By now you’ve heard about social media and the benefits it’s bringing to business, but the question has to be asked – have you caught the train? Think on this:
The bullet train flew past early, as it did many people were still sitting pondering if they should head to the station to catch it; by the time they’d made up their minds – the train had gone and they were left standing, wondering what to do next.
People in business are often like this when it comes to social media, with more and more business seeing the benefits of utilizing social media to connect and engage with the customers; those still wondering if it’s right for them could soon find that their customers have fled to companies already using it.
The train won’t wait; you can’t afford to sit idly by thinking whether you should be getting on the train; you need to act now. If you don’t get on board your competitors will and they will be miles ahead of you before you’ve decided it’s the right thing for you to be doing.
If we keep using the train analogy, we can think of the engine driver being the business and the passengers as customers; they’re picked up, offered service and are given a running commentary as the train moves along the track, passing various sites along the route.
In business, when using social media it’s not much different to this; you join a social media network; gain followers, start communicating, share useful information and take your followers on your journey.
Your followers will want to take you on their journey as well, so be prepared to give up the drivers seat, sit back and enjoy their journey. Where they take you will help you understand them.
By giving up the drivers seat, listening to, communing and communicating with your followers you will gain more respect; and they will start to talk about you and your business – they will become your advocates, your bullhorn.
It’s not too late to get on the train. Offer your customers the opportunity to get on board with you. Any business should have their train ready to pick up and take their customers/clients on a trip; call it a sightseeing journey if you like, the sights will be an insight into your business, how and why you do things. But most of all it will show them that you are real, that you will and do listen; that you value them and their opinions.
When you get your train moving remember it’s not all about you, you need to engage and join in the general discussions taking place; people generally don’t want to hear just from you and what you are doing; engage, connect and share with others.
What train are you on? Is your train ready for boarding?
Photo: Kevin Dooley
About the Author, Graeme Russell
Graeme, Social Media is picking up even more steam lately (nice analogy). Google has locked down a number of accounts and it is looking like Facebook ads may be a replacement. I would love to hear your thoughts on that. Also I especially like your last tidbit about not spamming information about you but taking the time to genuinely connect with others. I think that is the piece that is missing from so many marketing strategies for small businesses and network marketers.
Go be great!
Rafael
Rafael Cantu recently posted..How to increase Lead Generation for your Small Business – Part 1
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I have boarded the train and I am so glad that I did! Not only has it helped me in my business but I have learned so much from others by connecting with people. Social Media is the best way to interact and build networking relationships. Most importantly is to interact and get involved. Not jumping on the train can really impact your presence on the internet. Great post! Thanks for sharing!
LeeAnn Townsend recently posted..Hyper Facebook Traffic Program Review…Worth It
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Thanks, Graeme. I enjoyed the train analogy. It helps people get a better grasp on a very slippery subject. Thanks.
Darlene recently posted..POMWOMI Challenge- Week 4
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Scott,
Thanks for sharing this. A lot of people get stuck over-analyzing and thinking too much. While we need plans and strategies, people mostly need to get on with it and take action.
Thanks,
~ Pat & Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
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What a fascinating analogy to explain the use of social media! You’ve presented not only excellent reasons for jumping on board, but also the importance of being an active participant rather than a mere passenger awaiting service and hoping to reach your desired destination. Thanks for a great post!
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Aloha Graeme, yes social media has sure changed and we use it for all sort of reason, but primarily with marketers we like to socialize and monetize. Gotta be real, we wouldn’t be there if this wasn’t so. I enjoyed your post and glad I came by. Thanks for sharing! Lanikee.com
PS.. come by and visit and share a sweet comment. The benefit are sharing is caring. Mahalo!
Lani kee – Mind Mapping Techniques recently posted..Do Online Commentators Give Backlinks And PR Support
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Hi – thanks for all the great comments, glad you all liked it. Although social media is here, and we can all get on board it’s also important that we use it ‘right’; whatever right is for our situation.
If you haven’t boarded yet, give it a shot, check what others are doing in the same field of business you’re in, you’ll gain some pointers. But, one pointer I really do stress is to be engaging, join in the conversation, don’t just use it to promote yourself.
Social media in reality is no different to any other social interaction, the only difference is you’re using your computer to connect. Talk with people, not at them, ask and answer questions (not just those about your field of ‘expertise’).
Am hoping to share some more insights on the use of social media in coming weeks, hope I can share some more pointers that will keep you engaged.
Graeme
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Great post – the train, the automobile, the airplane, and now Facebook advertising have one thing in common. And I’m sure we all know what that is.
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Thanks for the post,
I like the analogy and especially like your take on having a dialogue with followers and fans. All things social media are ultimately a two way street.
Pau Reimers recently posted..Social Media Marketing Rule 1 and the Google Model
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Social media is HUGE in my life.
Not only did it build awareness for my first business, but it created another opportunity for a second (and now my primary) business as a social media manager and marketing coach. I’m a total social media junkie and LOVE it. I would definitely encourage all business owners and entrepreneurs to get on that train!
Mandee
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Lovely analogy thank you. I really like the part about giving up the driver’s seat.
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Hi Graeme:
Social media is here and it is here to stay! It is definitely important to get on the train!
Kevin
Kevin Martineau recently posted..4 practical ways to build commitment in marriage
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Hi great to see this article has been enjoyed by so many. We need to get on board, we need to be part of the online community.
In being on board, and part of the community we have to remember to connect, converse and collaborate. We’ve got to also remember it’s not all about ME, it’s about others, it’s about what we can offer the community.
Remember when online you have the opportunity to help people who maybe looking for assistance, and this help you can give needn’t be from your business, being able to refer people to an answer is all part of being part of the community, about being social.
Think I should maybe write some more using social media. Seems you’d probably enjoy it.
Graeme
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Great article, Graeme!
Social media is indeed here to stay. The great thing is, there’s something for everybody. If you don’t like LinkedIn, try MySpace. Don’t like Twitter? Try Facebook. The wise networker will use all four and then some.
Willena Flewelling
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