My thoughts on the social media craze

I’ve been thinking about writing a big blog about my thoughts on social media and today is that morning. This blog entry will include, what’s next, how I’ve used the social media to market and don’t forget face to face networking.

I think we get it, social media is the place to be. But what about those that have already been using it for networking, advertising, marketing and doing good work for others? I am feeling lately…what is the next big thing and when can I start using it. It’s not that I’m tired of my favorite social medias, no way! I love and adore the 2 main ones I’m using. LinkedIn and Facebook. I’m talking about what is coming up and when can I start playing in the new pool.

I started using Facebook in March 2007 and LinkedIn in May of 2007. I learned last fall that I didn’t want my personal Facebook account to be for business, so I created a business Facebook page….that isn’t easy to manage at all. I’m considering just deleting my business one and not using it for business. I don’t really see a value in it because almost everyone on my Facebook page is already one of my LinkedIn contacts! I have though lately seen a big jump in the Facebook marketing. Many of my contacts are on Facebook blasting about events and workshops, tips and tricks, etc. I have been doing it too, but focused less on selling my business, but offering FYI and tips and tricks. I will be making the decision here shortly about using FB for business, I am thinking about that “new boat” I want to get on…and I think I found it. (not telling anyone about it either! you will see shortly!)

So what else is out there that I’ve tried and not gotten into….

Twitter. Probably a great idea for my business, I forget to tweet. If I’m not tweeting, I’m not using it. So I don’t. My account just sits there.

What else. Myspace? Nah. I have a page for Call That Girl, never got anywhere with it.

What else. Digg? I have done a few blasts, I could push more out with my blogs I guess when I have a good tip and tricks.

What else. There are so many more friends/contacts sites, I kinda feel I am doing what I can handle and what I enjoy.

What else. Xing and Ning. Too much work and not enough local people on it. And I figure the locals on it, are already on LinkedIn. Don’t need to reinvent the wheel here folks. One site for everything is good enough for me right now.

So what will work for you?

LinkedIn…has worked for me. But remember, I have spent a lot of time on this site. I have done a few things with it that others will not be able to replicate at all. I have been working with LinkedIn daily since Nov 2007 and I am finally FINALLY seeing my marketing and hard work pay off. Right now about 1/3 of my client load is coming from LinkedIn or referals. (Remember, my core business is computer repair, not teaching LinkedIn). Also take note that I get about 20 inboxes a day from folks and I make sure to reply to everyone. It’s a building block of marketing on LinkedIn in my opinion.

When people ask me how important it is to do the social media, I tell them, “Do what makes you comfortable” if you don’t like giving out all your information, then don’t do it. The social media craze is really for people who like to share their lives, accomplishments, knowledge, thoughts and expressions and who also enjoy making new friends that they haven’t met before. Social media networking is not for every business or everyone.

Remember what your core business is and focus on that. I found a few months ago that I was focusing more attention on my social media events (mostly speaking/teaching events) that I forgot what my core business was. Computer repair! So now I have settled back with using the social media to have fun with and not as a service of my business.

To close…I am looking forward to a fun spring doing face to face events again! Winter is over and the blahs are gone! I am excited to just get back out there like I did when I first started up the business. Kickin’ it old school! I think with the “social media” craze we can’t forget that people enjoy meeting people in person still. I have a few people that I hope to finally meet out this spring. Enjoy today, should be awesome out!

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