Social Media Backwards

Sometimes, in this day and age, social skills start online and then could be integrated into your person to person instances. Many people possess great communication and networking power online, but when it comes to face to face; some introversion can take hold. Being able to break open a conversation with a complete stranger in public can be difficult sometimes. Even making a "cold call' on the telephone can be hard. Making that "cold call" on the many social media platforms makes it so much easier for all of us. There have been several times in the past where someone friended me on Facebook and I accepted them because I simply wanted more friends and connections. Recently, many people have sent me a friend request with something like "Hi, I see we have 47 friends in common and wanted to connect." Great! I usually make the connection if it seems sincere. There have also been times where I have friended someone and they sternly shot back at me and said "I don't know you!" No problemo. If you know anything about me, you know I love to reach out to people that I don't know. Maybe it is the sales experience I have brought to the social media table that allows common rejection to disappear pretty quickly. I don't have to "know" you to request a business connection, social connect, or possible friendship. In sociable media, we are able and permitted to reach out and ask for an online handshake back.

Social media is not something new, but taking it online kinda is. Remember when we were scared about anyone that we met online? If we got an email from someone we even thought we did not know, we used to freak out a little. We felt invaded; like someone was attempting to enter "our" world. Times have changed and we have now become used to someone asking for a connection. Many times it is a flattery of sorts if a "stranger" asks to enter our online world. And sometimes, if we meet those people in person after getting to know them online, we are like old friends that have not seen each other in years. Social media has changed our society.

After we have learned to initiate and make the proper advances online, we may be ready to take these skills to the streets. I am talking about learning some social skills and connection practices online, and then practicing them in public, when you go to the store, and while you are working - eye to eye, personal, in-person conversation. Some people have claimed that all of these online connections are deteriorating our outward society. Ha; take a look at the how much it is and can evolve our networking world if used properly. In the time it used to take us to make a few connections, we can now make hundreds. We can meet dozens of people in days with common interests, goals, employment, and missions. How many people have walked up to you in public and said "Hello, I want to be your friend." Probably none, but many have done so to me every day online through social media and networking platforms such as Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Blogs, YouTube and others. I believe this new media age is going to greatly improve community if we start thinking of "Social Media Backwards" and make a conscious effort to use it in public. Social media and networking builds community and allows us to take those relations deeper, and in much less time. It can and will improve your social skills and grow your whole life in general.

Now everyone... say "thank you" to social media!

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.

7 Damaging Sins of Social Media

When dealing with Social Media, it is a whole different world to many. You must be sociable, you must have information, and then your attitude is always a very important factor. Some of these "sins" are normal practices, and some are done by people just not paying attention. These are just some points that I have observed and gathered in the past few months that I wanted to share. Maybe you have noticed some of the same? Maybe some of these are your habits? Please read:

1. Screaming network with a clique motive - These people wear the badge of "Network", but are wearing the "Lone Ranger" hat. It is all about them, their people, and the people they grant "their approval" on. Social Media is networking, communications, crowd sourcing, connecting, reaching out, pointing in, providing info, and doing your part to contribute whether your are in business or by yourself. Many people do not understand this concept; they simply "think" they do. They use social media to where it is all about them, crush others who even seem to be walking down the same path; and do even worse if they are in the same geographical area. I have heard of companies that have helped establish a "spammer" account to attack others and discredit them. Is this their "alter ego"? No, this is who they really are. Talk about bad business and creating bad Karma! Beware of these cliques! Learn to really network by creating exposure for your business and reaching out to others! Do not only network with them who you adamantly agree with, those you "like", and those you know. There is a big difference between an open and closed network. Let yours be open!

2. Knowing, but not telling social media - Hanging social media over someones head is simply not right. Many people have heard about it and want to know more. Today, our culture and society is built off of information. You can go online and type any question you have into Google, Bing, Yahoo, Cuil or any of the other dozens of good search engines and find a wealth of information on just about every subject. If you know something more than the common person, open up and tell it. Share it with the people! The days of hoarding are over. Social Media is an open information system that bridges the gaps. Proclaim it so.

3. Having a critical social media attitude - Sometimes when we do not understand something, it is in our nature to attack it. A few minutes each day dedicated to learning new media and Internet communications would open anyone up to such a great world. Yes, even I remember the days when I would not touch email communications. I had my secretary (Tiff!) get on my computer, log in, and type out an email while I stood up, walked around and dictated. Then I would get excited after we were done and tell her "Send It!". Today, it is different. When I hear of something, especially when they say "new", I first think "opportunity" and then hit the computer to research the subject. Social media is the new superior form of connecting and communications. Drop the bad attitude and have a teachable spirit. You just might learn something new. Correction; you will learn something great and new, and love it. Social Media!

4. Wearing the "Big Head" - Have you ever met someone that thought that they were King of whatever? Growing up, there were kids who actually believed they owned the street we all lived on. I could use that as an inspiring thought, but not now. There are people in the Social media world who are anti-networkers and that snarl at people who learn something beyond them. They need to be the head honcho in everything. Oh, they give credit, but only when they are complimenting someone that they consider a lesser learned person. Ever had the big head? I have. I played baseball for a few weeks before they yanked me over to the All Star Team. I was excited and heartbroken at the same time. I was humbled. But when fans started cheering, even though it was only little league, I got the big head. I felt like Reggie Jackson! Having a big head is not that bad when you are a fair and just individual, but hand that big head over to some of these insecure gurus and it is all over from there. They use their big head to hurt, limit and criticize; and in turn damage social media.

