Social media is all the rage. It’s the “in” thing to do. Everyone who is anyone says it’s “the” way to get clients.
So, you’re not sure what it is or why it works, but you’re willing to give it a try.
After hours of trying to understand “friending,” “tweeting,” “status updates,” and protecting your privacy online, you join the revolution. Tell the world what you had for lunch. “Like” the comment of a friend.
Is Social Media Bringing Clients?
But still, the clients aren’t beating down your door.
I’ve been there, done that and I’m still proudly wearing the t-shirt.
When I first became a coach, Twitter was the latest thing. It had many advantages: it was easy, cheap, everyone was doing it and it gave me the possibility of instant access to everyone, everywhere. What’s not to love?
I created two Twitter accounts (hey, if one is good, think how great two will be!), learned some Twitter shorthand and began tweeting away.
Typing 140 characters took more time than I thought it would, but isn’t that just how new things are? I hung in there and before the month was out I had hundreds of followers and made a few ‘Twitter” friends. Encouraged that my tribe was growing at a rapid pace, I tweeted my little heart out.
Why Am I Doing This?
It wasn’t until I was four to six months into this adventure that I began to ask, “Is this helping me get clients?” “How will I know if this strategy is successful?” “Why am I doing this?” I had no idea.
It was time to back up and take a closer look.
My research showed that while having tons of random followers stroked my ego it hadn’t done my business a bit of good. For Twitter to be an effective business building tool, I needed it to reach out to my target audience, grow their awareness of who I was and show them what I could provide.
There was only one problem. For the most part, my target market didn’t tweet. In fact, what I discovered is that while I was twittering my life away, my potential clients were on Facebook ‘friending’ someone else.
Begin With the End In Mind
I had wasted six months of marketing time.
Marketing using social media is smart, but don’t jump in without knowing why you are there.
My twitter experience reminded me to always “begin with the end in mind.”
What would you like social media to do for you?
I feel the same way about Twitter. I really love connecting with people on Facebook.
I totally agree 🙂
I wonder how many people really LIKE Twitter? I’ll bet it’s not very many.
I feel the same way about Twitter. I really love connecting with people on Facebook.
I totally agree 🙂
I wonder how many people really LIKE Twitter? I’ll bet it’s not very many.
Twitter, schmitter. Nuff said.
*smile*
Twitter, schmitter. Nuff said.
*smile*
I had to regroup with some of my Social Media ways and it’s been very helpful. I’m getting a clearer picture of who my ideal followers and connections are and it makes a world of difference. I’m adding your final question to my list of ‘tips’ from the experts Kim!
I’m excited that you are getting increased clarity on your ideal followers. That really makes a world of difference.
I had to regroup with some of my Social Media ways and it’s been very helpful. I’m getting a clearer picture of who my ideal followers and connections are and it makes a world of difference. I’m adding your final question to my list of ‘tips’ from the experts Kim!
I’m excited that you are getting increased clarity on your ideal followers. That really makes a world of difference.
That’s a good word, Kim…marketing with social media is smart, but it is important to know why we are there. Always a good reminder = WHY am I doing what I am doing? And is it giving me the result I expect/need/want?
That’s a good word, Kim…marketing with social media is smart, but it is important to know why we are there. Always a good reminder = WHY am I doing what I am doing? And is it giving me the result I expect/need/want?