7 Secrets to Leveraging on Business Networking Websites

The first definition of leverage that comes to my mind is in regards to the mechanical advantage gained by the use of a lever. The amusing thing is, that in the business world things are exactly like that. Remember the physics lessons you took in school about using levers to move a large rock? You see, leverage is your support, what you need to move your business ahead. Your business is like a hard rock, and nobody can contradict that – it is very difficult to conduct a business, especially at particular times when things start going bad and you do not seem to have a solution. In business networking websites the concept of leverage translates into when you have a close contact that is able to solve a problem in your target market. Using leverage you can often get in front of large companies with no troubles at all (maybe by stepping on some toes, but not necessarily). The thing is, at one point or another you need to collect those leverage contacts, and that can only be done if you prove yourself worthy of them.

1. Send your message clear

Your first encounter on business networking websites is with other business owners via the website’s platform. If you are a newcomer to the internet or social networking boards, you should note a few important things. First, when posting a message remember to send your message clear, to keep your offences, insults to yourself even if the other one truly deserves them, and finally, post only useful information and important questions. These will help you build your image.

2. Restrain yourself

I mentioned before something about restraining yourself from insults even if the other one deserves it. The most common mistake that occurs with business networking websites is that people feel that if they cannot be seen, they can say just about everything they want. Remember that any mistake will put a black mark on your image, and it will be harder to you to gain leverage.

3. Gain respect

Learn to give the right answer at the appropriate time using the right language. By looking too much like the know-it-all kind of person, you will end up being ignored even if you have something important to say. By giving answers that are unclear, or simply speculative of the topic, you will end up having no credibility at all, thus losing any leverage you may have had up to that point.

4. State your point, reinforce it

When creating leverage you need to remember the people around you (virtually) need to know that you are the type of person they can rely on. Creating contacts that will be able to help you in the future involves a certain strategy and proving that you are sure of what you are doing and what you are saying is part of that strategy.

5. Rubbing one’s back meaning others rubbing your back

If a certain business owner asks you for a favor at one point or another, carefully weight your outcome – if it is useful to help someone that can help you in the future. There are people out there that ask for help all the time, make sure you will not help someone that is not at all interested in returning the favor.

6. Keep everything clear

In the business world, everything that is not stated is often ignored. If you expect something from your relationship with another business owner, if you expect leverage from your relationship make sure at one point or another you mention it to it, in a subtle way. Keep your interests clear; make sure you inform him that he can rely on you for help you can provide and so on.

7. Use your leverage when appropriate

Do not be one of those needy business owners that relies only on other’s help to get through. Learn to get through on your own, and use your leverage when actually required. This will help you to gain more leverage because people will know you will not abuse of your position and that you are a professional.