I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you this but Social Media is not about selling it’s about creating relationships. The first time you try to sell on social media sites you will either alienate everyone, get bombarded with copious amounts of ‘hate mail’, or be badmouthed on those same sites. There are ways to use these sites to effectively generate sales and new customers but it is now on their terms not yours.
The whole world of sales and advertising is rapidly changing thanks to social media. No longer can you push your message or product out to the masses. Today you have to find a way to ATTRACT the masses, your clients, your friends, and family to your product, service or opportunity. You have to make them want to come hear what you are saying and read what you are writing.
Step 1 – Do Your Research. The more information you can gather in regards to your target market the more effective your ‘sales’ effort. You will want to discover what your current customers are ‘talking’ about on-line. Review the blogs they are reading, writing, and commenting. Check their social media sites to see what they are saying – good, bad, or indifferent. Ask questions. Find out which sites they use most frequently. Also, collect this same type of information on each of your competitors.
Step 2 –Develop Relationships. Look for ways to get invited into your prospect’s social media world. Offer them something that THEY consider to be of value. Approach them from their point of view. Give them more than your competition. Be interested in what they are saying, doing, writing. Only talk about your business if your prospects bring it up. Build your credibility and expertise with them by being open, honest, transparent and caring about them. Develop the relationship over time just as you would do with one of your friends.
Step 3 – Be Consistent. This is the step where most people fail. They start out strong and then just slowly fade out. They quit following up. They stop writing their blogs or twittering or whatever other tool they are using. If you want to be successful using social media, make a commitment right here, right now that you are in this for the long haul and you will consistently update your blog, social media tools, and your education no matter what.
Step 4 – Integrate the Pieces. Now is the time to pull it all together. At this point, you have done the research, developed the relationship, and built your credibility. This is where you continue the relationship outside of the social media tool via email, telephone, or face-to-face. This is where you turn prospects into customers.
Selling using social media sites is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a process. A process takes time and the utmost consistency. To me, this is what sales should always be about. People buy from people they like. If they really like you, they are willing to pay more for your product or service. Follow the social media plan and you will have customers for life who will not only buy from you but also sell for you. Now, that is the ultimate position to be in!
Author Andee Allen is freelance writer, Strategic Media Coach/Consultant, Real Estate Investor, and California Realtor (License #01854926). She has a BS in Computer Information Systems and a MBA in Executive Management. Andee has been coaching businesses and individuals to success since the late 1980s.
Written by Andee Allen. She is freelance writer, Strategic Media Coach/Consultant, Real Estate Investor, and California Realtor (License #01854926). You are welcome to contact Andee at andeeallen@gmail.com or on her website at www.strategicmediacoach.com.
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