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Social Networking for Entrepreneurs. There are real business uses for social networks If they are used properly , social media can be a profitable part of your overall marketing strategy. Section 1: What NOT to Post. Don't post ANYTHING without planning - see Walmart example
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There are real business uses for social networks If they are used properly, social media can be a profitable part of your overall marketing strategy
Section 1: What NOT to Post
Don't post ANYTHING without planning - see Walmart example Don't spam people - "You know how some marketers without even saying "hi" start posting their websites' urls on your wall. That really annoys me and I know that it annoys other people." - Lana Kravtsova, www.dreamfollowers.com Please don't post boring stuff that only you care about
A Major Social Networking Failure • Didn't allow people to use the Discussion Board • Failed to anticipate negative comments • Tried to be something they are not • In short, failed because they were control freaks
Be Sure to Choose the Right Tool for Your Market • Who's Your Target? • Artists and Entertainers must be on Myspace • Reach the 18 - 35 crowd on Facebook • Affluent professionals network on LinkedIn • Twitter is literally anything you want
Building Your Target Market “List” Section 2: How to Generate Interest in Your Product
Online vs. Offline • How do you connect in real world networking situations? • Attend events where your targets will be • Speak or present at the event, if possible • Join their trade association's board
Online vs. Offline • When you are networking after the event: • Small talk • As "What do you do?" • Listen. I mean, actually listen. • Offer something valuable - a book title or website, a contact or client lead • Write it on your card and ask for theirs • Follow up
Online vs. Offline • Online is basically the same • Find out where your targets go - adwords are good for this • Start positioning yourself as an expert in the field - "Present" on the topic • Join their favorite social networks • Set up a page there and say RELEVANT interesting things about their key topics
Facebook Example • Set up a “Page”. If you don't have a Facebook account this will create one for you in addition to the Page.
You need both a Page and a Group • The Page let's you build a brand that can be searched on Google • The Group is good for discussion forums and inviting people to your events
Time for the Moment of Truth Once You Get Set Up
Making the Ask Section 3:"Just Click the Subscribe Button"
"Free Sample" Give something your target will find valuable away in exchange for their contact info
Note: If your product costs big $$$ • Use the fast food approach: • * Small $ investment • * Medium $$ investment • * Large $$$ investment
Advertising is DEAD • If you remember nothing else - • Social Networking is NETWORKING • It's about people, not companies • If Walmart can't control the conversation, neither can you • Be Authentic and Responsive
You should do the same The best in the biz (Google, Facebook, Youtube, etc.) help people do what they already want to do
Reference sites • http://webworkerdaily.com/2009/05/26/10-golden-rules-of-social-media/ • http://social-media-optimization.com/2007/10/a-failed-facebook-marketing-campaign/ • http://www.lnkr.net/archives/rosh/general/the-world’s-most-profitable-social-network/2713 • http://www.bookyourselfsolid.com/
wrencis@gmail.com Questions?