Some call it social networking. Some call it brand building. I call it internet identification creation.
All businesses want to generate a buzz, one-up the competition and be the captain. Why not chart your own course?! One of the many great things about social media is the fact that it is always changing to suit the needs of everyone engaged. Here’s the thing. It’s not ‘out with the old and in with new’ any longer. We’re embracing the old and watching it work with the new. The key is to understand how this relationship works. Then, ‘plan your work and work your plan.’ I remember my dad saying that to me during a real estate branch meeting. Understanding the social media channels and their specifics is vital. Otherwise, you certainly won’t be helpful to anyone, especially yourself. Spend a lot of time on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and of course a blogging service (I favor Blogger, personally). I believe blogs and online discussion forums (chat/product review posts) are as important, if not more important, than Twitter. A Forrester Research article about the various channels customers favor when seeking to communicate and connect with their top brands, shows parallel viewpoints.
In order to make your social media plan work for you and/or your business, you must be silent and listen intently and study the responses. Understanding needs, wants, expectations, speech, personalities and behavior are crucial. Knowing how to spark conversations and generate stimulating responses (time is of the essence especially) will engage your audience and create a following. Consistency is very important. Old news is NO news!
As you utilize video resources (YouTube, video blogs like 12seconds, video chat services like Skype), radio (podcasts, etc.) or if you want to share resources for business or personal reasons (LinkedIn, AgreeADate, etc.), just make sure you record your creations (Retaggr or Zooity) and try to link all of them.
Finally, move away from your computer or handheld device and hit the pavement for some good old-fashioned networking. Join clubs, help your community and share what you’ve learned. Form relationships by having face to face conversations with others and create a buzz. Word of mouth marketing is one of the biggest lead generators and it will remain that way.
So, whatever you call it: social networking, brand building or internet identification creation…..just make sure you identify yourself and your business and let EVERYONE know your number.
All businesses want to generate a buzz, one-up the competition and be the captain. Why not chart your own course?! One of the many great things about social media is the fact that it is always changing to suit the needs of everyone engaged. Here’s the thing. It’s not ‘out with the old and in with new’ any longer. We’re embracing the old and watching it work with the new. The key is to understand how this relationship works. Then, ‘plan your work and work your plan.’ I remember my dad saying that to me during a real estate branch meeting. Understanding the social media channels and their specifics is vital. Otherwise, you certainly won’t be helpful to anyone, especially yourself. Spend a lot of time on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and of course a blogging service (I favor Blogger, personally). I believe blogs and online discussion forums (chat/product review posts) are as important, if not more important, than Twitter. A Forrester Research article about the various channels customers favor when seeking to communicate and connect with their top brands, shows parallel viewpoints.
In order to make your social media plan work for you and/or your business, you must be silent and listen intently and study the responses. Understanding needs, wants, expectations, speech, personalities and behavior are crucial. Knowing how to spark conversations and generate stimulating responses (time is of the essence especially) will engage your audience and create a following. Consistency is very important. Old news is NO news!
As you utilize video resources (YouTube, video blogs like 12seconds, video chat services like Skype), radio (podcasts, etc.) or if you want to share resources for business or personal reasons (LinkedIn, AgreeADate, etc.), just make sure you record your creations (Retaggr or Zooity) and try to link all of them.
Finally, move away from your computer or handheld device and hit the pavement for some good old-fashioned networking. Join clubs, help your community and share what you’ve learned. Form relationships by having face to face conversations with others and create a buzz. Word of mouth marketing is one of the biggest lead generators and it will remain that way.
So, whatever you call it: social networking, brand building or internet identification creation…..just make sure you identify yourself and your business and let EVERYONE know your number.
