Mediaboss Marketing

Tayo Elegbede

In recent times, the Internet has profoundly altered business operations across the globe more than ever in the history of mankind, making the art of social networking the next gale that will blow us forward.

Today, a generation of online tribes, cliques, communities, social spheres, lists, groups and circles, amongst others, describe and define online networks of interest and following.

As people connect with one another on Instagram in South Africa, others are navigating Facebook in Nigeria. Daily, large numbers of Africans and, indeed, the world are logging into thousands and perhaps millions of social networking platforms.

Social networks are predominately redefining our personal and business relationships with the world around us. From music to marketing, consulting to fashion, creative to communications, and education to engineering, there are available networks for every individual and professional to establish, join and develop for personal influence and brand benefits.

Human beings do not exist in isolation; they operate in circles of interests and relationships which, when virtual, can be referred to as networks. Networks exist both in business and social interactions, thereby making possible new avenues for insight and information sharing.

A network affords individuals and brands the opportunity to maintain stronger relationship with other individuals and brands of connected interest. It sets you up on knowing your customers and competitors, gives you the foresight to think, plan and execute any network-focused agenda while leveraging virtual reality.

One more trend is obvious: more offline relationships and networks are now migrating online and brands, just like individuals should position themselves for these opportunities. As an Internet and social media user, building networks and harnessing their benefits should depend on the platform in consideration. For instance, a photographer may find Instagram a better platform to build more viable network due to the fact that photos are better appreciated on Instagram or Pinterest.

In the same vein, a writer may find Tumblr or Twitter more interesting due to the opportunity to create long- or short-form essay. While this sounds like good advice, the popularity, acceptance and prevalent use of a network in a particular country is to be considered. A photographer on Instagram in a country where Facebook records the highest users may make the best use of the platform but lose out on business opportunities because many potential clients and customers are on other platforms.

To build a network for your brand is, perhaps, one of the most productive ways to constantly create relevant market buzz about your products and services. Network building goes beyond executing a one-off marketing campaign to helping your brand through its life cycle. In order to achieve this, it is crucial to look before leaping.

The rest is here:
The power of networks