Two years ago the thought of Social Network marketing didn’t even dawn on me for businesses or organizations. Quite frankly, I had just jumped into the idea of Facebook, and found myself spending plenty of hours catching up with old friends. I thought it was a great idea, and it gave me a way to keep up with my college group, my family that lives around the country, and my friends who have moved as well. Then, two years ago I was approached by a company to help me with Search Engine Optimization for my own business website. I knew the quality behind having a professional tackle this sort of rigorous task, and for those of you who are completely confused, I would advise you to watch this short Sprint commercial, because it probably defines your current state now, as well as my state two years ago when I was approached by this company http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-tRHNElTo4.
So, I find myself, a couple years and many books and seminars later, educated on this massive beast called Social Media. Now, you might be asking yourself, what does this include? Think of Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Ping and even blogging the key influences of this social media. It is a terrific resource to gain access to millions of people by the click of a mouse, the tapping on your keyboard, and the wealth of knowledge that you are passionate about! At your finger tips, you can tap into so many resources, gain access to other’s ideas, and even share your passion with others. All behind the screen of a computer, and all while never actually meeting or “talking” to that individual.
Why is this avenue effective? Whenever I am giving a consultation to small businesses, or large businesses about why this type of medium is effective, I always ask the question, “If you could have access to all of your clients, customers, members, or residents, in one place at one time, would you jump at the opportunity?” I have not had a single person say no. This type of medium allows businesses, individuals, clubs, and organizations the unique opportunity to interact with their sphere of influence, in many different ways. I will admit that one avenue might be better than another for certain businesses. But, if you had a wonderful opportunity to influence, affect, or change someone’s life through any type of medium, wouldn’t you jump on the bandwagon?
How to take the plunge? After my consultation with many business owners, they then say, “I’m on board, now what?” Let me say first, that it is not just a matter of signing on an account. You must be strategic, you must be careful, and you must know what you are doing. It also can be time consuming, especially, if you have more than one account. I can tell you that first hand.
My best advice:
1. Ask a professional, or find someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to Social Media, and see what avenue is going to be the best one to reach your target audience. Remember, Social Media doesn’t always have to be about advertising your business.
2. For clubs or membership related businesses, it might be best to use this resource to get to know your members, understand their needs, publish events, get them excited about up coming events, find volunteers, promote contests, etc. Find what works for your business, and your clientel!
3. After consulting with someone who is familiar in this area, develop a content calendar, or what you are going to say. If you don’t have a plan, it will come back to bite you. Have a plan, feel free to diverge from that plan, but continue to have a plan.
4. And, finally, have fun interacting with the people you are reaching. If you are not on there to be social, then social media is not the place for you. It is a relational medium, and you must be relational and interact with it. Who knows…you might have fun, meet new people and enjoy learning new things.
If you would like more information on Social Media please feel free to contact me, I would love to discuss any resources I have or offer my professional services.
Jamie Thomas Owner/Creative Specialist Behind the Scenes Solutions
www.behindthescenessolutions.com
jamie.thomas@behindthescenessolutions.com
This weekly blog comments on and discusses the club industry and its challenges. From time to time, we will feature guest bloggers - those managers and industry experts who have something of interest to say to all of us. We also welcome feedback and comment upon the blog, hoping that it will become a useful sounding board for what’s on the minds of hardworking club managers throughout the country and around the world.
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Tags: Social Network Marketing
