Social networking can be very beneficial to your business. However, like with any project, it can also be a waste of time if you don't put the proper care and attention into it. Surprisingly, it takes less effort than one might imagine. Here are some simple tools to use when surfing the social networking wave.

- Take initiative. Once you have signed up, go out and add as many friends as you can. The more friends you have, the more of an audience you can speak to.

- Add the right people. While adding anyone can't hurt your business chances, you also want to be sure to add a majority of individuals geared toward your target audience. You don't have to steer blind looking for them. You can go into any forum and find all the specific business professionals you could ask for.

- Join a forum. Here is a place for you to discuss relevant topics with like-minded people. You can post ads and connect with other professionals to grow your list of potential clients.

- Check your site regularly. Staying on top of new messages and alerts will keep you current on returning those messages. When others see that you are regular and quick to respond, they feel more likely to trust you.

- Update your site. Keeping your site fresh is always a plus. Whether you change the color, scheme, content, or ads, it will keep others continually checking to see what's new with your business.

- Keep in contact with others. Let your "friends" know what you are up to and what you are currently offering. Remind them at least once a week what a great offer you have. This can be in a bulletin or personal message. Staying fresh in their mind means that when they are ready to do business, they will think of you first.

Using social networking sites to expand your business can prove to be very beneficial, as long as you play by their rules. Follow these tips and the rest with come to fruition. Happy hunting!

Author's Bio: 

Copyright © 2009 Andrea Susan Glass and WritersWay. Andrea Susan Glass, owner of WritersWay, specializes in personal and professional development ghostwriting and copyediting. She helps small business owners and entrepreneurs produce and promote books, e-books, and other info-products to brand their expertise, impact others with wisdom, and build passive income. To sign up for a valuable monthly ezine and to get the free report “Your Info-Product Success System” visit http://www.Info-ProductSuccessSystem.com.