This and future children pages (vertical navigation) discuss some of the most important principles of social media (SM) as I see them. I have come to love SM and understand a little (but more than most) about how to use Social Media to market a business or market yourself if you are in ‘job search’ stage. This is, however, an evolving field and changes are made daily, some are even major. But the beauty of being a small business owner or manager or job seeker (if there is an advantage to being unemployed, it is not being tied down to a set office routine) is the ability to change course and turn on a dime, unlike major corporations where there are layers upon layers of decision makers to navigate.
Networking on the Web
Firstly, I will try and stop using the industry jargon – social media, social networking – which will be difficult so I cannot promise that I will succeed. (A year and some months after I retired I still think I am still selling security systems at times at times!) I will call it – Networking on the Web – so we may all be able to understand its true meaning. This is the same type of socializing you do at face-to-face networking events, around the company water cooler, at picnics and dinner parties, wedding receptions, church and synagogue events, etc. However, the difference between face-to-face and Networking on the Web is major; I say it is a paradigm shift, or in simple terms , a 180° degree turn in direction from what you have been used to (as far as marketing and selling).
With face-to-face networking you can gauge the reaction of your partner. You use your natural senses and can also ‘read’ their body language. On the other side of the coin, Web Networking is mainly done via the written word because the written word is the MAIN way you are currently found on the Web via a search query. And, natural (free or organic) Web search results are based on words, or content (industry jargon), and matching those words with a query in a search field, plus a ‘wild card’ ratings factor called algorithms (mathematical formulas) which is primarily factored or weighted based on recommendations. Note: Other than being a mouthful of jargon and words, that last sentence described a deep, deep subject called SEO or search engine optimization and is definitely NOT apropo at this time or place; so please excuse my rampage.
What are the steps?
I have to use an analogy, or tell a story, here (all good salespeople are story tellers) to get the point across. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a summation questions a famous television personality named Art Linkletter used when he ‘interviewed’ children. Inevitably the answers he elicited made for a good belly laugh. Here’ s a glimpse via YouTube of the past, and his genius. If you do not want to watch it, note this man was an innovator and a major player in radio and early television (what are those?) and went on to be an author along with other major accomplishments.
According to Wikipedia: ‘Arthur Gordon “Art” Linkletter (July 17, 1912 – May 26, 2010) was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality. He was the host of House Party, which ran on CBS radio and television for 25 years, and People Are Funny, on NBC radio-TV for 19 years. Linkletter was famous for interviewing children on House Party and Kids Say the Darndest Things, which led to a series of books quoting children.‘
But first let me ask you:
- What do you want to do with the rest of your life?
- Will you be happy doing what your doing for the next 10 to 20 years?
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- Are you satisfied with your business’ Web traffic?
After you answer those questions I can perhaps tell you whether I can help you, or not. And I will be frank. And subsequently I may ask:
What Stopped You Before?
When you set a goal you truly wanted and were ready to sacrifice everything for it, what stopped you? Nothing!
Whether that was a graduation, a degree, a mate, a car, a house, a job, a sports medal, or whatever (moving out of my parents’ house was one of my biggies!), what stopped you? Nothing!
The beauty of goal setting is once you set the realistic goal and you visualize it, you next take all the necessary action steps and if you possess the burning desire, then you truly become a Super Hero because you allow nothing to stop you from attaining that goal! But, if you do not possess both the goal as well as the fire (or passion), please…
Stop Here!!
But if you need my help with your challenge, and you need it NOW! Please contact me, the DIY SEO Coach and WordPress Tutor, for more information, or call (847) 634-6535 right now.
If you truly believe you have the goal and the passion and want to do it yourself, proceed to Branding yourself.
For a glimpse of real passion, please do yourself a favor and read my blog post about Gary Vaynerchuk!
For an expanded definition of Social Media, please go to Wikipedia.
