Real Friends

Social Networking – Be A Real Friend First

If you want to be successful with an internet business you soon learn that you need to know SEO (search engine optimization) techniques. In addition, you also soon realize the benefits of social networking. It’s a “name” we’ve attached to what we used to call “making friends”. Everything has to have a name nowadays.

Why is the internet so popular, especially the social sites like twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn? Perhaps we don’t have the same opportunities to make friends like we used to. Neighborhoods have turned into subdivisions (many without sidewalks), our kids don’t necessarily attend neighborhood schools, and when was the last time you saw someone sitting on their front porch talking to passers-by? Although we have the same amount of time as our parents had, we seem to be so busy running from one place to another with little time to just “talk”.

Hence, the popularity of the internet. It has become a device that keeps us connected to each other, albeit, electronically. It’s being used more and more to market, however subtly, business and product opportunities through “social networking”. The concept is not new. Remember the book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”? The premise was that in order to affect others you need to make a social connection first. In order for people to purchase your product or service you need to “connect’ with them first.

Paul Schlieker, a good friend, publishes a monthly newsletter. He wrote: “Throughout history, almost every religious leader wrote a book, so why didn’t Jesus?” The preacher’s answer; “Because relationships change people, not books.” His point was that if you want to fill someone’s head, give them a book; if you want to change someone’s heart, make them your friend. “

A lot of people are trying to do that over the internet. But here’s what I believe many miss. They try to make contacts not friends. “Friend” inherently implies sincerity; just making contact won’t do it. If you want to be successful sell yourself, not your product or service. Be a real friend first without any expectation of reciprocity. If in time, it results in something else – great! If not, you still have a friend.

If you’d like to learn more about Paul and his wife Peggy (they are great and I highly recommend you do!), check them out at http://snurl.com/f1qr5.

About the Author

Dave R. Morris is the co-founder of http://www.Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com, your portal for front porch ideas and designs. Dave is a retired Air Force officer, Grandfather to 7 sweet grandchildren, logistics analyst, woodworker, remodeler, and niche e-business developer. Take some time to make a friend today – and enjoy your porch while you are at it!

Real Friends and Fake Friends