In this issue...

Three Strand Connections in Social Media

Featured Partner: Twin Engine Creative

2009: The Year of the Partner

Three Strand Connections in Social Media

A client recently asked the question, "What are the top three social networks that you recommend joining and actively participate in and why?"

"Three" is the operative word in fact. There is an old proverb that says "a cord of three strands is not easily broken." That's applicable where social networking is concerned as well. It's a matter of strengthening your social graph. Being networked with a given individual in three different places makes for a strong connection.

Here are the top three we recommend:

LinkedIn - That's your business suit. While LinkedIn is not very conversational in its orientation, having a profile there has become expected. LinkedIn lends a degree of professional credibility. It is also the site that requires the least amount of upkeep.

Facebook - That's business casual. Facebook allows more of a 360 degree view of you, combining both professional and personal sides. Plus, it's a more conversational platform.

Twitter - This is the cocktail hour. Think of after hours social networking events and you've got Twitter. It's the most informal of the three and allows for the greatest degree of conversation.

The focus should be on creating three-fold connections to individuals. It's not enough that you have a presence on each of these sites, but that you leverage your presence to connect with individuals who are also present on each.

Of course, the next question is, "Who should I connect to?"

One school of thought is to connect with everyone you can. After all, you don't know who your first-tier connections might know who would be a suitable client or partner.

Another, and perhaps more reasonable approach, is to think about your target market. Are you focused on a specific industry or vertical market? Connect with those in that space. Is it more of a geographic focus? Then look for those in your local area. Of course, it's usually a good practice to connect with those who connect with you.

A third question might be, "What do I say?"

Most certainly do NOT come out of the gate pitching your agency's services. That doesn't bode well in this new media environment.

Bizzuka's SVP of sales, Charles Lauller, suggests a more altruistic approach. He suggests that you "seek first to understand, then to be understand." Introduce yourself, then do your best to learn as much as you can about the other person. Get them talking about themselves, Charles says. Sooner or later, they will run out of things to say and start inquiring about what you.

Regardless of which social network you choose to engage in, remembers social media is about being "social." Each platform offers its own distinctive advantages, but it takes all three to build the strongest connection. Plus, it gives you ubiquity. You're everywhere!

If you'd like to learn more about how to utilize social media marketing with your clients, contact Bizzuka Internet Marketing Specialist, Brian Bille.

Featured Partner: Twin Engine Creative

With offices in California and Texas, Twin Engine Creative provides custom design communication solutions for businesses. Their mission is to clearly, uniquely and imaginatively communicate their partner's key brand initiatives, selling propositions, and products/services to their current and prospective customers.

Read more about Twin Engine Creative on the Bizzuka Partners Web site.

Want to learn more about becoming a Bizzuka reseller partner? Let us know.

2009: Year of the Partner

This year Bizzuka is redesigning our partner portal.

Our primary goal is to make it all about you. What makes you and your company unique? What are your areas of expertise, who have you worked with, what are your clients and colleagues saying about you?

While we have plenty of ideas about how we can help promote you, at the end of the day nobody knows you like you. You know your target market, your target audience, and ultimately what elements can help execute your go to market strategy in 2009 and beyond.

Our secondary goal is provide a wide variety of resources to help you grow your revenue and market.

These will include:

• Vertical specific case studies
• White papers
• Prospecting tools
• Lead generation systems
• Social media strategies
• and much more.

From an operations perspective we'll outline best practice processes we've learned to help set and manage expectations for your clients and their respective projects.

Helping build your brand and your business is our business. We're happy to share all of the information we have, and invest whatever resources are necessary to help make you successful. We invite you to take this opportunity to let us know how we can help you today.

We want to express our deep appreciation for the opportunity to partner with you. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, please don't hesitate to contact Charles Lauller, SVP of Global Sales and Business Development. His email address is: clauller at bizzuka dot com.

Contact Us | Email Us