One Entrepreneur On Social Networking: Derrick M. Guest

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs on Social Networking."  This interview is with Derrick M. Guest.

What are your general thoughts on social networking (do you think it's highly important for today's business owner, a great way to build a web presence, a fad, exaggerated in importance, etc.)? 

Social networking is the best way to advertise and market your events, products and services.  A great way to build your brand and your customer base.  A great way to find your target market.  I believe that having an online presences is the best way to market your business it is vitally important to the survival of your business.
 
What have been your biggest challenges with social networking?

Not having enough time to be on the sites everyday and run the business.
 
What have been your keys to success when it comes to social networking? 

Building my online presences, building a core group of business owners and entrepreneurs that will pass on my information, sales coupons, events announcements and recommending my business to their core audiences.   I built up a online relationships with people that I've never physically met but have done so much for my business, because of this my business was in Black Enterprise and Essences Magazine just on building relationships online.
 
Do you have any techniques or routines that help you succeed with social networking? 

I'm on it almost every day.  I make sure that I answer my networking friends post.  I send referrals.  I give advice, and I engage in personal relationship.  Very rarely do I sell on line.  I make sure that I get my friends contact information and ask them if I can put them on my newsletter mailings list.
 
How important is social networking to the success of your business?

It is vital.  If you are not building an online presence, you are playing business owner.  You are not serious about building your business.
 
Any final thoughts on social networking? 

Social networking has helped my business tremendously.  Marketing and advertising online is going to be around a very long time.

Derrick M. Guest, CEO and Founder of Griot’s Roll Film Production & Services Inc.,  started Griot's Roll in 2004, which focuses on video production, video editing, video marketing and video consulting.  Mr. Guest teaches small business owners for Project Enterprise a organization that helps start up business owners and entrepreneurs learn how to marketing, advertise and grow their business.  Derrick is a volunteer for Pencil Partnership and the Eagle Academy for Boys, helping young people learn the art of making videos.  You can view all of Derrick Videos and Blogs on his Ning network or on the Facebook fan page.