Business people who don’t quite understand, yet want to use social media, generally look to it as a means for improving their brand, and ultimately their income. However, they are only looking at half the picture.
All That And A Bag Of Chips!
While use of social media can do all those things and more, it probably happens a little differently than newcomers might expect.
There are two words in Social Media, and the one that should really get the focus is Social. Social Media is effectively putting the human factor into the web. It’s replacing old school marketing messages with new connectivity.
Doing It Right
Rather than just using sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to just blast your message out to people, it’s becoming more effective to use these platforms to draw people in to you. To build that connection and relationships. To be genuinely “social” and human with your network; your audience; your customers; rather than just the guy or gal who is just there to pitch their deal. Doing it wrong. (I got that from from Chris Brogan’s You’re Doing It Wrong)
General Guide to Getting Started
If you haven’t done this yet, sign up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (maybe YouTube?). Follow people you are genuinely interested it. Maybe friends and family, but for the sake of this article I’m thinking more along the lines of professional people, in and out of your field.
Stop, Look and Listen
Follow the conversations. You can really learn a lot! (actually that’s my primary and favorite use of social media – Learning)
See how these people effectively use these tools. Join in where you can contribute. Just remember to keep it genuine and don’t try to sell.
Soon you’ll begin to feel very natural in your online connection and conversation and that’s when things really start to happen!
How About You?
Are you using social media now? What are your favorite things about it? Tell me in the comments below!