5. Being a social media security bouncer - Social media is a learning curve and things are constantly changing. It is trial and error sometimes. We learn, teach, learn together, learn some more, and share our experiences. It is so funny that people think they have to tell people all of the time how to do it right, how their way is the best, and how everyone else is doing it wrong. They police the sites of others and base their networking off of slander. They lay in wait for someone to make a wrong move so they can jump in and subconsciously (and sometimes verbally) say "They are wrong, I am better". They actually believe that by hindering and "arresting" someone else in social media; they somehow become better. Not at all. Social media is a place where people live and let live. We may suggest or blog about tips, but who I am to knock or arrest someone else for their methods of operation? If you are on Twitter and follow everyone you can or follow everyone back, good for you. If you do not, then good for you too. Big Deal! Turn your "Officer" badge in and network with us.

6. Not working social media - Having new media and social media platforms and not using them anywhere near their potential is very hazardous. It is like having a beautiful new car that people have seen in the driveway, but for the most part it is hiding in the garage and barely used. You need to learn how to "Work It!" Push down on the gas and take Social Media for a spin. Balance, new content, and scheduling is very important for the growth of your business in social media. For some this seems like constant maintenance, but for us who have seen the power of new media; it is productivity and fun! The principle of sowing and reaping really takes hold here. What you put in, must come out! Start planting and working your social media platforms!

7. Not using social media - This "sin" is deadlier than them all. If I were drowning and there was a pencil, a quarter, a weight, or a life vest... I would grab the device that floats and that could support what I am attempting to do. Social media can not only save your business, but it can also land you in a whole new world with bigger and better opportunities. Not using social media is like trying to board a plane by waiting in the line at the grocery store. You will not make it to your destination! Your company will not fly! And the sad part is your business can even die.

Maybe it is time for your company to explore the many diversified angles of Social Media? Maybe you want to start simple small and build from there? Maybe Social Media is exactly what your business needs? Contact G Social Media for a custom plan for your business.

Miss North Carolina 08-09 Recommends G Social Media!

I have been a very satisfied client of G Social for several months now. I was depending on other websites and platforms to promote myself, my passion, and my modeling. Gary took a little information about me and quickly established a strong, permanent, interactive web presence. The platforms he set up allows me to update everything myself, after some simple phone training and consultation. Gary explained all the details to me so I was able to understand and effectively communicate online. I now have a prominent presence on the web and have been able to greatly further my career through the help of Gary and G Social.

New Media has taken a strong turn and G Social is way ahead of the times when it comes to not only establishing platforms, but making them work right for you and your company. Gary does this with ease.

Thank you for setting me up and continuing to assist me,

Melissa Chambers - Miss North Carolina International 2008-2009

Step Into Our World - Social Media, New Media, New Communications

It is kind of like stepping onto another planet when you really think about it. I mean before, being on the Internet, having a website, and using email to connect was just "an option". Today it is becoming the standard, and it is gaining more and more ground every day.

I love using email to contact people. Think about all of the wasted time on the phone, having to take notes of what actions you need to take, and then remembering everything they said. Many of us, after talking on the phone for however long end up telling the people to send us an email anyway. I like documentation. I like to save my brain power for better things. Email is awesome.

If you do not have a website in this day and age, it is kind of like having a "ghost" company. You are there, but not really. Any business consultant will quickly tell you that you need to have an Internet presence. This is elementary. Knowing what to do from there to make that website work for you takes some schooling. I know that some people think "once I get a website, I will be rich". Most of the time this is not the case. Having a website is having an online storefront, online office, and a sort of "headquarters" for your business. People in London and even many locals are normally not going to happen to be walking down the street and stumble upon your business. They will or may find it online, if anywhere and enquire from there.

G Social is a Social Media company based out of Asheville North Carolina that takes your company and website and adds increasing connections and reach out into this big world of yours. We put you on the map and highlight you. I was talking to someone the other day and I told them about information "going all over the world" and they said "I cannot even get around the corner". This is correct. You cannot get past a certain point or "corner" in your business without implementing New Media and Communications. When I say "New", it is new compared to past conduits many of us are used to, and it may be "New" to you. It is not new to us. You may have just begun looking into making some Web moves. Social Media is one that you need to make a quickly.

Do you need your business to start gaining ground? Do you need some new ground to promote your business? Do you need some new connections? Are you looking for new opportunity?

Social Media by G Social may be your answer. Look into it.

G Social Media Business Packages $900 - New Media!

Basic Package $900

Premium Web Platforms Built For Your Business and Consistently Updated. Or... "No Maintenance" Turn-Key Solution with Training Also Available To Do It Yourself

Each company is different and has different needs. For some companies, it may be a one time package and then you take over. We can simply set you up and they you and your team take it from there, or back you for an hour a week for only $25. For other companies; getting the basic maintenance package for less than $2400 a year is more than worth it. You let us know how much is in your "budget" for maintenance and we will work with that amount. G Social Media can then be your "Marketing Agent" and take care of everything online for you!

Larger Social Media Packages are also available