By Ann Brown
View Comments

Social networking has swept the Internet, bringing far-flung friends and family together from around the globe. However, social networking also has many uses for your business. Social networking Web sites allow you to connect with friends, business colleagues and others in your industry. By enabling you to make connections around the globe, these Web sites give you the ability to expand your offerings and services dramatically.

How do you use social networking to grow your real estate business? Actually, you'll find a number of ways to put these tools to use. Social networking sites like MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, Del.ico.us, Gather, PerfSpot and others provide you with a gathering place, a mini-PR room and more. These valuable tools can help propel your career to the top.

Video: Twitter Explained

Central Information 

Social networking Web sites also give you a central location for all of your information. For instance, all social networking sites allow you to create a profile. This can be as in-depth or brief as you desire. You can provide contact information, a brief list of recent accomplishments, information about your services and other items that set you apart from others. By developing and creating a professional profile, you ensure that visitors know who you are, what you offer and why they should choose you.

Build Your Network

Of course, you probably realize the importance of networking in your real estate business already. However, social networking sites can allow you to develop your networking to new heights. In fact, these Web sites put the power in your hands. While real estate-related sites are powerful tools, social networking sites allow you to search a larger database of members, connect with others on a larger scale and increase your marketing dramatically.

Tease and Tantalize

A social networking site like Twitter allows you to provide brief messages and updates to your friends and clients. These can be excellent tools to drum up interest and increase traffic for your Web site. By sending short "tweets," you are able to generate interest in your offerings with only minimal text. You won't find any long-winded messages here. Tweets are more like instant messages than bulletins, so use them to your advantage. Of course, you can learn more about your contacts through this venue as well.

One of the best things about social networking is that most of these sites are free, which is an extra plus in today’s economy. If the task of creating a profile and building your social network is a daunting chore, hire a virtual assistant who has experience in this area to do it for you. You’ll find that the rewards that online networking can bring are numerous. Not only can you build your business, but you may even have a little fun in the process.

Ann Brown is a professional virtual assistant and president of virtualadminsplus.com. She specializes in real estate support and social networking and can be reached at 800-320-5159 or via e-mail at ann@virtualadminsplus.com.