“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.”

– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Just so you know, this is not a post about attracting the love of your life. Even though I did, somehow, manage to do just that, I am far from an expert in that area.

This post is how to attract clients.

At the risk of sounding redundant, I’ll start by stating what social networking is NOT.

Social networking is not a forum to sell your products and services.

Social networking is about building relationships. It is about being someone who provides information to a very hungry audience.  It is about sharing the knowledge that you’ve worked very hard to obtain.  If you need more explanation about why social networking should not be used to sell, feel free to contact me and I’ll tell you, but I don’t want to use this space for that information.   I have something much more important to share right now.

The quote above, which is frequently used in weddings, anniversary cards, and other such personal situations is also very appropriate for social networking.  Let’s break it down…

“Love is patient”

Social networking does not produce immediate results.  If you have ever started a blog you will know that at the beginning it truly feels like you are talking to yourself.  You put all your words of wisdom and pour your heart out and get nothing. (With the exception of, perhaps, a few kind words from friends and family.  LOVE YOU HONEY!)  The thing to know is that social networking takes time.  Please pursue even when you feel like you are shouting into the ether.  Your audience will find you.  “Build it and they will come.”

“Love is kind”

Please always remember that everything you share on this big, beautiful World Wide Web is public.  It is quite possible that you will find a post on a forum, a blog entry, or online article that rubs you the wrong way.  If you feel compelled to comment for goodness sake…be civil!  Even the most obscure forum may one day show up on Google.

“It (love) does not envy”

You have competitors.  That is just the nature of the beast.  No matter how specialized you think you are, there are people who are offering services or products that are similar, if not an exact match, to your own.  If you see a competitor who is “doing better” than you, embrace them!  Become acquainted with them.  Learn from them.  Make positive comments on their blog.  The thing is, this is truly a big world, and there is enough work for all of us.  Join hands with your competitor and increase the demand for the products or services that you both provide. You will both be better for it.

“…it (love) is not self-seeking”

When you are involved in social networking it is important to truly embrace the fact that you are there as an information provider. Of COURSE as business owners we all want to increase our profits.  But, if you are participating in social networking with this mindset, it will show through.  People will feel it. And, they’ll turn away from you.

So you see, love has everything to do with social networking.  In my experience, if you go into something from a mindset of love and kindness you will enjoy the ride so much more!