Everyone is talking about being social, but what does that mean to you, a seller? How can it help you? Where do you start? These and many more questions are also being asked.
Let's get to the point. Social media, social business, social networking, whatever you want to call it, put simply is just another form of communication. You have been doing it for years, it's just that the growth in technology has made it easier to be louder and reach a wider audience.
Some of the benefits include; efficiency, collaboration, identification, and not least, trust.
But these benefits will not happen overnight, it is a journey you will have to undertake. Some will adopt to this new way of communicating quicker than others but make no mistake, we all need to be on this road.
Why?
Let's look at several reasons:
Having a digital presence is one of the best ways to be found, creating your personal brand that in turn will help you become eminent in your field of expertise.
Recent studies have shown that the role of the buyer (seeker of information) has changed. No longer do they pick up the telephone to you (do they even know you?) and ask "Is this the right thing I need?" They are looking for this information online. Eighty-five percent of the buying decision has already been made before you, the sales person, even get involved.
We Sell or Else . Let's face it, if you can use another channel to assist in growing your business then it's a no-brainer.
If you are still wondering whether social technologies can really help grow your business, a whole raft of success stories can be found online. Personally, I have seen and experienced millions of dollars of generated business.
Where do you start?
First, understand the tools. Identify which platforms your customers are on and participate in- places like LinkedIn, Twitter, FaceBook, or Google+ for instance. Start with three or four and ensure that one of your choices includes blogging.
What's on offer?
- LinkedIn: For a seller, this is the most important place to start. Your customer will research you.
- Twitter: Let's call this an information portal. Are you advising your network about what your colleagues, company, and you do, and the latest news, and information that grabs your attention? Let people follow you and manage your reputation.
- Blogging: This, in my humble opinion, is going to be paramount to building your eminence, creating digital footprints that allow you to be found when someone searches for you. Now, although the premise for these tools is business, I do advocate the creation of personality, so if you want to talk about something non-business (yet professional) do so.
Thoughts for your next steps?
Create a team (one person to many, depending on your company size). Members should be early adopters or have an understanding of the social landscape. Teach the teachers to spread the word and create ground swell. Get to grips on what to measure.
Last, if you need advice or tips about best practices, drop me a line.
Why not share some of your thoughts and questions below.