When social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) first became popular, I thought they were an amazing medium. He continually received invitations from high school friends or business contacts. Before long, I had hundreds of contacts on each site, and I thought I was pretty well connected. I also reached out to others to further build my networks.
As an entrepreneur, I thought that all the online networks would help grow my business services business. I even posted ads online through both mediums. I enthusiastically entered this new online world with high hopes for future business and personal connections. These efforts were the future: it had entered the Internet 2.0 edition.
Emerging issues
Questioning the importance came slowly, yet my instincts told me there were problems. Of the hundreds of clients over eight years in business, none told me that they found out about my company through social media. They may have reviewed my resume, but we were not introduced through social media.
Another feeling of doubt came from the political comments. I started reading memes or comments from the same people over and over again, especially as the elections got closer. When fake news emerged, it became obvious that many of these posts were complete nonsense. Beyond precision, the posts insulted the reader, who believed differently.
Digital screams
As a part-time business instructor, I place considerable emphasis on entrepreneurship. I ask students how they will market their business to get new customers. The most common response is “I will spread my message on all social networks”. There you go. The key to success in the digital age is to scream as loud as possible through our social media.
Marketing and sales channels come and go, but one thing remains the same. Developing messages that motivate people to improve their lives through your product generates new customers. People hate being yelled at, but they love conversations that improve their lives or businesses.
Cyber insults
When it comes to public policy, no one will change their voting options by receiving insults. Am I going to change my ideas from the constant screaming of someone I barely knew in high school? Let’s think about what we post on social media. If you want to post political material, consider something with humor or consideration that might motivate someone to stop and consider another point of view.
Social media has a role in business. Channeling for branding, customer service, and product feedback is important to overall business development. However, the idea that the more you post, the more your business will grow is completely false. Marketing is complex. Branding, messaging, multiple channels, product quality, and reputation all help drive new sales.
No easy fix
Social media can be fun to view vacation photos, reconnect with a variety of people, and entertain yourself. Let’s be cautious! There is no magic pill to marketing other than hard work. Outside of work, pick up the phone or meet people in person. You may be surprised, your personal network will be real instead of digital. Come on America, our true future awaits.
