Marketing Talk - Social Media


Social Media - yes, you've probably heard of it.  In fact, by now you might be sick of hearing about it.

You know that "everyone" is doing it.

But is there really any benefit in it?

You secretly hope it's just a fad, and will soon go away so you can get back to whatever you were doing before.

Not gonna happen.

I can educate you about Social Media, and guide you through the confusion.


Facebook Basics # 1


There has been much written about how to use Facebook properly and effectively, and still many people miss the very fundamental items that make being on Facebook worth the time and effort.  So here are what I consider the “basic basics” of a Facebook personal profile:

• You must have a photo.  If you don’t, you might as well not have a profile in the first place.  If you don’t have a photo, you’re not even in the game.

• The new Facebook Timeline introduced in Dec 2011 gives you the opportunity to really express your personality using graphics - take full advantage of it.

• Your main profile photo should be of you – not your significant other, your kids, your dog, your motorcycle, or your favorite sunset.  There are other places in your profile to put photos of your favorite things.

• Your photo should be of your face, not some long-distance shot where no one can even see your face.  And no sunglasses, hats, other people or other objects in the photo.

• If you can, having a professional photographer take a professional headshot is a fantastic idea, and very much worth the money.

• Put a lot of information in the Info section of your profile.  Information about people is interesting to people.  You want people to get to know you, and limiting this section to your basic contact info does not further that cause.  They want to know your interests, hobbies, favorite things, affiliations, and so forth.

• Be active.  Posting once a week will not garner much attention.  It doesn’t take long to make a short post.  Do it at least once a day, maybe more.

• The name on your Facebook personal profile must be your name, not your business name.  This is perhaps the most egregious mistake that anyone makes on Facebook.  If you are John Smith who owns ABC Company, then your personal profile must be named John Smith, not ABC Company, and the photo must be of you, not your company logo.  Personal profiles are just that – personal.  They are not to be used for your business.  If you have already made this mistake, undoing it might be painful and awkward, but necessary.  Start now.

• Do not use your personal profile to actively promote your business.  You can mention your business activities frequently, but not in a “sales” tone.  Saying “I met with a client today and signed a deal for ____.” is different than saying “Call me for a quote on your _____!”  The first is simply telling about your life and activities.  The second is an attempt to sell.  Your Facebook Profile is not a place to sell anything.



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