By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team

One of the basic tenets of selling is the principle of  “giving before you try to get.” Often times in our eagerness to market our products and services online, we bypass offering added value to our target audience.

It’s really about building trust and cultivating relationships.  This has never been more important when using the Internet to market, network or sell. It isn’t always practical or expedient to meet and greet as today’s buyers almost prefer a little anonymity because they are inundated with spam, pitches and hustles. Simply put, they are gun shy. They build “firewalls” around their time and access. So the question becomes, how can you penetrate their shield and break down the barriers to get your message through?

Give to Get Tips

Social Media Networking is one of the best ways you have to make a great first and lasting impression. Social Media is about helping each other with no strings attached. Whether it is posting a comment on Linkedin, creating a dialogue by asking a pertinent question for readers to respond, or connecting with people and bringing them into your universe. Once the connections are made, it is your opportunity to give them something of value. It may be in the form of answering their query for help or offering a freebie. Another way to establish trust is to give them tips they can use in their business or direct them to an article or resource they need or should know about. Be consistent and always deliver on your promises. The more interaction and useful information you provide, the more appreciative they will be and most importantly, they will remember you as a great resource.

Plus, they can become evangelists for your brand. By getting to know you as one that “gives” solid advice, they will begin to trust your words and consequently lower their defenses and be more receptive to future overtures. They may decide to give you a try, or at least go visit your website and check you out further on Facebook. The next logical step may be that they refer you to their friends and followers within their online network.

Boost Your Reputation

By building your reputation as a go-to person, it will position you as an authority in your field without wanting anything. Again, by giving unconditionally, you can help manage what people think or feel about you. An added benefit is that you are developing relationships and extending your reach. You can never have too many friends, followers and fans. And the more you help, the more will come back to you and support your business.

About the Author: Bob Speyer is an online marketer, social media strategist and co-founder of the Web Success Team. Bob develops effective marketing strategies to help companies increase brand awareness and target more customers for their products and services. His articles are intended to educate as well as inform readers of the latest tools and techniques of online marketing. You can follow Bob on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.