Social Media Marketing Tips for Newbies
its a balancing act

Do you go for the mega list of connections or a smaller list of people you know?

Why not both?

For most people it takes a bit confidence and a leap of faith to start having conversations online in front of others, even if you do know who you are talking to.

If you think about it, it's just like getting into an elevator full of people and starting a conversation. It does happen fairly often, especially if you have something in common, like a club membership or attending the same conference.

Many of the conversations we have are within hearing of everyone around us..cell phone conversations, chats on planes, public transit, walking down the street talking with friends.

Most of us already filter what we say to suit the situation and whomever may overhear what we are talking about.

That's not so different from interacting in Social Media.

So where to start...

There's a good reason social technology usually starts by asking you to find your friends. You have common interests and history with them so it's easy to find something to talk about. Selectively search for the friends in your address book, connect with them & start a conversation.

Get comfortable chatting with them about topics you would discuss if you got together with a group of your friends and colleagues. Ask or answer a question talking back and forth to one another and when someone else comments, respond to them too. (don't make your remarks so cryptic that no one else will understand if it's your goal to grow your circle of contacts)

The more you find your own voice, express yourself authentically and show your true personality, the easier it will be to attract new people with the same interests.

Have fun...it's called social for a reason.

...view it as a chore & it will drop to the bottom of your to-do list...and we know what happens when we don't talk...the connection goes dead.

Most conversations are just that, conversations. And even though they take place during business hours, on business accounts, the successful ones touch on a variety of subjects (with a common theme) , a bit of personal info, some opinions, some information ...the last and least being a pitch.

Still not comfortable diving in?

Listen for awhile until you read something you agree with and then tell them you agree. Compliment the writer or add something to what they said.

Everyone enjoys a sincere compliment and is likely to engage to say “Thank you” at the very least.

If you get lots of response to something you know you've hit on a hot topic. Go into more depth, ask for opinions/experiences, read and comment. This is your opportunity to engage and meet more interesting people.

What is your Social Media goal?

Worried about how much of your time this is going to take and whether it's worth it? Figure out what works for you

With a strategy and a system you can manage your social media marketing in an hour a day.

See you on Twitter! @NancyFraser