Social Media is Not Social Selling

November 23rd, 2009 in Uncategorized No Comments »

Tags: business coaching, Connection, Entrepreneur, Impact, Intention, Marketing, Small business owner

I am writing this by way of reprimanding myself!!  Just 5 minutes ago I sent out a reminder link on Facebook that I have 5 coaching spots left for my one time ”Business Success in 2 Hours” year end coaching sessions.  The minute after I sent out the link, I clicked on a video posted by Start Up Coach Alain Theriault entitled “Top Five Things You Should know About Social Media”.  Ouch.  I know this stuff. Sometimes it just becomes irresistable not to spread the word via Facebook about things I am offering in my coaching practice. Sometimes, it is entirely justified. Other times it is simply a way to have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of a busy day!

There, I posted my year end coaching offering on Facebook.  That’s good.  I am sure some people will read and some might forward it on and perhaps someone will call…or will they? 

NOT GOOD ENOUGH according to Mikal E. Bellcone, author of Social Media Advisor and contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine.  Watch the video for yourself….it’s worth your three minutes.!

I have a background in marketing and sales so you could say I know better.  But to err is human.  And to be an entrepreneur is to take on the world and fall into the occasional trap of trying to be expert marketer, expert business owner and excellent coach all at the same time.

So back to the Top 5 Things You Should Know about Social Media.  I have summarized the key points for you here:

1. It’s called social media, not social selling
2. Don’t forget what you already know about marketing
3. Choose the right niche
4. You have to engage
5. You have to have goals

The #1 mistake: Selling in social media…first be part of the conversation and opportunities to sell will arise.

The #1 tip: Be goal oriented; develop a strategy and know your ROI on every marketing expenditure. Set objectives ahead of time and measure!

I would add that taking the medium to longer term view in terms of building your brand through social media is also a good perspective to hold.

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