Is That What Social Media is About?
03.08.09
Thoughtful Thursday
Talking about what I want (not so thoughtful…)
I have read more articles and seen more presentations lately that talk about how to increase the number of followers, connections, and friends in social media. There are people who will tell you that social media is just another “numbers” game. Add enough “numbers” and you will make more money.
Stop! Those “numbers” are people!
Listen, before social media, businesses had to rely primarily on traditional marketing and advertising. Obviously, to get a return on your investment, it was important that your message went out to as many people as possible within your target market. It was a “numbers” game.
Now, I’m going to be very open with you, I have new people connect with me on various platforms on a weekly basis. In fact, without actively pursuing other people, my “numbers” increase very week. But increasing the number of people connected to you is not what social media is all about. Really, it’s not! And if you think it is, then you should probably not be connected to me, because we don’t speak the same language.
Social Media IS NOT a numbers game.
Social Media IS NOT a replacement for marketing and advertising.
Social Media IS people and relationships.
Social media is a way to connect to and relate with people that you may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Social media allows you the opportunity to talk with, learn from and build a relationship with someone in another state, another country, even across the ocean on another continent.
Let’s look at this from a networking standpoint. If you join a group that gets together monthly and you go every month with the intention of getting to know people, do you know what happens? People get to know you while you’re getting to know them. If you’re likeable, they will think of you when you’re not there. If they understand what you do, they will start to send referrals your way. Why? Because you’re invested as well and doing the same for them. In fact, you may even become a fan of some of the people in your networking group.
What if you were able to meet people from other regions, states, countries? What if you were able to spend time with them and get to really know one another? What could happen then? Do you see it?
That’s what social media offers. Social media offers the ability to build relationships without boundaries. Social media offers visibility in a way that no other medium can offer. You get to be yourself and find people that like you for who you are…not what you do.
Remember, people don’t want to hear about what it is that you do until they know like and trust you. If that happens, they’re going to want to help you. If you offer something that they want, they’re going to want to buy from you. And you don’t have to push it on them, they’ve come on their own. They want to help, just as you want to help them.
Stop connecting and become a connector.
Stop trying to build your numbers and start building relationships.
THAT’S what social media is all about.
Deidre Hughey
Please leave your comments!
Other Thoughtful Thursday Posts:
Crazy Weeks and Crazy Hours
Who Fills the Voices in Your Head?
Are You Staying in Your Comfort Zone?
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