One of the questions that I am always asked by individuals who want to start utilizing social media in their business is “Where do I start with Social Media?” to which my next answer is “What are you trying to accomplish?” It never fails, I always get a blank stare and then the “I want to make money” answer.
It’s great when people get over the “fear” and set out to start social networking. However, not all forms of Social Media are going to suit you. Not because they don’t work, but because you need to invest yourself in it.
Here are a list of things I ask my clients to have answers for when we have our first consultation:
1. What do you like to do? (write, take pictures, garden, horseback ride?)
2. What is your expertise?
3. What are you “known” for?
Let’s take Sally Realtor. Sally LOVES to knit. Sally also sells houses in Orlando, FL and she’s been selling homes for 10 years there. Sally really likes working with first time home buyers and helping them get their first purchase. Sally hates to write. It bores her, she’d rather knit. She is a people person, she likes taking pictures and she loves living in Orlando, FL. Sally has done absolutely NOTHING online except for the website that her MLS board provides or the one her broker has for her. Sally hates the thought of being online but knows she needs to be there.
Knowing these things, would it be a good idea for Sally to start a blog and sign up for every site out there? Probably not at this point. Where does Sally start?
Start with baby steps.
1. Sally needs a linkedIn profile
2. Sally should get involved in knitting organizations around town – chances are – she probably already is.
3. Sally needs to join those knitting organizations online where ever they are …. facebook, twitter, etc.
4. Sally will need to set up profiles in order to join those sites. Linking those newly created profiles to her company provided website, or her linkedIn profile.
See where I’m going with this?
Once Sally starts intigrating herself on this small level into the things she likes, those online sites will start to become more intwined into her life. How many of those in her knitting club know of someone buying a house? or are buying a house for themselves – upgrading, downgrading? or buying a second home somewhere?
Maybe Sally could start posting pictures of that blanket she knitted with her “just closed” new first time homebuyers on those online knitting groups.
Since Sally already has profiles set up on maybe twitter or facebook – she could ask potential clients or past client’s to join her there. Continually posting about Orlando’s home scene AND knitting scene. Sally’s slowly creating a reputation for herself and ….. who knows, she may become the next Sally “The knitting” realtor. I’d remember that. In fact – you may want to work with her just so you can get that blanket knitted by Sally that everyone else has gotten and loves! Now Sally’s growing a community…..
Start small and grow where you are. Don’t sign up for everything under the sun … take baby steps and don’t join/do something you know you won’t do. It’ll only frustrate you.
Of course – you could always hire someone to accomplish this for you! If interested – stop by my site and let’s talk about your objectives!
About the Author: Jennifer Stinnett has spent the last 13 years in relocation, real estate and ecommerce. The last 3 years have been spent on social media intiegration in business, online reputation and lead generation.