Everybody’s heard of raving fans. It’s the household term made famous by the book of the same name.
Anybody ever heard of a raving network?
Let me tell you a little story . . . .
It’s about how a raving network has made my business grow.
In my business, I create products. Usually they are digital such as e-books, audios, or e-courses. They have also included a few books and CD’s. I promote them and people buy them.
Simple enough. That’s the basic premise of my online business.
But don’t forget the networking!
From day one, I started out using social media. I was on Twitter before I even had a website and was growing my network one person at a time.
As that network grew and my website got off the ground and I had products to promote, that same network was interested in what I was doing. Many of them bought and benefited from my products. I am grateful 
Yes, you can have a raving network too!
Social media has made it so easy. You have LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Empire Avenue, among the platforms. And, within these platforms are the smaller groups where you can engage with others in a little more direct and personal way. (I would use the word intimate but sometimes that gets misunderstood!)
Participating in the smaller groups can not be overstated! It’s the happenin’ place! You can easily set yourself apart as an “expert” in your niche by answering questions and being accessible. Groups are locations where you have the opportunity to really get to know others. Conversations are ongoing. Dive in!
Advantages of cultivating a raving network:
- They promote your launches
- They buy your products
- They recommend your products.
- They approach you to do joint ventures with them.
- They’ve got your back if any naysayers or complainers show up.
- They expand your network by including you in their network.
- They will refer others to you. (can we say priceless?)
Does anyone see the power of a good network? They help you get results that just wouldn’t be possible on your own. Believe me, a raving network works overtime helping you succeed!
The key?
There are two. One: You must always be willing to reciprocate. Two: You have to churn out quality products and content. Otherwise, what exactly will they be raving about?
We are all busy building our networks. How about making yours a raving one? Be willing to share with others. It will come back tenfold. Or more.
Peace,
-Martha
p.s. Remember, business is always personal
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
It is very true Martha. The power of networking can’t be overstated enough. Your advice and tips are well said. Raving fans are so important, but to get your network to think you are the next best thing to sliced bread is also key.
Appreciate you discussing this topic and especially sharing this in my Social Marketing Basic Tips & Strategies group on Facebook. It really is what that group and every other group should be about!
Thanks Lynn! It’s no secret my book became a best seller because of my network. They pushed that book to the top of Amazon by getting on my bandwagon and promoting it to their network. I am still in awe! My next stop will be to create my own groups. There is no end to the madness! LOL
Maybe I should start using things like LinkedIn as I only use Twitter and Facebook at the moment. But how easy is it to protect your privacy using it? I don’t want everyone seeing my buisness!
Harriet recently posted..Mobile Phone Exchange
You know, Harriet, I haven’t really worried about privacy. Anything I’m doing online on the social media platforms is for the public to read. LinkedIn is no different from Facebook and Twitter as far as that goes. Have fun checking it out!
Great post, Martha. I admit I have struggled with getting the products out there. I am kept plenty busy with my business writing, but would like some eBooks, training courses, etc. to build on my brand.
I’m getting there. Kind of like the little engine who could. Thanks for the inspiration and the kick in the pants.
That’s it Cathy! One step at a time. It takes a while to build the foundation
Hey Martha-no biggie, but any idea why my post isn’t popping up in CommentLuv?
Oops-never mind-it just did-weird- Cue up the Twilight Zone music.
Cathy Miller recently posted..5 Business Writing Tips Calculated by Math
What is weird is this: It showed up on this comment but not in the previous one
Hi Martha!
Thanks for inviting me to your Blog…from The Blogging
Mastermind Comment Tribe’s page.
First off, we have to believe in our value…
Then, we definitely have to supply value to our network’s
by creating top shelf content/products/services.
Lastly, we need to put our value in front of the masses.
Of course, GIVING as much as we can by moving the
free line always.
KUDOs on your fine work here!!
Have a highly inspired day…your tribal friend Steven Suchar
Hi Steven and glad you stopped by! It’s always so great to have someone visit from the Blogging Mastermind Tribe. I have been in that group for a long time now and it just keeps growing and getting better. I have found so many great blogs by being in that group. Look forward to checking out yours!
Hi Martha,
“Be willing to share with others. It will come back tenfold. Or more.”
That’s it. Put out great content but share, share and share some more. Leave a nice, value-packed comment on each blog post or on Facebook groups. Keep giving, and give some more, and eventually your network grows significantly, and your presence expands greatly.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..What You Want Comes to You Law of Attraction Tip
I’m working on it, Martha! Thanks for the motivation. When we see others with raving fans it’s easy to dismiss how much work and time when in to it. We just see the fans. Thanks for sharing your blueprint!
Sherrie Koretke recently posted..Feel Passion For Your Business
Yes, getting people to the “raving” point does take work but in my case, I love it! I’m a “people person” all the way and networking to me is so much fun. The icing on the cake is that I can have fun and make money too!