Think about it: What do you use social media for?
Why did you sign up for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or the rest of the platforms you’re on in the first place?
It might be to expand your social networks amongst family and close friends. It might be to build your business and get new clients. If it’s the latter: That’s what lead to the laughs on the phone call when it comes to what people do wrong on social media. Let’s talk about it.
The first thing people need to realize (big time) is…
AMPLIFYING THE WRONG MESSAGE IS BAD FOR EVERYONE
Many people and companies look at social media as a way to “amplify their messaging”. Which it is to an extent; but many people start with the wrong messaging which often is:
“Look at ME”
“Buy from ME”
“Talk about ME”
UGH!
Despite what some people say (here’s a past rant and interview) social media should NOT be used as a megaphone!
Just for a minute, let’s…
PRETEND SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE “REAL WORLD”
…because it is the “real world” and the same relationship rules apply online but too many people choose to ignore them.
Take a few minutes to think about (or go onto Twitter and actually look at) a variety of Twitter profiles and what people, organizations and companies are saying. Are they actually having conversations or are they just broadcasting and talking at people? For some reason talking AT people seems like a good idea to many of these marketing mavens.
Now let’s go offline. Think about a professional networking event with 200 people in the room. “That Guy” walks into the event and starts yelling:
“I’m offering a discount on my services. Talk to me about it!!!”
“My product is the best in the world. Come over here to buy it!!!”
“I’m SO smart and popular. Talk to me about me!!!”
Over and over and over and over again. Without actually talking to anybody in the room one on one. Without ever asking anybody in the room what THEY do. Without taking the time to learn about other people. If you’re just broadcasting on social media that’s what you look like to many of us (and sound like in our heads). Just sayin’.
LITMUS TEST: IF you’re using social media for your business: Audit your own Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn profile(s). Something is very wrong if over 50% of what you post is all about you or pitching your services. Stop it.
If someone approached YOU that way – how would you respond? Would you rush to buy what they were selling?
Probably not. People and companies that do (marketing) things right when it comes to social media know that…
AMPLIFYING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS IS GREAT FOR EVERYONE
Nobody with business integrity wants to be “That Guy”. What can you do instead? Let’s talk about better scenarios. A few ways to put other people first include:
- Brag about other people’s genius. Spend 80% of your time on Twitter and other social media channels talking about and linking to OTHER people. Mention them/tag them in your posts when you can.
- Share information that your target markets want to hear about. Have fun. This could be quotes, thoughts on life, articles and more. The common theme: It’s not a thinly veiled attempt to brag about yourself.
- When you find new, interesting and helpful information – say hi and mention the person that wrote it. Thanking someone for sharing their genius is a great start to a professional relationship.
How does this soft skill or “hokey” message about talking about other people help you? When you put other people first they often reciprocate. Bragging about your business all day is just bragging. When other people talk about your business that’s word of mouth marketing. SO…
WHAT’S NEXT?
When you amplify your relationships THEY will talk about YOU and amplify your messaging; and a referral is better than a cold call or sales pitch any day.
Which one of your relationships will YOU amplify today?
