Using Social Media To Reconnect With Your Existing Network
When you think about social media, you probably think about either catching up with your friends or marketing.
Social Media for small businesses is all about promoting products, advertising services or trying to attract new customers. And while it absolutely can do all that, I think one of the biggest benefits is the connection you can build with others.
It can connect you with new customers, yes, but it can also help reconnect you with:
The people you went to school with.
The people you worked with years ago.
The people you grew up with.
The people you met at a conference, networking event, or community gathering and have not spoken to in a long time.
Those connections can become some of the most valuable relationships in your business, and many don’t even think about this possibility.
People Cannot Support What They Do Not Know About
One of the things I hear from business owners all the time is, "I don't want to post too much about my business and bug my friends and family,” but if you’re not posting about what you do, they don’t have any idea what you’re up to and how they can support you.
There are lots of people on social media who are ready to support your business if you reconnect with them. Think:
Someone you went to university with.
A former coworker may have lost touch after changing jobs.
Friends from your hometown may know you have a business, but they may not understand exactly what services you offer.
If you are not talking about your business online, people are left guessing, and how can they support you if they don’t know what you do or what you are trying to sell?
Social media gives you a way to stay visible and keep your network updated on what you are doing right now!
Familiar Faces Can Open Doors
Some of the best opportunities come from people who are already connected to us.
They may not become customers themselves, but they might know someone who needs exactly what we offer.
I have seen this happen many times:
Someone sees a post, realizes they know someone who is looking for that service, and makes an introduction.
A former classmate reaches out after seeing an update.
A previous colleague comments on a post and starts a conversation that leads to a new opportunity.
These connections happen WAY more often than you think!
So staying online, even something as simple as saying “ I own/work here and offer this,” may lead to your next sale.
You really never know who is paying attention to your content.
Share What You Are Working On
If you want to stay top of mind without being salesy, you have more to post about than you might think.
You don't need to share every detail of your business, and you don't need to post every day.
What matters is helping people understand what you do and who you help. Talk about current projects, share recent successes, post a behind-the-scenes photo, or explain the services you offer.
Highlighting clients, events, products, or your community involvement all count.
When people have a clear picture of how you spend your time, they're far more likely to think of you when an opportunity comes up.
Social Media Is Relationship Building
Some business owners focus entirely on finding new followers. And while growth is important, do not forget about the people who are ALREADY connected with you.
Your existing network is so much bigger than you realize!
Former classmates
Former coworkers
Neighbours
Family friends
Community members
Past clients
These are all part of your network. Social media gives you a way to stay connected even when life gets busy, and people move to different communities, provinces, or careers.
A quick comment, message, or interaction can restart a connection that has been dormant for years.
Social media is not just about reaching strangers.
Social media is also about staying connected with people who already know you.
By sharing what you do and showing up consistently online, you make it easier for those connections to support you, refer you, and introduce you to new opportunities.
This week, take a few minutes to update your audience on what you have been working on. You never know who might see it and think of someone who needs exactly what you offer.
