Dollars. Cash. Money.
That's how our society, by and large, judges the success of an enterprise, a business, an organization or a company. But, are we truly successful simply because we've made a lot of money? I don't think so.
Most of us want the same thing, at the end of the day. We want to be better. Better people, better professionals, better friends, better husbands, better wives, better bosses, better employees. And, I think that is a worthy goal. There are a lot of tools at our disposal to help us accomplish that goal. There are books that can make us better, seminars that will improve us, and programs that will teach us. But, in the rush to monetize and market with social media, I think we've overlooked the opportunity it presents us to make ourselves better.
1.) Ask the question: "What Do You Need?"
I network a lot. I talk to people and meet them and get to know them. I learn about their plans and their goals and their ideas. At every networking event I attend, the place most closely guarded in the room is podium or lectern, and every person in the room looks at that coveted position with yearning. There is so much that can be done from that position, yet almost every time I see people assume it, they think only of themselves.
Social media is a lectern for everyone. It is a podium for the world. You've built your community, now they are waiting to hear you say something. If you're going to be a better person with social media, ask only one question:
What do you need?
You'll be amazed at the response that you get to this question. Some people will answer it directly. They will tell you what you need. Do everything in your power to meet their need. If it is within your sphere of influence to provide a solution for their problem, do so. The effect this action will have on your organization will amaze you. People are unaccustomed to having their needs genuinely met.
Some people will answer your question with a question: "What do you mean?" "How can I get to know your business better?" "Who do you know that I should meet?" Answer their questions, and then ask yours again. "What do you need?" Don't stop asking until you've uncovered a need that is within your power to meet and you've met it.
2.) Say good things about people who have not asked you to.
Everyone appreciates a kind word - much more so when that kind word comes from a public setting. Identify people or organizations in your circle who have not done business with you, have not bought your product, have not referred business to you, and learn something good about them. Then talk about it. Tweet an article they wrote with praise about how it helped you. Tag them in a Facebook post with kind words about their contribution to the community. Mention them in your next blog post about best practices in business. There is a domino effect in things like this. People like to pay it forward when they receive good without impetus. Practice this until it becomes a habit and it will make you better.
3.) Connect with people who cannot make you money.
We who use social media to market ourselves and our organizations have developed a nasty habit - we tend only to connect with those people in the social media environment who can have a direct impact on our bottom line.
Not only is this a poor business practice, but it can negatively affect our social media circle. You never know when someone you connect with will have a need that you can meet, than can turn into a mention on Facebook, that becomes a referral, that morphs into a sale. And aside from the business concepts, it's just good to be a friendly person. Build relationships. That's what social media is all about.
It's the season of giving. I challenge you to use social media to become a better person. If you're already doing so, tell me how in the comments!
