Put a little ‘human’ in your online presence
- What catches your eye?
- What makes you laugh?
- What do you appreciate?
- What interests you?
If you can answer those questions, you can effectively use social media. All you have to remember is that the premise of social media is to be those things for your customers.
Consider this question:
When you go into a business to make a purchase, do you appreciate a little humor, pleasant human conversation or even a discussion about something interesting or insightful?
Of course you do, we all do.
When the person behind the cash register engages you in some conversation, something clicks inside and makes you feel good about the experience. On the other hand, if the cashier simple “does the job” and hands you the receipt without any interaction, you walk away feeling a little empty, don’t you?
The same is in play on social media. Show up on social media with the purpose of engaging others. Ask sincere questions. Share those things that make you laugh or pique your interest.
Now, and this is where it gets both tougher – and easier, tailor your content to the topics, interests and people you want as customers. You aren’t going to “sell them” but you want to build a relationship so that when they learn what you do or can provide, you will have the opportunity to make a sale. And you are more likely to “meet” them online if you have bond over posts you both like, enjoy, or appreciate.
You know, if you are a fan or follower of mine online, or read my blogs, that I love small business and everything about it. The programs and services you’ll find on the Grow Your Business Coaching website are all part of me and what I am interested in – you can’t help but see it – all the way to the reason I wear red socks.
I am who I am, online, in person or via my writing. Every little thing reflects me. So when someone has “met” me online and then meets me in person, there is always a little grin – because my online persona matches my offline reality. And I think that’s really important – it’s makes our connections valid and valuable.
Who do you like to do business with?
We all know it’s people we know, like and trust, right? Well, we also like to do business with people who have interests and knowledge about things that interest us, too. It’s kind of the egg or chicken question – which comes first, selling to someone and then developing common interests or developing common interests and then offering a sale?
It’s the relationship that always wins. So, keep that purpose in the back of your head and let it drive your social media. As they teach in the old Girl Scout song, “Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are silver and some are gold!”
To your success!
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