Something that I've noticed over the Christmas period is that people, obviously with a bit of down time, seem to decide to 'top up' their online networking, by spending a bit of time on forums, Twitter etc, even if they haven't been seen for weeks or months.
If they're using this to give them a kickstart into online networking great, but just dipping in and out simply doesn't work.
You've got to be there, you've got to be a presence in the online world if that is where you want to build your business and reputation. If you want to be the best known estate agent online, or the best known copywriter, or the best known whatever, you don't have to spend money but you do have to spend some time. Immerse yourself, find the people who are talking about the subjects on which you have a view or opinion and get in there.
I believe, in the UK in 2010 you have a massive opportunity to build your brand online but please don't think you can do it by dipping in and out when it suits you. You have got to be there when your potential clients and customers are there. You have got to be there to answer the ad hoc questions that come up online. You have got to be there for the chat.
Stop thinking that you don't have the time for this. If you want to build your business online, you need to start thinking that this is where you must be spending your time.
Have a great 2010 and if you have any comments, post them here or @NoRedBraces
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Little and often is a great philosophy for everything in life... and online everything is the way we are evolving so embracing it is the best way forward... no matter what age you are..
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Clear, concise advice that is sure to strike a chord with those procrastinating about whether to get stuck in. Will RT.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on your goals. If you're using SOCIAL media SOCIALLY, then perhaps, you do just check-in when it's convenient...
ReplyDeleteConversely, if you're business building or supporting, you best staff and monitor tweets 24/7/365!
Well said, whatever the reason for using SM be it purely social or for building business relationships the message is the same: Be consistent and regular. Even if you use it for social purposes, there may come a day when you decide to start up a business... which is exactly what happened to me.
ReplyDeleteAs humans we have a need to know what people are really like and what is happening in their world...little and often builds warmth and trust. A great basis for business and life.Social Media is the flow of the mo. Go with it.
ReplyDeleteAs a relative newcomer to social media, I've been amazed by the speed at which an online profile builds. I would agree, however, that the effort has to be consistent and sustained. As I've discovered, it really doesn't matter too much in the early days what you talk about - just as long as people get to know you. Once that happens, they are far more likely to have a positve reaction to a business-based message.
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