Having worked with many social media clients in the past few years, it’s been interesting to note a pattern that has emerged. Clients who are more accepting of the need for them to use their social networks and post a good portion of their own tweets and updates, are the ones having more success.
Why? It comes down to being authentic and personable. Taking an real interest in listening to others and joining in the conversation. Think of it as a business networking event. Except you are not in a room at a local business, you are online. You can talk with people all over, and connections can be made. From these connections, many things can develop.
You only have a sentence or two in which to do this, so really time is not a big factor. When you read other people’s updates / tweets; think of it as the person having said the same thing to you at a networking event. How would you respond? Type it out in 140 characters or less and now you’ve started social networking – online. Initiate conversations yourself. You would never go to a networking event and never talk to anyone – Twitter and Facebook can help your business in the same way. Reach out to people and network.
What’s the point? Most times I tell clients…
“Because you never know where it can lead.”
Last year, I alerted someone that her BIO on twitter had some weird and inappropriate symbols and curse words in it. She was thankful I took the minute to send her an email to let her know. Never sure how it happened, she was nonetheless grateful and invited me to write an article on a website she owns; one geared to entrepreneurs (my target client).
Another client came to me by alerting someone to the fact that they had a link not working. When I emailed her, she saw my signature and happened to be looking for a Virtual Assistant. She replied with her thanks and also asked me about my business, soon I was looking after the project she needed done.
Mine are not the only stories out there… many people are experiencing the same things and most come from talking to others and providing value; whether a tidbit of information or a few kind words of support or noting something out of place that if not caught could have lost them connections and sales.
Be yourself and don’t be scared to connect with others just because you can’t reach out and touch them – Online friendships and business connections can be as rewarding as in-person ones. They can also lead to more business as people engage you and get to know you.
What tips do you have for ‘being real’ online? Please share your ideas in the comments below 🙂
Stop Struggling and Start Thriving! My passion is helping to guide people just like you, private practice and service-based business owners, who are often frustrated with all their wasted time spent on marketing that gets you nowhere. You can learn strategies to attract a steady flow of clients and build a thriving and profitable practice. Get started with some of the free resources on my Pepper It Marketing website, especially this Guide to Streamline your Marketing. I also offer several self-study training programs to help you attract more clients so you can Build a rewarding and profitable private practice and still have time to LIVE your LIFE!