A huge part of business success is networking by meeting people and building relationships.  Many already network for business in the offline world, but now small business owners and entrepreneurs have a huge opportunity to network online through social networking web sites.  For some, social networking is a skill that may take effort.  It truly is easier than you think.  You need to approach social networking the same way you do in the offline world.  The same rules apply!

Here are seven simple social networking tips to help you connect:

1. Gather a list of business connections you would like to have as part of your community on social networks.  Once you’ve compiled your list, reach out to each of them.

2. Share your personal interests and seek commonalities before you reach out to someone.  People will do business with you when they feel comfortable and can personally identify with you.

3. Know your audience.  Once you know what their wants and needs are, what their interested in, what engages them or what they respond to, you’ll be ready to deliver exactly that.

4. Show energy and passion for your business.  People sense these things even behind the computer.

5. Have a natural conversation with people instead of pitching to them with pre-written messages that you just copy and paste.

6. Before you approach anyone to promote your product/service or to ask for a favor, ask:  “What’s in it for them?” Remember, it’s not about you.  It’s always about them.

7. Don’t destroy communication by being a one-upper (always wanting to be bigger and better than everyone else).

If you are looking for more tips on aligning your online and offline networking efforts, you can read the blog and listen to the podcast I recorded last year with my favorite mentor, Dr. Ivan Misner:  Aligning Offline & Online Networking.

What other social networking tips have helped you in your business?  Please share in the comments below.