance translator.

4. You have to join all social networking sites to be successful.

The fact is not all social networking services are created equal. It will take some surfing and reading to find out which one or ones are the most active, that match your needs, and where you can get the best bang for your time.

You can’t be everywhere at all times, even online. Online social networking requires your commitment. Once you pick the right fit for you, make sure to give it 100%.

So what is social networking online? It’s a new way of communication, but it carries all the elements any traditional networking method does. Networking online or offline, it’s always about people. It always has been and it always will be.

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