How To Sort Through The Social Media Hype

Social Media In International Web Marketing

Lately, I have had quite a few requests about how I “do” social media.  You see, there are quite a few case studies and examples of big companies using social media successfully.  But social media success stories from small businesses are hard to find.

As a small business owner, I know that this is probably because they are busy.  Small business owners are busy in general… and when you add the activities you need to carry out a successful social media marketing plan, that is a mighty long day.

The Social Media Hype

I have heard a few other comments though.  Some people feel there is a lot of hype around social media and that there are actually very few businesses doing something on social media.

Yes, there is a lot of hype about social media.

First you need to separate the talk about social media for the affiliate marketers and the talk about social media for offline businesses and online coaches and consultants.

Once you do this, most businesses still have a hard time:

• Sorting through this hype
• Understanding what social media can bring them
• Adapting to the social media mindset

All web marketing boils down to bringing traffic through your online hub.  This is usually your blog or website.  And then directing people to your sales landing pages.

Social media also helps to bring traffic to your online hub… with a difference.

Social Networking

The real difference between web marketing and social media is that social media is all about networking.  People networking.

Social media does not bring traffic to your blog or your website.  It is the social relationships that you form on the social media platforms that create the curiosity to get to know you better.

New People Skills

The social networking on social media platforms requires good people skills.  The social media platforms is a place for not old-school sales and marketing.  It is a place to get to know people in a more informal setting.

Some people believe that those who understood the dynamics of social media today will be in the best position to adapt to the future.  This is also another reason behind the hype.

The bad news is that the social media networking of today may morph into something different. And this means there is even more pressure to pick up these new people skills.

How Can You Sort Through The Social Media Hype And Get More Business?

This is the question many businesses are struggling with today.

Although I do not have a definitive answer to this question, I do think I have a key.

To pick up the new people skills:

• Simply to take action.  Jump in.  Breath. Give yourself time and you will pick up these new skills.

Social media involves improving certain communication and networking skills.  You need to get in there to pick up those skills.

Businesses Need To Find Their  ”Thing”

Beyond the new people skills, I think that social media needs to be personalized.  Humanized.  It is a business-to-people environment.

There are no formulas for success. The social media strategy that works for one hotel will not work the same way for another one.

Social media is communication and networking and the question is

• What are you communicating?
• What is the one thing your business has that is different?
• Why will people want to talk to you on social media?
• What will they want to talk to you about?

All businesses are different.

• They have different people working for them.
• They appeal to their clients in different ways.

All of this comes out in social media.

Some people can think of their one “thing” as a value proposition, or unique selling proposition, or an elevator speech.  But on social media you really need to be able to say your “thing” on a few words.  And it has to convey the essence of what you offer.  I think rules about what your “thing” is are not a good idea.  That is why I have used the word “thing”

Communicate This “Thing” To People On Social Media

There is miracle solution on social media to bring in clients.  It’s just another communication platform with extra powerful networking features that is in a customer driven environment.   This means that you need to learn:

• How your prospective clients respond to what you say on this platform
• How they want to connect with you on this particular platform
• What communication strategy you can have build, maintain and improve trust, credibility and good overall customer experience to make this a powerful networking tool for your business

And there are no fill in the blank answers.

Only you can find the best solution for your business, because you have the relationship with your clients.

• And you have your “thing”

Successful Social Media For Businesses

Some businesses have a better defined “thing” than others.  Some businesses will do better with social media than others simply because they stay focused the message they convey and go out and connect with people.  Social media success depends on:

• Getting your business strategy right in the first place.  You either have a business model that works, or you don’t.  You either have a market for your products, or you don’t.  And you either know what your one special “thing” is, or you don’t. Social media success starts here.
• Taking the time to connect with people on social media.  Use your people skills.  Make the connection.  Listen.  Respond.  Network.

This is how businesses get beyond the hype and use social media to develop your business.  And these steps are critical if you want to connect with with foreign markets through social media.

• How much hype do you think there is about social media for business?
• Where do you start to sift through the hype around social media for business?
• How can businesses see through the hype around social media?

More on Social Media In International Web Marketing

• How Do You Use Social Media For Business?
• The Cultural Divide In The Social Media Evolution
• How Cultural Differences Impact International Social Media
• How To Sort Through The Social Media Hype
• It Is Business-To-People In Social Media Marketing
• How Do You Use Social Media For Small Business?
• 12 Social Media Tactics In My Marketing Plan
• 7 Cross-Cultural Skills For Businesses To Master Social Media
• Content Marketing To Reach International Markets
• Choice Of Social Media For International Markets
• Connecting With People On Twitter
• Cultural Differences In Social Media Marketing
• Guerrilla Marketing With Social Media To Enter New International Markets
• Likability For International And Social Media Communication
• New Marketing Taints Old Networking Tactics
• Social Media Marketing Across Cultures
• Understanding Social Media For Stronger International Web Marketing

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