Friends
Seriously, would you go to a networking event and go up to someone with your business card and say, “Would you like me? and by the way can I have one of your business cards too?” This is how I view people on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. I understand people need numbers for various reasons, but how desperate can people get.
Well, at one time, I too was pretty desperate because I felt that I wanted more numbers faster. I want to share with you my experiences on Social Media. I have grown up a lot over the last three years.
Old Way
When I started our company page, Midwest Laboratories, I tried to get more people to like us through Facebook Ads and telling other companies I would like their page, if they would like our page. <Problem> The fans you gain do not care about your company and will leave in time
New Way
I started a new Brent Pohlman Marketing Facebook Page in April. This page highlights marketing information on this site and some other quick marketing tips. As of this post, I still need 9 people for a vanity url on Facebook Page. Facebook does not lend itself well for inviting your friends. The best approach for me is to talk about the site on my personal profile as well as other sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. My focus, is the content, not about being a friend. <Opportunity> I am content to grow slowly. I want people who know marketing and are willing to share their experiences. This is invaluable from a knowledge standpoint.
Old Way
At one time, I told people I would follow them back if they followed me. I thought it was about numbers and I wanted more followers of any sort. <Problem> I gained all kinds of numbers, but had the wrong kind of followers. I ended up starting over and obtained a lower number of followers, but over 90% are active on twitter and are more likely to engage and share my message.
New Way
Follow conversations on search.twitter.com and connect with people on particular subjects. In addition, post items from my blogs and news sites and always, always follow-up on people mentioning my tweets or referencing my name on twitter. <Opportunity> In addition, post a link to someone else’s site and give the person credit for the great post. I think this approach goes further than a retweet.
Old Way
On LinkedIn, I would tell people that I wanted a connection because I saw how popular they were with the number of followers they had. I just saw a post on twitter, “I’d be happy if you liked me on my “url…LinkedIn Profile Link” <Problem> People with numbers could care less who you are and most will not use your services.
New Way
Be different on LinkedIn. Post regular status updates on LinkedIn. Tell people what you are doing. Share links or ask questions. Mix up the conversation. <Opportunity> You will be surprised how very few people really are active on LinkedIn. Use this platform as a place to shine with respect to your expertise.
Have you changed your approach on social media sites? What valuable lessons have you learned. Once you figure out what works best, it becomes a whole lot easier because you are working smarter, not harder.
Picture Source | katerha
