Steps in Social Media

Social Media is a process. It does not happen overnight. Sometimes, in social networks, it is like landing on another planet and meeting people that are literally alien to you. For some of us this is easy. I could walk in a room and gladly initiate the conversation, get to know someone, set up a meeting, and walk away as "good friends". For others, being sociable is a struggle. It may take days, months, and maybe even years to make a good connection.

Now, lets add the Internet to the equation. If you are in a certain age range, you may be what I call "lost in the transition". Media and information gathering changed drastically since the Web arrived and even more in the past few years with social media. The last time we saw a shift like this was when the printing press and television was launched. Now, after the newpapers and televisions controlled the media for so many years; we are telling people that it's simply not hot anymore. Some are confused, others are outraged. Tradition is hard to overcome in all areas.

What about Journalism students? They now have to redirect their efforts into learning social media on their "spare" time if their schools are not integrating it into their regular curriculum. Businesses who thought they had a stronghold and others who thought they had at least a handle on it are now screaming down their company ranks looking for someone who knows something about social media. Many larger companies are very late. They have to suffer significant loss before reaching out for help and considering this new niche. Then the proposal has to climb back up the ranks through walls of "we know what works" and "I have been doing this for years" before someone finally says "Let's do it".

I believe many businesses are distracted by this economy. While businesses are struggling, social media grew on the scene, and it kinda went a little unnoticed (it could be bigger). It is easy to blame the economy for all of your company struggles; but the truth may very well be that you are simply not connecting with people where they are today. Add the economy to your company not connecting, and you are pretty sure to fail. A good social media plan can open your business up to a whole new world of possibilities and opportunity. HEAR YE HEAR YE!

Once a company decides to join the ranks of social media, they can approach it in several ways. They can sample it (and sometimes be very discouraged because they are not using it properly), or they can work with someone to develop a strategy and implementation plan that could be consistent and effective. When we work with clients, it is not just about setting up a Twitter, Blog or Facebook account, but actually laying out a map of success to follow. Here are some questions you may ask: What is the product they are offering? Who are their competitors? What are they using for exposure and reach at the moment? Are these new prospects open to learning social media? How much time will they have weekly to put toward it? What social media platforms are best for this company? What type of "schedule" do you recommend for them? Do they have someone in house that can be trained and assigned to social media, part of full time? Will they need someone on the outside (you) to at least partially maintain it for them? These need to be answered!

There are many steps in Social Media. Understanding, learning, believing, developing, implementing, and socializing. Once you do start making connections; your contact management program needs to be in place to show any return on investment. Make contacts, group connections, get information, plant seeds, and grow your business life.

Social Media - The Act of Being Sociable... Online

Social Media has now joined the ranks of a "must have" outlet for businesses in the past year. It used to be "just for fun" or an option, but as users increase, the dangers of not having a social presence can be very dramatic. For many businesses it has, or will become, the determining factor as to if your business will even survive. The reason being is that potential clients that already have a connection through social media and networking feels as if they "know" that business even if they have never met.

When I was in Vegas several months ago at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Party at the Luxor, Tony Hsieh - CEO of Zappos (@Zappos on Twitter) and Christa Foley - Zappos Recruiting Manager (@Electra on Twitter) both contacted me on the @AskAsheville Twitter handle ready to meet and connect with me at Zappos Corporate Headquarters and at the Revolution dance club for Twestival 2/09. From that moment on, everytime I think about buying shoes or sneakers online, or someone asks me about purchasing online; Zappos http://zappos.com/ is the first thing that comes out of my mouth. They made a friend of me and built another fan. Why do I mention this? Because social media is making sociable connections online. They did not tweet me and say "Go to our site and BUY NOW!". They were more like "Hey, are you in Vegas? Let's get together and hang out!" I was busy that evening with John Legend, Danica Patrick, Bar Refaeli and the others, and had to fly out first thing in the morning; but the connection was made. I was attracted by the sociable vibe they exhibited and it made a permanent impression on me.

Being sociable is not that easy for many people. Who likes to walk in a crowded room, announce themselves, and sincerely connect with everyone there? Not many. Social media is a personality, a vibe, a way of life. Some businesses attempt this online when they are very unsociable in "real life". Sociable media works so much better when you are willing to work from the inside out, and improve the social skills in your life as a whole. Then, when you take it online, people will openly (and even gladly) connect with you. All of us have heard about people "being reserved" and not that social. That simply will not work, or it will at least leave you behind in Social Media and Networking. You are stuck with some options. Either fake your sociability, attempt to blend, or improve your social skills. I recommend the latter, while implementing the blending attempt.

In closing, social media is so much more than an online game, job or responsibility. It is something that can force you to become that connecting sociable person you may have been looking for your whole life. It may teach you how to be more social and how to connect with many different people, businesses, and walks of life. Step one of social media and networking is simple... BE SOCIABLE!

Love G

G Social Media on YouTube - Videos

G Social Media has been doing YouTube videos and accounts for many companies for awhile now. We finally decided to get him in front of the camera so some of you can meet him face to face.

Here are the videos:

G Social Media in Asheville North Carolina

Making Social Media Simple

G Social Media talks on Twitter, Facebook, Networking & more...

"I hope I can help you with some of my Social Media and Social Networking videos. If you have any questions, please ask me them!!! Oh, please rate and comment on the videos too! I will love you forever, lol."