Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest are changing the way consumers make purchasing decisions . . . and tapping into these online communities has become a necessary part of any integrated sales strategy. Citing enlightening research and real-world examples, this smart, practical guide presents readers with a detailed methodology for growing sales and expanding their customer base using social media. Readers will learn how to: - Use content and conversations to build online relationships that transition to sales - Execute realistic sales strategies for each of the major social media platforms - Spot social media trends that may influence future buying behaviors - Sell online in B2B and B2C environments - Turn social shares (likes, favorites, +1s) into social sales - Set tangible goals - Use online tools and analytics to track social influencers and identify relevant conversations as they are happening Complete with a chapter dedicated to capturing mobile sales--a segment poised to explode as the adoption of smartphones and tablets grows--"The Art of Social Selling" is essential reading for every sales professional.