Relationships.
And not just building them, actually maintaining them.
I’ve seen the same error occur many times over the past year as social media has received more hype, and it’s only going to get worst unless the overall purpose and utility of social media is explained… and explained right.
All of the social media tools that we use can be a great pedestal to stand upon and announce our message to the world. It offers a tremendously large and loyal audience, but your goal will fall short if you don’t harvest your relationships.
Once you make contact with your audience, become their friend. Social media has made it extremely easy to make at least 10 new friends a day. Be sincere and honest with them, because if you’re not, your new friends will see right through you and you’ll lose them faster than you gained them.
If a conversation you’re having sparks an idea and you write about it, make sure to give that person credit for assisting with the spark. Not only does that person feel appreciated (which works wonders in solidifying a relationship), but it will come back to you, and in some cases two-fold. Just remember to give credit where credit is due and a form of success will follow. I say this from experience.
Building relationships via social media is no different than the relationships you build in the real world. Treasure them and treat them with respect. Remember what our parents and teachers used to say? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The same rule applies online.
So simple yet so true.
People expect overnight success with social media and when they don’t get it, they write it off as a failure.
But there are no overnight successes. Even what seems like an overnight success took years of nurturing.
It’s no different here.
Great post. I definitely agree with the fact that ongoing engagement is necessary in order to be a legit player in the space.
It also has to be a 2 way street, there are too many companies that use social media to broadcast the message but can’t take the heat when users start responding.
You couldn’t be more right on, Carlos! I guess since the communication is instant, they expect success to be the same.