Have you TRIED Social Media???

I continue to run into people who are negative on Twitter, Facebook and the whole Social Media thing.

Some have tried it, but have not learned how to use the tools in a time effective, connection effective way.

But, most nay-sayers about Social Media, I find are like most nay-sayers in general…..that is, they have heard of it, maybe have even logged in once or twice, but have not REALLY tried it.

I harp on the well-known fact that adults (and probably kids also) learn almost exclusively through our experiences.

So, HOW in the world, can any of us expect to understand the value of Social Media without really trying it?  It would kind of like saying that Chinese is not a good language…simply because most of us who have grown up in the U.S. find it completely foreign in terms of understanding….(different alphabet AND different in how it is spoken).

Anyway, I found this great list by Doug Firebaugh….a very simple list of NOT to-dos that I think work particularly well when using Twitter effectively.  So, here is Doug's list of "7 key reasons why Social Media is NOT working for you".

1) No Target to Shoot For.

Many folks have not targeted or set a goal that they are looking to hit. That is crazy. You need to have a set target and defined destination that you are looking to go.

2) Expecting Miracles when a Message would do.

It is about your Message, not Miracles. I am a HUGE believer in Miracles, but in social media, it takes time for the Blueprint you have to take effect.

3) Connecting- but Lack of Personal Connection.

Connection in social media is important. But PERSONAL CONNECTION is IMPERATIVE. You must create that Connection that moves past the surface and create conversations that start to build a Trust bridge.

That will do more for your follower count and friends than just about anything.

4)Providing Constant Volume but not Consistent Value.

Your messages, notes, posts, tweets, videos, and podcasts need to be Constant and regularly distributed, but without Consistent Value-people will quit reading them.

5) Trying to be Too many Places with Too Little Time.

Pick a social site and build there. My focus has always been pick 5 sites and stay there. Automate everything else. You have ping.fm, and hellotxt.com, and other broadcast sites. Pick one of them, and then you can be on 75 sites or more daily.

6) Trying to be SEEN when You should be Helping Others to be Known.

You need to be a promoter on social sites. A promoter of great material, and great value. I sent out over 10 links today of things that rocked. Most of the folks I did not personally know who they were, but knew others could benefit. What about you? Do you run across things that really impact you? Let others know about it.

7) Ambushing the Conversation instead of Amplifying the Connection.

Doug tells a story here is that we need to connect and comment to add value.  If you keep trying to divert others' conversations into a sales pitch about YOUR product or service…you WILL be dissed.

Anyway, if you want to read Doug's entire post, here is the link!

http://socialmediablogster.com/?p=590#comment-381

Have a great day!

Barb

Providing Constant Volume but not Consistent Value.

Your messages, notes, posts, tweets, videos, and podcasts need to be Constant and regularly distributed, but without Consistent Value-people will quit reading them.

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