"If the internet is the information highway, social media puts you behind a Ferrari." ~Jeannette Marshall
Everyone and just about every company is dabbling in social media these days. It just occurred to me: where you hang out and what you do with each platform can predict the results one can expect. It is social media basics 101:
The Doers - Facebook
I have only about 500 followers on optioneerJM Facebook. They are the most active social media personalities there are. Some are professionals - they earn their income from participating in Social Media. Often, they too, like me, have a smaller circle of friends and followers on Facebook than they may on Twitter or elsewhere. However, what stands out is they are doers. They actively read what you post because they have considered whether or not to have you counted among their more intimate group. I'm not talking about a Facebook Page, I'm talking about those who perhaps may be more selective, yet still count you among a group of "Friends". Chances are,, they will read what you post, acknowledge it with a like, go farther and share it or even better, share/repost. I know of at least one top social media personality, executive, writer for distinguished publications, who tests his theories by asking his "friends" questions and certainly uses it to reinforce his own beliefs.
Who you have on your circle of friends on Facebook are more than likely those that they feel a personal connection with, share ideals with, and/or count them as those they value the opinions of.
The Doers - Linked In
Be there are be square. Linked In is the site that brings credibility and reinforces what you do. It is more likely to be restricted to who one follows or allows to be followed simply because its likelihood to be connected to someone personally. It has great potential when you accumulate recommendations from colleagues, clients or peers.The Doers - Bloggers
There are many bloggers out there, as there are topics. Some are actively giving away advice, their opinion, or knowledge for free. Some may have a catch: hire them, buy something, or comment on something. It can be a cliche of sorts. I find it interesting how often the active Doers are often referred to "the best" of something. I'm skeptical on these lists, other than the major media forces like INC., Forbes or Entrepreneur. Why? Simply said, the best of anything is those the author knows by a connection that is more than fleeting. It is a circle of folks who scratch each other's egos and flaunt each other's influence. There are a select few, who are chosen to write for said major media forces, more than likely because their views, advice or knowledge is considered worthy.The Sharers - Twitter
On the flip side, I have going on 9000 Twitter followers. The chances are great that a good percentage interact on a regular basis. If your opinion is valued or they find that your posts/shares are along their own beliefs or interests, they will acknowledge by sharing that content. There are many that may retweet (#RT) your content on Twitter, or even better, recommend you to their own group of followers, typically on Fridays, with the hashtag #FF (FollowFriday).Always, always, and I say ALWAYS try to acknowledge, thank those that share, #RT, #FF you. Don't be lazy or complacent. These are your cheerleaders and boost you on your way up in the Twittersvere and likely barely glance on your way down, noting you for arrogance or even less acknowledging you exist.
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The PC has improved the world in
just about every area you can think of.
Amazing developments in communications, collaborations and
efficiciencies. New kinds of entertain-ment
and social media. Access to information
and the ability to give a voice to people who would never have been heard.
~Bill Gates
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The Sharers - Pinterest
If you happen to stray on to Pinterest and start to post, a funny thing happens. As you accumulate an audience, it has the likelihood of being rePINned simply because that is the culture of the machanism. The more useful, the more likely it will be considered to be added to others on boards. Pinterest is an engine that keeps on giving. Your PINs can keep snowballing even if you aren't as active as other outlets.The Viewers - Google Plus
According to my analytic resources, the least acknowledgements, shares come from Google Plus. Granted, many of my influencers and followers are on G+, few do much their other than view your post if it happens to scroll into their sphere. G+ is for the visual, creative minded. Out of all the social media sites, it allows the visuals to be front and center to any post. You shouldn't post there if you aren't going to take care and attention to have visuals to go with your message. Granted, many view on Google Plus, there are great groups and interest arenas, but to get real participation you may have to work harder there to reap any reward compared to say Facebook or Twitter or even Pinterest. I wouldn't count it out entirely, however, because it has the big engine Google behind it and it just may help your search engine results if you are there.
The Viewers - You Tube
We've all heard of campaigns going viral, more often than not, because they are on You Tube. Think "Justin Beiber" who would have remained a Canadian boy with dreams of stardom, and not the megastar he is today because of You Tube.There are definitely other social media platforms that are being used that I haven't included here:
- Tumbler
- Vine
- SnapCHAT
- WhatsUP
Any of these can be included in your social media portfolio with convincing statistics to support them to be an important part of your campaign and to create relationships with viewers. Why I didn't include them on their own, is simply because they cannot be relied upon as a sole social media outlet.
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Combine your social media campaigns with a number of platform. It will build consistency and relationships with your followers along with name recognition.
Unfortunately, far too many spend the time, effort and resources to building their web site than they do to their social media. Ensure you have someone that is not just a marketer, but someone who is enthusiastic about what you have to offer. Typically, if you're a solopreneur, it will be you. However, companies or brands leave it to someone who doesn't know how to acknowledge or interact with people. Make it your mandate that whomever has this responsibility will use manners, acknowledge tweets, likes, shares, follows with a personalized touch. Don't just react to negative publicity because you will create your own monster.
Whatever you do do, keep in mind that not only being there is important. Interacting and engaging is what it's all about. Get involved and don't just treat it as a necessary evil.
"From the streets of Cairo and the Arab Spring, to Occupy Wall Street, from the busy political calendar to the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan, social media was not only share the news but driving it.
"From the streets of Cairo and the Arab Spring, to Occupy Wall Street, from the busy political calendar to the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan, social media was not only share the news but driving it.
~Dan Rather
Feel free to follow me under my pseudonym @optioneerJM
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