Simply put, social media has become a game changer, but not for everyone. Social media, in my humble opinion, can be the biggest waste of your time, money, energy, and good will. That being said, a Social Media Strategy can be a game changer, and is already being used to effectively influence and grab market share with lightening viral speed.
Here are 3 things to consider when starting your Social Media Marketing Strategy:
1. “Listen, Listen, Listen”
If you are new to social Media, especially Twitter, you should be spending more time listening to the conversation than trying to just start your own, by yourself. You may not build influence and followers by just pushing your message out there. Remember, the people on Twitter who actually have any real influence don’t usually respond to just blanket type spam marketing Twitter account. Find the leaders in your industry and see what they are doing right or wrong.
2. “The more you Learn, the more you Earn”
They are so many social media resources available on the internet, including Facebook. Most of the information is free and the people giving it away are still winning at their business. This is because it is not the information that will help get you results –it is how you apply that information. Take some time each week to look at social media and start following people and brands that you think are adding value to the conversation.
3. “Spend your marketing budget wisely”
Advertising, social media marketing, sales, business systems, the whole nine yards, will mean nothing to you if you try to spend the least possible amount of time on making your business great. Many of the tools available are free; however, I am not suggesting that it makes any sense to spend a ton of money just because someone claims he or she is an expert and can help you to use social media to grow your business. All I would like to add is that Social Media or Social Media Marketing is a long term investment in your brand. Social Media itself just refers to sharing media like videos, images and on our favorite social networks. Social Media Marketing, on the other hand, refers to using Social Media to market and brand your business. This takes time and hard work by someone representing your brand, but the results can be huge.
Comments that add some value are welcome. Agree, disagree, ask questions. It is all open; that’s one of the cool things about Social Media, and my blog.
Want to talk Social Media and growing your brand?
Here I am: Social Media Sean
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Good speaking with you.
As for the “listen…” section, I would add the following: for those new to one of the major SM portals/tools (ex. if I ever bother with these, I would be new to Japanese iPhone apps, Delicious, and 4square, believe it or not), I agree strongly with Sean – listen, initially. And then, ask, before you preach. We tend to regard even the greenest “newbies” as professionals, intelligent souls – who simply are brand new to whatever tool they are, well, new at. Show a genuine eagerness to give-and-take, and those in-the-know will quickly meet you on reasonable terms. And have you up-to-speed in no time. (Remember to be the one to find out what you can do. In return. Its give-and-take, after all.)
Hi Saul,
Thanks so much 4 adding some value to the conversation. You make a good point… “Show a genuine eagerness to give-and-take, and those in-the-know will quickly meet you on reasonable terms:
I can defiantly relate to that. I have had the pleasure of being in the training and development biz for over 10 years now and have learned some invaluable skills from some of the coolest, sharpest and most successful entrepreneurs in North America. What I have found to be true is that these leaders are quick to avoid noise both on the internet and in their lives. One of my corporate values is to treat everyone like they matter, because they do. This allowed me to network and demonstrate what I was willing to do with their gift of time and energy.
Going first in business is very easy and gives your future clients a chance to see and experience the value that you can provide for them through you and your services.
Disclaimer: Some of my most valuable relationships in business have involved money, but that was just usually a bi-product of the deal we were working on. The relationship and how they are formed is what I continue to learn from and implement in my business.
Great Convo.
My Best,
http://www.socialmediasean.com
Social Media Marketing