We learned about the different types of social marketing and why they are so important to building business relationships. But what next? Where do I start?
Well, I suggest that you start with one. There are different platforms which focus on different opportunities. There are platforms to create unique, valuable content. There are platforms for networking and getting to know people. There are platforms to keep track of people. There are platforms specifically geared to rating good and bad content.
Pick your favorite. If you have lots of great content sitting around, create a Squidoo Lens and start posting some of your content online. Digg is a great place to link to your content/blog and ask people to rate it. If you are lacking in physical content because it’s still in your brain, then set yourself up on one of the networks. I find the Facebook is a great place to start. There are lots of extra applications you can take advantage, but don’t get too distracted by all the “fun stuff”.
The very first thing you must do wherever you start is create your profile. Make sure you save this information because you can tweek it for each of the other environments you get involved in. Include your bio, your goals, your hobbies/interests (people want to know you as a person) and don’t forget your picture. It is usually preferable to use a nice business photo, but not always. I use a picture of me on my cell phone for my twitter profile (since I usually do my updates from my cell anyhow).
Also, a number of these platforms allow you to connect with your other networks. DO THIS! Make sure you have your MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. profile links handy as many people will find you on Facebook and want to Twitter you, or Digg your content, etc. This is helping this “new media” spread like wild-fire and become viral. And viral marketing is our goal! Let the world spread the good news about you and your products/services!
And do NOT start pushing yourself and your products/services onto the people you connect with. These social environments are about building friendships. So treat them like you would any other relationship. You start with a courting process where people get to know you. You share information about your self and your knowledge. You only share opportunities with them when you know they are engaged in the relationship. Or they will be irritated and go away.
For more information about social marketing, joint venturing and creating profitable relationships, connect with MaryPat Kavanagh at http://www.QueenofMarketing.com. Make sure to include your comments on her blog at http://www.Queenofmarketing.com/blog. One of the most appropriate venues to learn more about successful relationships is to become friends on http://www.myspace.com/queenofmarketing