Social Media and How It Can Help You

 


  

Social Media - This is a medium that cannot be overlooked by any sales rep, sales manager, regional manager or CEO.  Social Media is the newest form of advertising for either yourself, your product, or your service and it is monumental to the success of you as a sales person and your company.  I could write a book on this subject, but unfortunately it wouldn't be any good, and you probably wouldn't get much out of it.  However, there are many authors and books on social media and the "new sales" environment which I can recommend.  Here are just a few:




“Social Media 101” by Chris Brogan – This book will show you how to start a blog, how to set up a marketing strategy for social media, including facebook, twitter, foursquare, and Linkedin.  If you don’t know what the hell I’m writing about then you are in serious need of some lessons in social media and you should read this book.

“Sales 2.0” by Anneke Seley & Brent Holloway – This book gives real life case studies on how companies became successful by marrying sales and the new online media landscape to be successful.  It is a great transitional book that relates selling in the new era of technology and social media.  It shows how companies were able to transition with the new technology to improve both their top line and their bottom line in the process.  It is a great reader if you're living in the Dark Ages and want to understand how to move on to the Renaissance.     

“Tribes” by Seth Godin – I personally like most of Seth Godin’s books although there are rare occasions when I think he’s full of shit.  But what he really does, is get you to think outside the normal realm of sales, or business for that matter.  He was a very successful manager and became an even more successful writer.  He thinks outside of the norm, and he get his readers to do the same.  This book shows you how to start building a “tribe” of enthusiastic supporters to help you in sales, service, or whatever else.  It is a great read and can help you build a loyal following no matter what you’re selling.   

Social Media Sites You Should Know

facebook – If you’re company doesn’t have a facebook page, then whomever is handling the marketing, is an idiot.   The biggest social networking sight is a great place to get things started and create a “buzz” about your product(s).  You can even set up advertising for CHEAP, and I mean CHEAP!  If your company doesn’t see fit to help you out with a page, then I would create my own page to promote products.  Of course check with your company's "marketing police" before you start using their logo, but this is a great tool. You would be a fool not to take advantage of the coverage that facebook offers.  And believe me it’s easy to set up a company or personal page.  If I can do it, then anyone can.  The site guides you through the process until you’re page is set up and it even explains how to create an ad.  It’s as simple as 1, 2, 2 ½…3.   With facebook you can do a number of things, including:

• Create a page for yourself or your company
• Invite friends to view your page or "like" your page
• Advertise your page to specific targeted customers or prospects
• Build a brand name through this social media site.

twitter – Here is another social media phenomenon that can help you’re business.  However, I don’t think it’s as great as facebook, it does have it’s advantages.  Imagine being able to tell all your customers at one time that you were holding a promotion, and with just a few clicks on your computer or smart phone, it was done.

“Offering 25% discount on all products for one month if you order today.”

It is a great tool for any company or sales person, to have an IMMEDIATE social interaction with their customers.  You just send out a“tweet” and if your customer is signed up as a follower they get a message on their phone instantly.   It is a quick, painless, social interaction that is what has now become the norm, rather than the exception.  Sales people who prefer the old style of calling, need to get used to this new form of communication in order to be even more successful. 


The only problem with twitter is not enough people are on it, and those who are signed up for twitter are most likely under 16 years of age and follow the Kardashians.  As a result, you might not be that popular at first, but don't get discouraged.

myspace – If you’re stupid enough to still be using myspace then you are a social media dinosaur.  Get out of social media immediately and turn over your social media marketing campaign to someone who has a clue what’s going on in the world.  

Google + - Let’s face it Google is the biggest company on the Internet and it has the greatest presence so it was just a matter of time before they tried to create something to rival facebook.  So now we have Google + , or Google Plus, which is a social network created for people who have signed on to Google and want to network with friends in business, personal, and other interests.  With this application you or your company can take advantage of all the great Internet applications which Google offers.  Applications such as AdSense, Google Business apps and a whole lot more.  This site creates “circles” of influence which you can share with customers. 


As a side note, Google frightens me a bit because they seem to be connected to everything.  How about the creepy photos from Google maps of your home, your business, and everywhere in between.  I almost feel like the eyes of Google are upon me, and watching me type this write now...scary.  

Linkedin – This is more of a business networking site than anything else, but it can be a portal for you to find customers.  If you’re not on Linkedin, then you should be, because millions of busy business professionals visit the site daily.  In addition to being a way to reach existing customers and new customers, it is also a business networking site that can help you find a job , make connections with other people in your industry, and a vehicle to share your ideas.  It can also be a major pain in the ass because of all the idiots trying to recruit you, but it’s always nice to be wanted.  Create an account for yourself and make sure your company has a profile as well.  This site is a great tool to make contact with people in a strictly business environment. 

These are just a few of the basic sites to get you started, but keep in mind something new is being developed DAILY. And if you are really into the whole tech thing, check out mashable.com and it will give you ideas on how sites can work for you. Remember people are coming up with new ideas on the hour and it's important for you to keep up with the social media landscape in order to be successful.  If you or your company doesn't want to change, then you'll be left behind while everyone else is progressing forward.

-M