SOCIAL MEDIA & TWITTER: Don't Beg, Just Build

Don't Shout... Strategically BUILD

I’ll never forget the first time I was approached about joining the world of Twitter.  It was the Masters in 2009 and I wasn’t the only one who was skeptical about the concept or where it was headed.  I was working for Golf Channel at the time and asked to jump into the newest social circle.

Funny how time flies… and things become “the” thing.  Twitter isn’t just a short-term adventure… it’s now become a way of life and a game changer for media and the how they use, spread and digest news on the information highway.

Who’s in, who’s not?  Who’s committed?  Who’s got a plan?  It’s a big world out there with a whole lot of folks are jockeying for position.

Personal brands and corporate brands.  Athletes, executives, authors, reporters, speakers – everyone seemingly has something to say.  Some have more strategic goals than others.

Here’s two things  I think are key about social media.... twitter specific.

     *  It shouldn’t be talking about yourself.  It should be about connecting with others…. through your experiences… and creating a following based on your insights and shared ideas or opinions.     

Begging = Turn-off; Frustration

     *   Don’t use the social media platform to beg for a following.  Your results will be frustrating and some may turn on you.  The key is to how you use it to create one and build interest in you or your business or your brand. 
 

My Personal "Vice"

All that said, everybody has their “vice” outside the focus of their traditional social space.  For me, it’s my passion for the University of Missouri and Mizzou athletic teams.  I’ll admit it… and I have no problem becoming temporary “spam” for folks who don’t care about my random post about the ongoing game or the upcoming game.  The folks who link in … are “tribe” enough for me and I enjoy that feedback.  I look at it as a social vacation.  Some may disagree... and say that it's not wise to divert from what you want people to know you as. 

The majority of my time - as it should be yours - is spent on a “build.”  Otherwise, what’s the point of the effort?  I work to create a bigger following for the LPGA. I work to build and share my ideas on topics relevant to my work in the media, professional sports. media training, speaking or my general career passions.  If your hope is to become a famous chef someday… then I’d advise focusing on sharing your best dishes.  And sell them as special, not ordinary.  Simply telling the world you’re hoping to work with Emeril or Paula Dean someday doesn’t showcase you as an up-n-comer in culinary arts.  But sharing your cooking secrets does something entirely different.

Grow your Community

In a word… the bottom line is the build.  Do it one social media post at a time and create one theme that streams consistently above the others.  Frankly, I like an odd post about something that isn’t your norm.  But if you want to be taken seriously in your field of choice… choose your posts wisely.  The "follower"s will grow and soon, you've got the community you're searching for.

Thanks for following along… I welcome your comments and thanks for sharing this with others.

Thought for the day:  Social media shouldn’t be a push for you or a push for sales.  That’s a quick way to turn people off.  Turn them on through information & expertise that shows “value.”

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