Wouldn't it be nice if you could wake up every day and and face your social networking with a sense of clarity, integrity, and authenticity? You know what I mean: never feeling like you're shouting to be heard or acting out for attention.
It’s interesting how regressive some otherwise nice people can get when pushed into the big sea of being visible on Facebook and Twitter. It’s like all confidence in the power of their message gets lost as they rely on pushy tactics to try to turn a fast buck.
Let me share a not-so-big secret with you: nobody’s interested in the pitches. As soon as someone senses a pitch coming at them, the walls go up and the bridge is closed.
We buy from people we know, like, and trust. That’s age-old wisdom and it’s just as true today as it was in the 50’s when my Dad opened up his first mom and pop business.
Then what is everyone out there looking for?
They’re looking to connect They’re looking for value They’re looking for honesty.
As an entrepreneur using social networking to market your business, you need to keep that in mind. So that leads up to the Magic Question for social media success.
Each day when you get ready to hop onto Twitter or scour Facebook for prospects, ask yourself this question:
How can I add value to my network?
What can I give that will inform, engage, connect, and build trust?
That’s it.
When you take that mindset on, the need to push or coerce vanishes. The value you provide- whether it’s retweeting someone’s post or offering your professional opinion- will set you apart as a credible person to be connected to.
There are other components of social media success, but having a value mindset is the foundation.
This focus on providing value is what takes a person from random observer to raving fan to hot hot lead to ready-to-buy prospect.
So take a moment right now and ask yourself that magic question:
What can I do to add value to my network?
Then go over to Facebook or Twitter or Linked In and see how that question guides your actions.
Nancy Marmolejo is an award winning business owner and recognized expert in business and creativity. Her specialty is raising the visibility level of entrepreneurs so they can market themselves as recognized, credible experts.
Nancy has shared expert commentary with numerous media outlets including SmartMoney.com, Latina magazine, Univisión TV, Redbook, The Fresno Business Journal, The Orange County Register, Orange Coast magazine, Siempre Mujer, Latino Future, Latino Perspectives, the Arizona Republic, and many more.
Known for her creative and spirited style, Nancy also publishes an award winning ezine, hosts a podcast, writes articles for websites and magazines, and is the author of two popular blogs.
Nancy is a recipient of the prestigious Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund Award from Wells Fargo Bank, the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Latina STYLE magazine. This cash award is given to 10 Latina business owners nationwide who demonstrate innovation and success in business. In 2006 she was named Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Hispanic Business Women’s Association, and became an inductee in the Latino OC 100, a group of 100 influential and inspiring Latinos in Orange County, CA. She has also been nominated for several business and community awards by local and national organizations.
Nancy Marmolejo lives in Anaheim, CA with her husband and their young daughter.
