I can't like everything!
I definitely am a big proponent of social networking, after all it’s a large part of how I make my living but even I have my limits.
I not only connect daily with business online but also the old fashioned way with public speaking engagements, events, community involvement and good old fashioned face-to-face networking. I interact with hundreds of businesses and business people on an ongoing basis.
The result is an endless list of page suggestions, event R.S.V.P. request, etc., etc. So as a courtesy, I follow, like, connect with folks whom I may have met, may even know and call friends but have never even used their business or services. Many have created their online social media presence at my suggestion!
Here’s the rub…most never go beyond getting people within their inner circle to connect with them. Still fewer add ongoing, informative, engaging content to their network after it is set up. Result…most never realize the benefit possible, see an impact on their business or take it to the next level. If this is the boat you find yourself in, here are a few tips and a few articles that may help jump start your dead online marketing strategy:
Courtesy connections will only take you so far – friends and acquaintances may connect with you out of friendship or pity but why would others who are in their networks connected to you. You must give them a reason to connect.
Why should I listen to you – content, content, content, is what keeps them coming back for more. I find that many customers will not make the investment of time necessary to communicate, well if you don’t, I’m sure a competitor will, after all somebody out there really wants my business. Come on, why should I use you, why should I refer you, why should I even care?
Have a plan – good business and good marketing principals still apply. What are you trying to accomplish with social marketing? Who are you trying to reach? Why? What are the measurable returns for the investment? What are the best assets and tools to utilize? Who is going to do the work and be responsible for the follow through?
Pay attention – if you are not experiencing success on some level with social marketing, it’s because you are not paying attention! There are endless blogs, helps, tips, apps and examples online. There seems to be no end or limit to the possibilities for those who are willing to make the effort. Of course it is impossible to absorb it all, but it’s just plain silly to stick your head in the sand!
Be consistent – It’s simple, too little content and people will lose interest. Overload them with too much at one time and they will tune you out. Irrelevant information will make them think you don’t know what you are doing or what you are talking about.
Keep it real – if you engage someone, get the lead, get the referral, have a connection, you better be able to perform what you have promised. Negative information about you or your business can spread instantly on the web and usually will be a permanent.
Lastly, don’t lose sight of the great opportunity that business today have to reach the masses…it is simply amazing! Start today building your skill sets today with these great articles that I came across.
Most Marketers not Profiting From Social Media
Troy Tudor and the Entrepreneurial Spirit 