Regina Advertising

The term “social marketing” has become so widely used (and abused) that the meaning behind it has become rather generic. But remember that the “social in “social media should be just that. It suggests interaction and communication in a TWO way format. There are to many people out there standing on a stage and screaming out their messages and never taking the time to listen to their audience. 

If one understands the way social networks can deliver value, they have the opportunity to do more for themselves than ever before.If your going to use Social Media than please take the time to understand the value and use it the way it was intended.

Here are some things to consider and help you get you started:

1. Twitter isn’t Facebook.Take the time to learn how to communicate on each of the networks, you don’t take the same approach to each of the networks. The LinkedIn users don’t care to see your Twitter Feed and Twitter followers don’t want a broadcast of your specials. The more you study and learn this the better off you will be.
2. What are they doing? Social media is about having conversations with people. Clear your mind from the sales pitch, networking 101 and how you can benefit from the conversation. Take the time to learn about 5 new people per day. Ask them questions about what their business, personal life, etc and be sure to only state your claim to fame unless they ask. If your doing more talking than asking then you’ve missed the point. 
3. Leaches. Don’t be a leach and try to leverage another person’s audience for your own personal gain. Many people try to challenge well known people, strike up conversations about themselves with these people and so on. Think about it for one minute. The more you take the time to learn about an industry expert and ask them about themselves, the more likely they will remember you. They will then re-engage with you and help support you in your initiatives.
4. Listen! Better to not be here at all, then with an account and not listening. 
5. Social Media isn’t an advertising channel. It’s a networking channel. Who listens to all advertising radio? The unfollow and remove friend buttons are like off switches. Except you don’t have permission to get back into my face anymore. Now what?
6. Patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day. With a plan and realistic goals, set over a minimum of 6 months you can evolve your presence. It’s not going to happen overnight. You need to stick with it.
7. Resources. Don’t be a scruge with your resources. Be prepared to spend more of your time than every before. You can’t sit back and do nothing. If you think this is an hour day thing, think again. It’s long hard work, but the rewards are so fruitful if done right.
8. A game plan. Sounds obvious doesn’t it? A plan isn’t just a vague idea along the lines of “hm, I think I’ll set up a Twitter account and tell people about my products.” A plan includes a goal, milestones, a method for achieving them and a way of measuring success.
9. Caution. Be careful who you listen to. It’s easy to sit there and say “social media brings me 98% of my business and I made $10,000,000 last year thanks to Twitter.” It’s also easy to see that message and be disheartened by it. There seem to be more people who are successful online than there is money in the system, have you noticed? I’m not saying that people don’t have success using social media marketing, but if they’re so busy shouting about it…you get the gist.
10. Learn. Read blogs. Visit websites. There is so much information out there. Check out trends, not just in your industry, but others. Look for what people are doing out there and consider how you can adapt it for your social media plan.

With the right tools, mindset and a plan, you’ll be amazed at what you can do. Just take your time and invest wisely. Feel free to email me at cblenkin@me.com. Emails are free :) I also offer training programs, marketing services and support.

Good Luck and stay connected!

My Website:
http://www.chadblenkin.com/

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My name is, Chad Blenkin and I’m a business consultant who specializes in Social Media, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Planning. I’ve spent the last 12 years working with executives and companies in the Insurance, Real Estate, Communications, Retail, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Non-Profit and Sports Industries. I’ve developed an excellent reputation in providing efficient and effective marketing solutions. 

Here is a recent testimonial:

“Chad is hands-down the most informed marketing/branding expert I know. The best part is that he is always willing to give advice and point others in a forward, innovative direction. By just following Chad on Twitter and meeting with him one-on-one, I feel like I have my own Seth Godin to keep me up-to-speed. Chad is a remarkable, ethically-centered, and talented consultant. Any project with his involvement is sure to achieve results!”” June 17, 2010

Dallas Gislason , Senior Analyst - Competitiveness and Strategy Division , Enterprise Saskatchewan 

Posted via email from Chad Blenkin | Advertising & Marketing Regina | Comment »