Social Media Frenzy! How's that working for ya?
on Wednesday, February 17, 2010
There is an ever increasing number of gurus and social media experts out there stressing the need to participate in social media. The result…a frenzied approach to jumping in. Kind of like tossing spaghetti at the wall hoping something sticks. Sound familiar?
I heard from many of you in the last survey that learning more about social networking is a top priority.
I will begin by reminding you, I am not a social media expert. I am a business strategist. I work with you, the highly motivated professional, to artfully discover ways to leverage time, money, people, and messaging so you can do more of what you love more profitably.
I know social networking can be leveraged. Many are using it to grow their audience and experiencing increased sales. BUT…all businesses are not alike. How you use the different platforms is as important as the message you send…not to mention the frequency and content of your posting. I put myself right in the game with many of you, trying to learn, leverage, and practice what’s being spouted as strategic so I can pass on practical applications from the trenches.
I will continue to share resources, insights, and connections so you can make the best decisions for your business and the use of this rapidly growing medium. Here are some of the core insights I’ve learned and experienced.
Which sites to join? How best to use?
You are probably getting invites to join others networks on a regular basis. Do your homework. Whether you waiting to jump in or are already in the fray take the time to do this step.
- Investigate the audience. Check out www.Quancast.com or Google Linked In (or Plaxo, etc) Demographics.
- Ask your customers. If they are networking online, ask them where and how they are using.
- Ask your peers. Discover their goal, how they use, and how much time. Bonus question, ask what they would do differently based on what they’ve learned.
In the end, you have to sample, test, and measure. (Great best practices for any marketing tactic.) Your goal may be to increase visibility or brand awareness within a certain group or demographic. If so, you would use different tactics than if your goal was lead generation. Selling yourself in social networking situations is as much a turn off as in face to face networking! Don’t do it.
Frequency
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, I was testing Twitter and Facebook. I’ve actually taken a hiatus from Twitter to get some work done on my new website and products but here is what I noticed…
- Whatever you use, update strategically. For example, I see Twitters tweeting all day long. I realize they can tweet from many applications easily (text from phone, iPhone, twitterberry, etc.) BUT it makes me wonder how well they are taking care of clients and what else they are NOT doing due to tweeting (or whatever the correct term in Twitter vocabulary).
i.e. I see a VA (virtual assistant) online all day. I realize she probably sits at her computer but if it were my VA doing work for me I would wonder if she is getting MY work done accurately, efficiently and if I am paying for her twitter time. On the other hand, I see those in internet businesses tweeting valuable information I can use or those who are sharing a great place to eat or website to visit. That is news I might use. Do consider using Linked In and Plaxo updates to keep your name in front of your network. Just keep in mind what your updates convey. I don’t want to hear you are out getting another cup of coffee unless you can recommend the coffee place, want me to join you, or the person you are meeting with is notable. - Self promotion in tweets. I follow a few folks (though not for long) who don’t seem to get it about self promotion. Most of their tweets are very self focused reminding me of their services or their website. The better tactic is to share a tip, insight, or recommendation that may relate to your expertise but is valuable to me, the reader.
I am learning the hard way social networking can be addictive and an easy avoidance technique when you have things to do that are not so fun.
Note about me: I rarely jump on any bandwagon of the latest greatest thing. This causes me to be a slow adapter of some really great technology, tactics, and organizations but I want to make sure what I am trading my time for counts. I know you do too.
I am learning social media by trial and error because I felt this was to important a movement to wait and see. I hope you join me in the fray. It might get messy but at least we are moving forward! If you don’t move, you can’t grow!
Start today! Get your profile ready, accept those invitations and do your homework.
Quick links (These links provide great basics that apply across the board.)
123 Guide to Linked In
Setting up your Linked In Profile
Do What Works!
The longer you allow yourself to be distracted, the more out of touch you become with what is really going on. It is easy to let your “best practices” slide. Decide today to do what works. It’s so easy to let the talk about the economy, Obama’s stimulus program, your neighbors job loss…not to mention your concerns about doing the right thing to streamline, cutback, and attract customers to your business to take over your thoughts and conversations. Bottom line, we can’t afford the down time. Remind yourself what works.
- Planning. A proven principle that never changes. Planning improves both execution and outcome. You can’t gain more time but you can get more done in less time with planning.
- Outreach. Business is about serving people. Customers are gained by reaching out. Simple as that. Pick up the phone and call. Get out of your office and mingle.
- Balance. Remember why you do what you do and what matters most. In the end you won’t get back the extra hours you worked, any return on the worry you invested, improved life from the stress levels you tolerate. Your balance may look differently during this period but it essential you find what it is for you.
People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Use your authentic voice, reach out, and connect. Use your website, your blog, your newsletter, your social networks, your phone, your network…you get the idea! It works!
------------------To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com
This is very intresting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.