Now, you might be saying they’re the same thing. But they’re not. Media and network are two totally different words and mindsets. Let me explain how this will help you open more sales funnel online.
Social Media = Me, Myself and I
The problem with social media is that businesses look at it like old media. They think it’s just another platform to market their messages for free. You can tell who these businesses are. They’re the ones who don’t actually have a conversation online with anyone. You’ll see a lot of self promotion and no interaction. These businesses then claim that social media doesn’t work. You know why? Because they were doing it wrong!
When businesses do jump in the social media pool, they do so in a selfish manner. They only care about themselves. They blast their latest sales, events or promotions rather than engaging with current or potential customers online and they wonder why it didn’t work!
It’s is no different than someone walking into their storefront or visiting their website and being bombarded with sales and promotions. This wouldn’t happen face to face would it? When you walk into a business you are greeted then a conversation usually begins. Once the small talk and a little rapport has been built the sales person then starts to see if they can solve your problem. That’s the way it needs to happen online and why you should be thinking of Twitter and Facebook as social networking platforms.
Social Networking = let’s have a conversation
Chances are you’ve been to a networking event. What goes on at these events? Outside of a few desperate soles mindlessly handing out business cards, people are having conversations.
When you see a Twitter feed that is full of self promotion and tweeting nothing but links, they’re really talking to no one hoping everyone will hear them. They’re not networking are they? You need to adjust your mindset to be more networking orientated online.
Think of it this way, have you ever bought anything or visited a business without having a conversation with them online first? Chances are you didn’t trust them all that much and you wanted to know more. You wanted to build relationship first. What do all relationships start with? They start with a conversation.
When online join conversations that are focused around your product, industry or geographical area. Look for hashtags within those areas. Talk to people more about stuff not related to your product. Use whatever platform you use to promote others businesses or links. By having more conversations online you’ll open the sale more. Too many businesses are focused on closing the sale online. Again these are the businesses that have the social media mindset.
More conversations = more meaning = more sales. That’s the mindset over at Meaningful Marketing.
Think of social networking as an extension of your storefront and remove the computer from the situation. When someone clicks on your Twitter of Facebook page, it’s the same as them walking into your storefront.
They want to see that you’re not pushing the sale on them and actually having conversations with someone. Once you have achieved this mindset you can now treat every interaction online like it’s happening face to face at a networking event or in your storefront.
Remember that people can see everything you do online well after it’s happened. If you’re ignoring customers and not having conversations, people can see that.
When you’re using Twitter or Facebook, is your mindset media or networking focused?
Author Bio Jordan J. Caron is a small business marketing consultant at Meaningful Marketing. His focus is helping business owners create more meaning with their marketing.
