Treat Social Media Like A Friend

Treat Social Media Like A Friend

 I and those around me have been using social media platforms such as Facebook for years to connect with one another and share updates. For those yet to grasp the concept of leveraging social media to enhance their business the disconnect has come when migrating their attention from using social media for pleasure to social media for business. Quite simply, they just cannot understand how using these platforms can make for credible relationship builders and open doors to opportunities and relevant information.

The challenge that I have found has been finding the best way of explaining the benefits and the psychology behind the execution that does not overwhelm someone but can leave them buzzing with the prospects it could hold.
I, myself got how social media could serve me from day one; I understood how I could learn from it and how to connect with the right people to grow my business. In fact, I got it so much that I built my entire network and business organically from it and feel totally passionate about helping others to do the same.

Anyone can learn how to tweet, add a photo album or record a winning Youtube video but the thought behind the action is where you will find the real value once understood. Understanding your audience and landscape while going in with a purpose of why you are there not just what you are going to say will set you apart from the casual explores and be able to maximize your efforts.
Knowing the simple math behind the social facade should help you to be more productive and in a nutshell help you get and give more value.

An example that I have used for some time now that seems to help people turn a corner and start thinking differently is the mindset of treating social media like a friend.

What makes a good friend?

A good friend to me is someone who is always there when you need them, is fun, interesting, share common interests and aspirations, like minded with the same moral values, supportive, trustworthy and loyal. Building relationships with people whether that is for business or not always starts with sharing these attributes, interests and expertise. Once you know and like someone or a brand who encompasses all the qualities that you see as important and you learn and like them or their business not only will you be more likely to buy from them when the time is right but also become an evangelist for them within your own network.

Take Twitter; you start following someone as they seem to be a real expert in an area that you care about. They share great content but only post every now and again and also don’t like to share anything else about the person/company behind the account. This is the same as if you had a friend who you had lots in common with but never seem to really be around or committed to your friendship and also is very guarded about telling you who they really are.

How would you feel about that friend?

When it comes to organizing that BBQ in the summer that might not be the friend that you think of straight away to invite, if at all, as you will be too busy inviting your fun, like minded and open friends who add value to your life.

You see when nurturing a friendship or a business relationship on or offline it is just the same yet social media now gives us the platform to be able to do this in real time and has improved the process and experience.You can, listen, learn, network, engage, share and grow using these platforms personally and as a business by creating an environment where people will be interested in what you communicate on a platform where they can respond and share with their network.

Most people are visiting these networks every day, you must Identify your audience then understand how they would like to be spoken to and also who you would like to learn from.

Once you know this your communication will improve and your network will become stronger. It’s only then that you will start seeing real results for your business but acquiring brand evangelists, new prospects and smart business connections for future collaborations.