Communicating Your Message in Cyberspace: What You Need to Know
Social media seems to be all a "Twitter" lately. If you follow your local newspapers, business journals, and television newscasts, you will find social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to be hot topics of conversation. Why?
To start with, they are all free services for now. Who knows when or even if that will change in the future. They are also very addictive to most people who want to keep updated on every move made by their friends, family, and even people they don't know. The opportunity for serious "time dump" is high and it could be an extremely poor use of time and resources if you allow it to control yours.
That being said, there are branding and communication opportunities for those who are disciplined to use these tools correctly. This article will be limited to the three forums listed above because I've found them to be the ones worth your business time.
I offer you my top three rules for those who are currently active in these forums and for those about to dip their toe in the water. If you'd like to learn the rest, check out my training teleseminar on Twitter next week. Rule 1: Be a Ferocious Guardian of your Time
As stated above, these forums can be like money burning a hole in your pocket. If you don't commit to being disciplined with the time you send on them, that's exactly what you are doing. Limit yourself to 20 minutes a day to post, search, and read. That's right, 20 minutes. I've developed a strategy on a normal business day to check all three at the same time about three to four times a day. I get in and get out. It doesn't take very long to read items of interest. If you get caught up answering posts, playing games, or following people like a bad soap opera, you've destroyed your day. Understand the risk and be disciplined.
Of course, as always there are exceptions to rules and here is one of note. I often find valuable links to topical articles on outlets like CNN, the Wall Street Journal, or another news source. If these articles relate to my business and offer value to my clients, or me then I definitely read them and often make them available for others. This is no different than doing reading or research as part of your business practice.
Rule 2: Be an Object of Interest
My mentor, Dr. Alan Weiss constantly talks about being an "object of interest." As noted above on my exception to the rule, providing interesting articles that offer value to your audience will make you an object of interest. If you consistently provide value, you become someone that needs to be part of your clients and prospects business life. Most news sources offer ease of sharing articles and videos. Just look for a link nearby that says "Share." From there, you can quickly add it to Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, and a host of others. It's a quick and easy way to be actively posting and providing important information.
Rule 3: Don't Be All Business
People do business with people they like and trust. It's okay to mix in personal things about yourself. Make sure they are personal things you want people to know, though! You may post about going to a ball game, your vacation plans, your family, your charity work, or even your dog. People like to know what hobbies and interests you have. They may find commonalities, which often lead to conversations. Conversations are required in order to gain clients and friends.
Avoid posting anything that you will be sorry for later. Remember that the Internet is still the "Wild West" in many ways. What you post most often can't be taken back and is out there for the entire world to read. Be smart. Think about what you are posting and be sure that it meets the standard that you want of yourself.
These are three quick rules that I use when communicating with social media. I have more but it would take too much space for this newsletter. If you would like to learn how to better leverage yourself and your brand on Twitter (which carries into Facebook), then join me on April 22nd at 11:00 am Pacific for my Twitter Twaining Teleseminar. Your investment is only $15 and phone lines are limited. If you can't make the time, don't worry. All registrants receive an MP3 audio download included. You can download and listen at any time. I hope to have you on the call.
Social media is here to stay. It can be an effective way for you to communicate your message to thousands of potential clients. How you use it will dictate its success for you. Make sure you are using it the right way for success.
(c) 2009 Dan Weedin - All Rights Reserved
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Articles from My Blog - March
To read all my blog posts from According to Dan, go to http://blog.danweedin.com on a regular basis. Better yet, subscribe to a feed and have them come right into your e-mail. |
Speaking to Influence Workshop Scheduled for October
Formerly called the Varsity Speaking Academy, this workshop is for you if you do ANY speaking for your profession. I have kept most of the program and added a more focused curriculum aimed at the business presenter.
This 2-day workshop will help any business professional to improve their presentation skills, overcome fear, improve speech writing, gain confidence, and increase business.
In today's economy, your ability to influence people will aid in moving up your career, getting a better job, closing more sales, and raising awareness of your business. Bottom line is that Speaking to Influence will positively impact your bottom line.
Here is just a sampling of the people who can and will benefit from this workshop...
- Sales Professionals
- CEO's
- Small Business Owners
- Consultants
- Authors
- Trainers
- Professional Speakers
- Teachers and Professors
- Media
- Coaches and Athletes
- Professionals - Attorneys, Accountants, and Financial Advisors (ask about continuing ed credit)
- Job Seekers
Take this opportunity to get your own stimulus package by growing your speaking skills. Doug Petch will be my special guest to add his expertise in social media marketing and leadership.
We will again hold the event at the beautiful Clearwater Hotel & Resort near Seattle. Special room rates are only $99 per night. When you call and register, mention my name to get the exclusive room rate.
As a bonus, the first ten registrants will have dinner with Doug Petch and myself. As of this writing, we already have the first one in. Don't wait. Early registration will save you on your investment as well.
Registration is now open. Click hear to learn more and register.
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Upcoming Events
April 24 Leadership Presentation Program at Olympic College - Poulsbo Branch
June 11 Bremerton Chamber Business Breakfast
June 19-20 Toastmasters Region 1 Conference -
Oakland, CA
October 1-2 Speaking to Influence Workshop - Seattle, WA
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Build Your Business Credibility
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Learn more about the wonderful service Dan Janal at PR LEADS has for you. Click here and explore the possibilities. You won't be disappointed. |
| Panic to Power:
Swift & Simple Speaking Strategies Anyone Can Use
Join three world champion speakers and myself to learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking. To learn more, click here.
"This CD... will take you to the next level in your speaking ability. After listening to all of the Panic to Power stories and the strategies... I CAN'T WAIT till my next speaking opportunity!!"
- Mary West, Director of Marketing, The Snow Group
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