So, You Want to be a Social Butterfly!

I often hear business owners say, “I would love to take advantage of social media, but I just don’t know where to start!” Most people understand that social media is a force to be reckoned with and that it is influencing the way consumers make decisions concerning what they buy and where. However, getting why social media is useful and knowing how to take advantage of it are quite different. With traditional media, some might dip their toes in the water with an ad or two. However, social media demands a head first dive right in. To reap its rewards, a solid commitment of time and a willingness to reveal a human side to your business are crucial. If you’re sold on the idea of social media but need guidance to get started, here are some tips to get the party started.

Make Your Presence Known

Every party has its wallflowers. They are rarely noticed and often overlooked. Don’t let your business wilt this way. Go online and set up a Facebook^®, Twitter^®, LinkedIn^® and blog account. Maybe you’ve done that already and haven’t taken the next step. Well, even the wallflowers at least made it out of the house and to the party.

First impressions are important, so make sure your pages are dressed to impress. Thoughtfully consider your profile image. Is it branded? Does it convey the essence of your business? Add additional eye candy on your Facebook page and blog by posting digital photos of your products, store, you, your dog or anything else that might help others take notice. Describe your business in a relatable way wherever available. Finally, don’t overlook participating on LinkedIn. Chances are your business needs other professionals to succeed: buyers, suppliers, sales reps, and the camaraderie like-minded entrepreneurs. LinkedIn will help you network with those who can help you grow your business.

Now that you’ve arrived dressed to impress, make sure you get in and stay in the conversations. This is where a lot of people stumble. Fear of the time commitment (you know this party goes 24/7), as well as no clue what to say that will be interesting, can be intimidating to anyone. I’ll address what to say a little later. With respect to the time commitment, I often recommend getting and using a smart phone. All these forums have applications that allow easy access from your phone. While you are pumping gas, waiting at the bank, or at your child’s sports event, you can quickly and easily access your accounts. If you’re still finding it difficult to “check in” there are vendors out there who will help automate activity on your pages. Although automating sounds tempting, it’s not genuine, so use it as an aide but don’t rely on it entirely.

Mingle in the Right Crowd

As you would at any party, you spy those who you already know when you walk in the room. Friends make us feel more comfortable and afford us the confidence to approach those we don’t yet know. So too with your social media pages, reach out to those in your current network and let them know you have arrived. Notify your friends and customers via email. Put links on your website, note your presence in your collateral material, and cross promote all your social media sites. Those you know are more inclined to like, link, follow and subscribe to your pages. Once you’ve established yourself, you can expand your connections beyond your comfort zone.

Once you have gained some confidence, take it upon yourself to like, link, follow and subscribe to influential people and businesses you find interesting or pertinent to your business and interests. Within the children’s category, this could be trade and consumer publications, blogs, and even the competition. Some of my personal favorites are Babble, Celebrity Baby Blog, Earnshaw’s, Cool Mom Picks and The Giggle Guide^®. You’ll find that by taking the initiative to connect with some of these people, services, and businesses, they will often reciprocate and connect back with you.

Become the Life of the Party

Those people who are the most intriguing, the most interesting, the most popular at parties are those who are confident in who they are and what they represent. They also probably have a good sense of humor. These people can make any story interesting and entertaining. A top 10 brand on both Facebook and Twitter, Starbucks^® has made coffee a topic of conversation. If Starbucks was at a party you attended, you would know who they are and why they are famous. Do you know who you are and what you and your brand mean to the children’s industry? If so, do others as well?

Understanding what your brand is and what makes it relevant to others is imperative to finding your unique social media voice that you can share. For example, Starbucks is so much more than coffee or even coffee shops. It appeals to the experience of indulging in simple pleasures, socializing with friends, and expressing individuality. It’s from these deeper associations that Starbucks has defined their voice.

No matter what you sell or how you sell it, your business is more than the sum of its inventory. Your brand is a virtual persona and that persona has beliefs, a personality and characteristics that people can identify with it. This presence will be out there mingling and growing over the Internet. Ensure that your message is consistent with the rest of your brand identity. Once you are confident about who you are and what you stand for, you’ll find it easy to spark conversations.

Get Out There and Socialize!

Like any new environment, it’s a little awkward at first but the more you mingle, the more you find the time to get involved, you will find that social media is really not too difficult. Time and experience will teach you how and what online social activities make the most sense for your business. If you want to earn popularity for your business in this new social venue, then you’ll have to get ready to party and just go for it!

About Insights Discovered
Penny Redlin is a regular contributor to the “Business Sense” feature on The Giggle Guide^®, sharing insights about business planning, effective communications and marketing strategies.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Insights Discovered was founded by Penny Redlin in an effort to share her professional expertise within the children’s product category. The company’s mission is to give every mompreneur an opportunity for success. Insights Discovered exclusively services children’s products brands. The specific industry focus demonstrates a strong dedication to the unique needs of children’s products companies. Insights Discovered offers strategic planning, market research and traditional marketing services.

For more information, visit www.insightsdiscovered.com or call 702.218.5707.

To read other articles in the series, click on the green “Business Sense” at the top of this article.

About Insights Discovered
Penny Redlin is a regular contributor to the “Business Sense” feature on The Giggle Guide^®, sharing insights about business planning, effective communications and marketing strategies.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Insights Discovered was founded by Penny Redlin in an effort to share her professional expertise within the children’s product category. The company’s mission is to give every mompreneur an opportunity for success. Insights Discovered exclusively services children’s products brands. The specific industry focus demonstrates a strong dedication to the unique needs of children’s products companies. Insights Discovered offers strategic planning, market research and traditional marketing services.

For more information, visit www.insightsdiscovered.com or call 702.218.5707.