The last few years there has been a lot of press surrounding the use of Social Networking tools for business (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc). What drives me nuts about how so many people approach Social Networking is that they just unashamedly promote themselves, without giving anything in return.
For so many years we’ve been marketed to through radio, television, even our commute to work through billboards, and now online pop-up ads and spam. Companies will spend a ton of money trying to figure out where to advertise and how to “get into the consumer’s head.” If you’ve ever taken an intro marketing class, you know what I’m talking about. Well we’ve had enough, get out of my head!
The beauty of Social Networking is that it gives a platform to build relationships, not just put out your “ad”. When online users see content that is overtly sales, they’re immediately turned off unless they were looking for your product specifically. David Riklan said it well that we must first let people get to know you. As they get to know you, they’ll start to like you. As they start to like you, they’ll start to trust you. Once they trust you, they’ll buy from you. You just can’t jump from one to the next.
Warren Whitlock said it another way. Social Networking is like going to a networking party. No one likes the guy who can only talk about himself or his products, and no one trusts him.
So if you’re going to use Social Networking, which is a great idea, make sure to add value to the Online Community by actually engaging the conversation. There is a time and place to sell your product, and you’ll know when it’s here. Until then, have fun, grab a drink, and talk with some people who may just find they like you.
sunf4w2k9v
