Business-Building Action From Terry L. Brock
[Note: Be sure and listen to the enhanced audio podcast version of this article at the bottom of this page. 7:49 and I go into more details of how you can build your business. You can listen to the audio streaming or download and listen on your favorite MP3 player. You’re welcome!]
Social media is a new way of communicating and making money. It requires certain dexterity and new methods of marketing. As you embrace these for your business, you gain more and can be much more profitable.
Here are some of the action steps you can deploy now with your business-building tools for increased productivity and profit:
1. Focus On Specifics. Think specificity in all you do. Focus on a specific market. Focus your product. Write timely, practical notices. You don’t have a lot of time (neither do your prospects and customers) so be succinct.
2. Prioritize For Your Business. Each business is different so you have to focus where you’ll get maximum results. For many, Facebook and Twitter are the two key components. For me and many other service-oriented businesses, having a conversational Blog is critical. Pack your Blog with relevant, must-read articles, fun, informative and entertaining videos. Also provide knowledge-rich audio that generates results for listeners. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with job seekers and others who need specific resources. YouTube is a must-use for sending video. Get to know all the social media tools and consider which combination is best for you.
3. Provide Value To Get Business. Yes, it is nice to have a cute quote of the day. However, seldom are people going to hire you because you displayed a cute quote on your Facebook page. Instead, provide solid, industry-specific (see #1, above) results and solutions. Produce business-generating videos and point people to those resources with Facebook and Twitter. This is a model that can generate revenue for you.
4. Use The Right Tools. Social Media has a lot of power but using the native applications like Twitter.com and Facebook.com can be cumbersome. A host of third party applications like HootSuite, TweetDeck and others have emerged to provide more capability.
5. Be Human. Hey, the key word here is SOCIAL. Those doing the best are those who let others get to know them as people, not just businesses. Even with a strictly business presence that some companies have like Southwest Airlines, Starbucks or Zappos, they communicate as real, live humans beings. This enhances the bond and takes marketing to a new and deeper level. It is also more profitable.
Oh, and here’s an extra bonus for you — learn those shortened, goofy symbols and terms to communicate better on this new media. Instead of “your” it is “UR.” Instead of “to” it is “2” as in “2day I’ll C UR Biz.” Get it? Have fun with the new way of communicating — and making money!
Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who works with businesses to generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: @TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock
