MARKETING EXPOSED

Unsure or nervous about embarking on all this social media marketing you’re hearing about?  It’s really not so difficult if you envision it this way: getting into social media is like getting in to a big and way-cool cocktail party.

So, when you’re thinking about a business presence via social media tools like Twitter, for example, put yourself in the mindset of heading out to that big party.  Hey, when you’re going to a big cool party for the first time – one you’ve heard lots about - you might be a little nervous. From how you look, to how you’ll fit in, to how it’ll end up. 

Of course, maybe you want to be just plain bold and jumpstart your presence and storm into this big party full of people you don’t know or barely know bellowing about all the great things you make or do and shouting about special deals.  Um, do you really want to do that?  Most people will be turned off to you immediately.  And certainly unlikely to ever want to see you at that big party again.

Slow down.  Be cool.  And take note of the simple human social process.

1- Walk in politely and just start paying attention.  Keep an ear out for the types of things people are talking about.  And navigate nearer the conversations that are of most interest to you.

2- Begin to introduce yourself by talking and contributing to what’s being discussed.  NOT by talking about yourself!  They’re just not that into you.  Yet.  But when some start to realize that you offer thoughtful insights or know of resources for helpful information, then they’ll start to take some note of you.

3- Engage in some direct conversations.  Perhaps it’s by responding directly to a comment from someone.  Or it’s with a question you’d like to ask another you’ve observed to be particularly adept at what you’re looking for.  In Twitter, these are the @replies – where you are talking specifically with someone.  Engage.  And be engaging.

4- As you continue to take part in, and repeat, steps 2 & 3, people likely become more interested in you.  Some of them become keenly interested in how you can specifically help.  Offer to help however you can – which might sometimes mean simply sharing expertise that doesn’t necessarily profit you immediately.  Social media is like life: you tend to get more when you readily give more.  So, you’re not just randomly offering deals.  You’re consistently offering to help. 

5- Finally, you can invite some of these new acquaintances & friends to YOUR party.  Your party is your website and/or your blog.  Naturally, if they stop by they may or may not be interested in the things you’re most passionate about right away.  But if they like you and you do always seem genuinely helpful, maybe they’ll come back anyway.  Better yet, maybe they’ll bring friends. 

So spend time at the big parties and occasionally invite people to your small party.  Treat them always as you appreciate being treated.  And be patient.  Like any advertising or marketing, the social media cocktail party won’t change your business overnight. 

Just participate.  And be patient, nice, and a good listener.  And, above all, be helpful.  Then as I consistently begin to notice this about you, well, I might soon just offer to go get you a drink.  And maybe even look forward to an invitation to your party.

What do you think of this analogy?

- Steve

Martini photo credit: monstershaq2000