This is somewhat of a follow up to my last post. Social media is something all businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone looking to build their online presence and branding. The statistics of how much activity these social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) generate minute to minute in undeniable. If you’re not using these networks, Start Now!
It may take a while for you to figure out the best way to use these networks. B2C situations may approach things a little differently than B2B users. Many will here that they need to have a Facebook page or a Twitter account for their business, and maybe their first thought is “Okay, cool, I’ll just start blasting these networks with links to come to my website and buy my stuff!” Probably not going to do a lot for you or your business and it will probably just leave you frustrated, thinking “Man, this whole social media thing is really just a whole lot of @#$#!”
To really gain ground and become a strong presence on these networks you really need to be engaged and be engaging. The easy way to start on this path is LISTEN. Listen to the conversations going on out there. Listen to your customers, employees, other individuals in your industry, etc… Listen then join in, adding helpful, relevant, inspiring and engaging conversation.
Think of all the information and experience you can provide to others that will help them. Think of all the information and insights you can gain from others. This is a great place to start when moving out onto the social media stage. Inspire. Engage. But most of all, Listen.