What if I told you social media is easy?
Would you believe me?
Seriously though… What if social media was easy?
What would you do differently?
Because it’s hard to be a success at social media in reality… right?
Only those super famous marketing bloggers can really be a success at social media. Maybe mega-corporations too… They can throw tons of money at the process.
So that’s the excuse you use right now…
…you don’t have the time.
…there are too many different social media networks.
…you weren’t an early adopter.
…you don’t really like the internet.
…there’s no way good way to track ROI.
…you don’t have the money to throw at social media.
Social media is hard…
…supposedly.
So you keep doing the things you’ve always done…
…or you hire a 22 year-old because every member of Generation Y is a social media genius.
…or your pay some Guru a ridiculous amount of money because every business needs their own App.
…or you add social media to already too long list of things your receptionist is supposed to be doing every day.
And nothing happens.
The truth is social media is easy
… yet no one believes me (or very few do anyway).
But see there in lies the opportunity.
The lack of widespread understanding and acceptance of social media is the opportunity of our small business lifetimes.
Social media is easy because all social media is about is being present. Like a Chamber or Networking Event…
Just show up, talk to a couple people, ask questions, give feedback, share stories and experiences then whip out the pictures of your dog/kids and BOOM you’ve got a new friend.
Friends do business with friends.
We agree on that right?
But doesn’t that seem really easy? And it makes sense too.
That’s all social media is…
Social media is about relationship building.
Let me say that again in bold text.
Social media is about relationship building.
But sssshhhhhh… Don’t tell anyone. All your competitors think it’s this really complex, scary thing.
Which is awesome for YOU!
How to Take Advantage
Go now and be present on social media.
Wait…
First do a little real world networking by calling family, friends, relatives, but most importantly clients and find out which social media networks they use the most.
(i.e. You sell women’s handbags and you’re not on Pinterest. Use the social networks that your customers use)
Second pick one, two, at the most three social networks and completely fill out the profiles. Make the profiles nice, this is very important.
Now go and be present.
Like people’s posts, comment on shared stories, add your own stories, thoughts and experiences.
Be part of the community!
A social media community, yes, which is NO different than any other community of people you have ever been a part of.
It’s not too late…
Shit, if anything it’s still early.
But the social media opportunity lies in ACTION! Click to Tweet
Take action today!
If you’d like to learn more about social media before you take action (or while you are taking action) Click Here to purchase The Social Tools Book in PDF or on Amazon.
Thank you and Good luck,
I am Ryan Hanley
SPEAK YOUR MIND: What action will you take to capitalize on the social media opportunity?!
I just couldn’t stop laughing Ryan, when I read the receptionist pointer. In my experience most small businesses just take social media as something that is happening and needs to be done. Oh, the receptionist has a couple of hours with nothing to do …So she can do it..lolz… Apparently that is the approach that leads to the wrong corridors. It is something which is not difficult but needs attention, planning and strategy.
Amy,
It’s the subtle difference between trying to find time for social media and MAKING time that most small businesses don’t understand.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Ryan
Funny, I just ran across this article right after we redesigned our site in preparation to implement more social media interaction on there. Most of my business comes from Facebook and Google and now I tell my clients I only work with friends and family. Makes a huge difference in the relationship.
When you put value into your relationships you get a lot of value out.
Thanks for the stopping by Travis!
Hanley
You could fool some, but you can’t fool all. Really well pointed out article. I went through this article and i feel SMO isn’t a tough job any more. I have got success following some of them already, for example by being a human, instead of being a robot. They all like when you talk to them personally! Good job. Keep it up!
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SO true! “Friends do business with friends.” This is absolutely on the money (pun intended). I also find your theme to be very nice looking!!
Thanks Elena! Social media is the ultimate mass scale relationship building tool… But it’s just that, relationship building… Not selling (in the traditional sense.
All the best,
Ryan H.
Love it, Ryan! These are great tips that I plan to share with some “social media” newbie friends. It doesn’t have to be complicated; you need to take a deep breath, establish a knowledge base, and focus your strategy!
Social media was once thought of as a fad, but now it is simply too big and powerful to be taken lightly. Social media with sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube has fundamentally altered the way we communicate with each other and with our prospects and customers.
Gary wants you to check out… The Journey to Our First $1,000,000 – 10 Lessons Learned Along the Way
Gary,
I couldn’t agree with you more my man… Social media has definitely changed the way we communicate.
Thanks
Hanley
Ryan, I like your “no nonsense approach” to not only this post, but to all your posts. You say it like it is and that is refreshing.
I have clients ask me if it’s OK to pay a their receptionist to do their social media and I say “Yes, but it wouldn’t be YOUR VOICE would it?”
Suzanne
Suzanne wants you to check out… 39 Financial Advisor Marketing Ideas That Rock
Thanks Suzanne… I’m glad you enjoy my style…
As to your clients. Ask them who cares about the business more, I’m pretty sure it’s not the receptionist… Keep fighting the good fight!
Ryan H.
Hi Ryan,
First, I would like to agree with Howie on your theme. It is very clean looking and easy to navigate.
Good article on being social. Social media is what you make of it. A business can make it as hard or as easy as they want to and it is about building relationships, also networking with like-minded people and being helpful. One tool that was shown to all by Kristi Hines can be utilized on twitter. Go to the search bar on twitter, type in one of your keywords for your niche followed by the following thread; keword? -filter:links lang:en If your language is different than english, change the en. Hit enter, then you will find the latest tweets concerning the keyword that you chose. This is a great tool to find people within your niche or ones that are needing assistance in that niche.
Also, as anyone who is a member of CommentLuv would agree, finding other businesses and people to network with couldn’t get any easier than becoming a CommentLuv Premium member. I highly recommend it as you obviously would too.
D Hayes wants you to check out… Discover Driving eBay Traffic To Your Website
D…
Thank you for your kind words on my theme. It’s a labor of love.
I want to second your thoughts on the CommentLuv Premium community. I have met and made relationships with some wonderful bloggers that way.
Thanks!!
Hanley
Hi Ryan,
You’re correct. Social Media is all about building relationship with others and you can do it by showing your presence on social media sites. Talk with your audience, give solutions and you’re certainly going to make positive impression.
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Aasma,
I couldn’t agree with you more especially the part about giving solutions. Taking the relationship farther and deeper creating stronger relationships.
Thanks so much
Hanley
You’re absolutely right. It is ALL about building relationships. That’s why it’s SOCIAL media and not ONE-WAY media. It’s amazing how many people throw up a fanpage, never interact with their fans and expect their page to grow. Same with Twitter.
Btw, love your theme!
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Howie,
Absolutely my man… People don’t buy you a drink at the bar just because you’re there.
Also I’m glad you like the Theme buddy.
Hanley
Ryan..i think it is all a fad!
Now that you have given the secret of social media away, there is no excuse for people not to make money Ryan
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True that Wade!!! True that… Thanks buddy.
Hi Ryan,
Hmm… one of the biggest “if” question that one can ask. “should’ve , Could’ve , Would’ve” with Social Media Marketing is not an option.
Great post – Thanks for sharing.
Anton Koekemoer wants you to check out… Extinguising a social media fire
Absolutely Anton… It’s all about taking the action that gets you results. Everyone needs to stop planning and start acting…
All the best
Hanley
This post is so crucial for those hesitant to make an attempt in social media. You explained it beautifully. Thanks for shedding light on what social media is really all about. Relationships
No doubt buddy. Thanks for stopping by… I know you get it!
Nice post Ryan. This blog keeps getting better and better.
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Thanks Jason… I appreciate the feedback buddy!