I recently attended a social media debriefing conducted by the public relations firm, Ground Floor Media. They attended the 19th Annual South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas.
South by Southwest is a digital and social media conference that provides roughly 300 sessions per day for five days. It is the greatest source of cutting edge and emerging technologies in the social media space.
“Social Media is the future of communication, a countless array of internet based tools and platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media
A simple definition. If social media truly is the future of communication, you need to get on board. How are you going to use it effectively? What difference will it make to you, your business? I want to spell it out for you clearly by highlighting the Top 8 Social Media Tips that will help put more social into your life.
The number 1 social media tip may come as a big surprise to you, but we’ll work up to that one. Let’s start with number 8.
Tip #8: Turn your devices on.
Surprised? Usually the first announcement at any presentation is a request for audience members to turn off their devices. At your next speech or presentation, invite the audience to turn them on (with the sound off). Tell them your hash tag; mine is #ETate. And ask them to tweet as you talk. You will discover which parts of your message resonate with your audience.
Tip #7: Be aware of lurkers.
A lurker is a silent follower. Many people may follow your social media communications but never actively participate. Just because they do not participate, however, does not mean they are not there. Design your social media interactions to include them, to nudge them in. Think of it as a party. You are the host. If you had a shy, quiet guest at a party, you would do everything you could to make them feel welcome.
Tip #6: Make it easy to follow and participate.
To follow, add your social media buttons on all of your email and websites. Also, for Facebook, add a Subscribe button. It is actually easier than adding friends. It is also easier for people to find and follow you with a fan page versus the “friending” process.
Tip #5: Share Moments over messages.
This is where you truly start to connect with and strike a chord with your followers. Example: Over the past 12 months, I experienced two of the great wonders of the world: the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. Those were amazing, memorable moments in my life.
Craig Valentine does a great job of sharing moments with his children’s track and field accomplishments.
Tip #4: Don’t let perfection outweigh responsiveness.
The Gulf of Mexico Oil spill is a case study on what not to do. Exxon said nothing. They waited for perfection. It is better to respond and worry about perfection later. Be strategically nimble; do it in 5 seconds or less. Just respond.
Tip #3: Create an experience.
Instagrid, an emerging photo-sharing service (iPhone) that seeks to connect with brands with influential Instagram users, created a unique user experience for Warby Parker glasses. These are the nerdy glasses you’ve seen professional athletes (Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA) wear during their post game interviews. Approximately 80 Instagram users in New York City with strong followers and an interest in fashion were invited to a #WarbyWalk through Central Park. They met with a brand representative, were encouraged to take photos of the glasses around the park and were asked to tag all photos with the hashtag #WarbyWalk. Not only did Warby create a fun experience, but they also deepened relationships with potential customers by merging an online platform with offline relationship building.
Tip #2: Create Reader/Follower interaction.
How will you do this? Take “On-life Off-line” (Alexis Anderson). Create a person-to-person experience. Before a speech or training event, announce a Meet-Up with prospective audience members. Even if only 5 people show up, it will be great for them.
Create conversations (Jim Licko). People want to know what is going on off-stage and behind the curtain. Who will take off from work for opening day of the baseball season? What memories do you have? Post Craig Valentine, Darren LaCroix, and Patricia Fripp-type Facebook posts. Ask & Post like Whole Foods.
Try creating polls or quizzes. Colleen Francis and Jeffery Gitomer have sales quizzes. How do you like my newsletter template? How do you like my blog template? Which blog template should I choose? A contest? Ripple Effect presentations or Ripple Effect Solutions?
And now, the drum roll, please!
Tip #1: Ditch your devices!
What? Yes! Stop Tweeting and texting, and start talking. Social media is a great tool, but it does not replace human interaction. Do you really want to go to dinner with friends and watch them texting, Tweeting, or messaging instead of carrying on real conversations?
Eventually, you’re going to have to speak or present to someone live. The ultimate social media tool is person-to-person, human-to-human contact. Straight, no chaser, no batteries required. It has always been, and it always will be. Sharpen your people skills rather than your technology dependency.
Now it’s up to you. Jump in with both feet and follow these tips to put more social into your life.
