Being Social With Social Media

by Victor J. McCoy

Social Media for business is not primarily about selling your products or services to everyone you connect with. For the most part, people will get irritated with your post if your attempt to be social is always cloaked with a sales pitch. While your social media site can provide special offers, coupons, etc. we must learn how to connect with people. That will not happen unless they feel your interest is in them, even if it is to save them money on a product or service.

We were created to socialize with one another, and our environment as we work or just enjoy the surroundings. The internet has allowed us to socialize with people across the planet that have the same or similar interest as we. It provides an inexpensive way to network with others concerning the our goods or services. It also lends itself to the expression of the evil in our hearts across the globe. Either way, you are being social. Many business people may say they don't have time for social media in any form. That may be true to some degree, but most business owners do not have the luxury of not using social media to help generate sales leads. Now the question on the table is, how social are you? If you are not social offline in your own environment, you may find it hard to set still long enough to engage in a social media strategy of some sort for you business. You may even ask the question what should you talk about? How about what you know about your product or services that can help educate someone, leading them to see the need. Ye, that is sales but what is sales anyway. My point above is to not overwhelm your readers with your sales pitch but to help them make a wise decision or lead them to help someone they know to make a wise decision - a decision to purchase with who they may consider to very knowledge. Below are a few tips I believe will help you develop your social media strategy.

1. Become as knowledgeable about your product or service as you can. Become "that" expert.
2. Write content that informs while also leaving questions they believe only you can answer.
3. Write (post) as often as you can. Keep it fresh.
4. Ask for feedback and comments.
5. Give away something. For example: The first 25 people that read this post will receive a free Marketing Plan template for their organization. Just email me at the address below.
6. Post comments about your customers and how satisfied they are with your business.
7. Post about your family, but not to personal.
8. Your must manage and monitor your social media efforts with monthly reports.

If you have any comments or questions please email me at victor@3vdesignmedia.com