Social Networking Advice That Never Gets Old

Communication-Education Lifestylist Erika Pryor of Columbus, Ohio recently posed this question on LinkedIn:

What type of advice would you give a micro-business or freelancer considering using social media for their business development needs?

Erika’s no newbie to social networking. Her query was more of an experiment with LinkedIn’s Q&A feature than anything. Still, the answers she garnered are good advice. And since a refresher in social media best practices never hurts, here’s what I added:

  1. Be Valuable. Whatever platforms you choose — blogging, Twitter, video, a combination of tools — create and share useful information with people. Think first about what others need, then create.
  2. Be Patient. Generating leads and new business via social media and social networking takes time. If you need immediate income, other vehicles might work better. On the other hand, if you commit to building your network and delivering value over the long haul, the rewards will be far greater over the course of your career.
  3. Promote Others. While you’re feeling the pressure of your immediate income needs, you’ve gotta resist the urge to focus just on you. Help others achieve THEIR goals, and it’ll come back to you tenfold.
  4. Set Goals. Start with small goals — no need to bite off more than you can chew. One mistake a lot of people make in social media is thinking they have to do everything, be everywhere, and know everyone. Focus on one achievable goal at a time.
  5. Help Someone Else. See a theme emerging? You may be uber-talented, but the key to getting someone to part with their money isn’t being talented…it’s solving a problem. Everyone out there has a need — how can you help them resolve that need?
  6. Step Away From the Computer. My biggest weakness is using social networking as a crutch. I spend too much time “building relationships” and “engaging” with people who can’t help me grow my business. You have to step away from Twitter, pick up the phone, pound the streets, schedule meetings, send emails, follow up, follow up, follow up. Nobody is as attuned to your need for income as you are, so you can’t count on them to come to you with checkbooks open. You have to go ask for the business.

What would you add?

  • erikapryor

    Scott,
    Thanks so much for the SoMe love here:) I'm glad that I'm not the only person that sees the Question and Answer feature of LinkedIn as sorely under-used. From the list you offer, I am particularly fond of the “Be Valuable” advice. So, frequently it's easy to get caught up in pushing out content, that you forget to read others, RT and repost their materials, as well as simply reach out and make connections with individuals in your industry — even the competitors. There is much to be learned from your competition, and maintaining a healthy respect for what we all do and contribute is great business practice. Great meeting you via my LinkedIn Question.

  • erikapryor

    Scott,
    Thanks so much for the SoMe love here:) I'm glad that I'm not the only person that sees the Question and Answer feature of LinkedIn as sorely under-used. From the list you offer, I am particularly fond of the “Be Valuable” advice. So, frequently it's easy to get caught up in pushing out content, that you forget to read others, RT and repost their materials, as well as simply reach out and make connections with individuals in your industry — even the competitors. There is much to be learned from your competition, and maintaining a healthy respect for what we all do and contribute is great business practice. Great meeting you via my LinkedIn Question.

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    You're absolutely right, Erika. It's funny…I don't use the word competitors anymore. My “competitors” are now “fellow marketing specialists” or “other social media leaders” — talented people who have smart ideas and a lot to offer.

    Thanks for inspiring the post…keep up the good work!

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    You're absolutely right, Erika. It's funny…I don't use the word competitors anymore. My “competitors” are now “fellow marketing specialists” or “other social media leaders” — talented people who have smart ideas and a lot to offer.

    Thanks for inspiring the post…keep up the good work!

  • http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caring-Creates-/228986840568 Sally G.

    I was most struck by your Patience point ~ it actually makes me feel understood and validated. For me, Social Media participation is very much an exercise in staying fixed on my end-goal and purpose ~ though the final destination is not yet visible to me. Participation here is very much a process and if you don't fully understand why you're here, there's a good chance you'll get lost along the way. These are great points Scott, thank you!

  • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

    I was most struck by your Patience point ~ it actually makes me feel understood and validated. For me, Social Media participation is very much an exercise in staying fixed on my end-goal and purpose ~ though the final destination is not yet visible to me. Participation here is very much a process and if you don't fully understand why you're here, there's a good chance you'll get lost along the way. These are great points Scott, thank you!

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    It's funny how everyone has a favorite point in this post, Sally. Thanks for sharing yours.

    Good to hear you're staying focused on your purpose/goal. If you don't mind me asking, would you mind sharing what that goal is? I always enjoy learning what others are trying to achieve.

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    It's funny how everyone has a favorite point in this post, Sally. Thanks for sharing yours.

    Good to hear you're staying focused on your purpose/goal. If you don't mind me asking, would you mind sharing what that goal is? I always enjoy learning what others are trying to achieve.

  • http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caring-Creates-/228986840568 Sally G.

    THESE are the moments when I wish I was clearer about my 'elevator speech'. At the risk of sounding hokey, I am on a personal mission to make everyone who crosses my path aware that I've 'seen' them – the 'real' them, the one that sparkles under the surface because it's not quite sure if it's safe or not to emerge.

    I'm on a mission to champion the language of empowerment – to teach it, if necessary. To help people frame their stories in a context that allows them to see their personal histories as preparation for the meaning they are contributing, or are about to contribute, now.

    I desire to accelerate the travel to Self-Actualization for grown ups everywhere so they can walk this path with their children so that, in time, dismantling learned fears, doubts and insecurities will no longer be necessary.

    And as I figure out how to accomplish this – I'm meeting the most incredible people who are 'seeing' me back. So glad to have connected with you Scott!

    (Notice I made it all the way through without referencing 'pants'? Oh, crap …)

  • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

    THESE are the moments when I wish I was clearer about my 'elevator speech'. At the risk of sounding hokey, I am on a personal mission to make everyone who crosses my path aware that I've 'seen' them – the 'real' them, the one that sparkles under the surface because it's not quite sure if it's safe or not to emerge.

    I'm on a mission to champion the language of empowerment – to teach it, if necessary. To help people frame their stories in a context that allows them to see their personal histories as preparation for the meaning they are contributing, or are about to contribute, now.

    I desire to accelerate the travel to Self-Actualization for grown ups everywhere so they can walk this path with their children so that, in time, dismantling learned fears, doubts and insecurities will no longer be necessary.

    And as I figure out how to accomplish this – I'm meeting the most incredible people who are 'seeing' me back. So glad to have connected with you Scott!

    (Notice I made it all the way through without referencing 'pants'? Oh, crap …)

  • AdrienneC2

    I've compared the SM experience as attending the world's largest cocktail party – but just like when you meet someone interesting at a cocktail party , but only REALLY get to k know them over time and face to face meetings in a more authentic setting. So it is with my personal journey on Twitter. I look forward to meeting the most captivating of my new friends in person one day.

    We're human – we crave that personal interaction – and feel it most deeply when in face-to-face communion with other souls.

  • AdrienneC2

    I've compared the SM experience as attending the world's largest cocktail party – but just like when you meet someone interesting at a cocktail party , but only REALLY get to k know them over time and face to face meetings in a more authentic setting. So it is with my personal journey on Twitter. I look forward to meeting the most captivating of my new friends in person one day.

    We're human – we crave that personal interaction – and feel it most deeply when in face-to-face communion with other souls.

  • AdrienneC2

    I share all that to say that scott's sixth comment resonates the loudest for me as well.

  • AdrienneC2

    I share all that to say that scott's sixth comment resonates the loudest for me as well.

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    Human connection is indeed what drives social networking, Adrienne…you're spot on. It's hard to shed the marketer cloak for a few minutes, but it pays off if you do.

  • http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

    Human connection is indeed what drives social networking, Adrienne…you're spot on. It's hard to shed the marketer cloak for a few minutes, but it pays off if you do.