Social networking websites are no longer just a medium to connect with friends... they do wonders for business too

We connect with friends old and new through social networking sites, but have we once thought about the other benefits one could derive from them?

You could start a whole new business venture and even find yourself a business partner and investors. You could start teaching a skill and spread the news to millions. You could sell products and services and use the site as a free of cost word-of-mouth medium to get you numbers and even profits.

A good marketing medium
Moksh Juneja (27) is a social media catalyst. In other words, he helps people use social networking websites to promote their businesses.

"From people organising treks to corporate companies using social networking applications and groups in the form of advertising, social networking sites have proved to be a good medium. I help market people online whether they are friends or corporate executives. I teach people how to use these websites for their brand. In the United States, one could use a social networking website to order pizza. Basically, you are promoting a product or service without saying, 'I want to sell'," said Moksh. He figured that the marketing power of social networking could be put to good use two years ago. Start and maintain a business
Nihar Mehta (36) and Mamta M (44) were able to start their venture, Tribal Route, aimed at promoting handmade articles, thanks to social networking. They met up through a website and found that their business goals matched. Thus was born Tribal Route at Aram Nagar, Andheri.

Networking with people through such websites also brought in clients and investors. "You need to know people socially first, as before people know about a product they put a face to it. You cannot force people to buy. Not every person you meet is a customer. People get to know about what we do and spread the message. There are no boundaries to a networking site. You can connect to anyone around the world and we also help people connect. We are also getting franchisees from around the world. Business is a relationship, and social networking sites help continue this relationship," says Nihar. He believes social networking sites have helped 60 per cent of his business.



Mamta, who believes that status messages can be used to convey almost anything from needing a flat to looking for a maidservant, said, "These sites have helped us make contacts overseas. It's business mixed with social interactions. The number of people you reach through these sites are huge. Some allow you to make business pages, paste photos of your products, write notes and even give you space for advertisements."