If you are in business, being on social media is definitely one of those things you really must do. The social media platforms I focus on are LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. There are various reasons I choose to connect with people on these platforms, which I might write about in a different post, but the important thing is to find the different social media platforms that really work for you and your business.
I’ve been passionate about social media for several years now. It’s been absolutely amazing for me because I’ve been able to connect with
and do business with people from all over the world. The opportunities for business owners are unbelievable right now because of the potential reach of their brand on social media. But there are certain things you need to do on social media. You can’t just ‘do’ social media, you need to do it well.
Do I consider myself an expert in social media? I would say that I know what has worked for me personally and for my business. And there has been one thing…. yes ‘1’ thing that has taken my social media to the next level and has helped me build truly authentic connections.
So what is my #1 tip to making an authentic connection on social media?
CONNECTING LIVE!
Yep. That’s it. It’s a pretty simple concept, but as business owners who are for hours on the computer, we must remind ourselves to get out from behind the computer and start really connecting with people. So how should you specifically do that?
- Take a look at your rockstar people and put together a list of them. All of your best supporters. The really high quality people.
- Then after you develop your list, I want you to reach out and let them know how much you appreciate them.
- During that reach out, I want you to either schedule a coffee meet-up or schedule a Skype or Google Hangout call with them.
- During that conversation with them, let them know how much you appreciate them and offer support to them!
- Then of course do great follow-up and be sure to touch base and reconnect often!
So tell me, have you been good about connecting live with your rockstar connections? What is your plan moving ahead? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make some awesome authentic connections this week!
GREAT advice Cynthia – and you definitely have taken your own advice as I remember the 1st time you reached out to me to get to know me better! I know meeting for coffee or even the Google hangout might be unavailable for everyone on the “important connection” list. Might I suggest for those just finding new ways to connect (retweeting or otherwise sharing that person’s content/website, commenting on blog posts !!!!, and mentioning them regularly) can also be a good way to start a real connection. Make it happen!
Excellent additions Tracy! You are a rockstar on Social Media my friend! I am so glad we’ve been connected for so long. YOU are awesome!
Thank you for the reminder, Cynthia. It is so easy for us to get comfortable hiding behind our computers. Definitely time to reach out and make authentic connections!
Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your comments. I would love to hear an update as to how your connecting is going! I am very grateful for you Liz!
Wonderful advice Cynthia! All too often we can get caught up in our own world and don’t give much thought about truly connecting with others. It so important to get out there and make those authentic connections. Thank you again for your words of wisdom!
Thank you so much Linda for your great comments. It is truly amazing how many awesome people I and we have connected with through Social Media!
Great Tips Cynthia and You “Walk the Talk”.
Developing Relationships is what its all about!
Wishing You the most Fabulous of Days!
YES. Developing relationships is definitely key and you are a ROCKSTAR at it Debbie!!
You have told me this a while back and I’m proof that this system works. I’ve reached out and connected with amazing people throughout the world doing exactly that. Thanks for the great tip.
Nicole, you are doing an amazing job authentically connecting to people on Social Media. It definitely works! I appreciate you my friend.
Thank you Cynthia for the reminder and the tips. I am actually bad at social media and prefer to meet up with my connections/friends in person. I am going to make a list of my rockstar people and reach out to them to connect. The ones that are not in the area I will try and Skype. Have a fabulous week!
Woohoo! I’d love to hear the outcome of how it all goes Bonnie! You are awesome!
I am probably the best person to know that you practice what you write. I have been using social media consistently and often since 2010. I started with LinkedIn, then Facebook, then Twitter, then Google+ and, in total, I collected hundreds of connections along the way. You were the first person ever to make the word connection an action verb. We all start somewhere and whether we have a dozen connections or thousands, the ones that are most authentic, weave a support system, allowing us to pore into each other because of our relationship. These we actually talk to whether by phone, Google, Skype, or (if we are lucky) in person. As John Maxwell so aptly titled his book, Everyone Communicates Few Connect.
Love the add that you did……. about John Maxwell “Everyone Communicates Few Connect”. How true that is! I am SO glad that we’ve been authentically connected for so long Jane!
Love it! Thanks Cynthia! Authenticity is a core value for me, so of course I’m thrilled to see your advice for putting it in action. While I usually recommend sticking to 1-2 social media channels to focus on quality, purposeful interactions, I realize some microbusiness owners and professionals can handle more, depending on the size of their teams, industries, bandwidth, and nature of their roles. You are 100% right about that “one-on-one” connection, though . . . so important! Thanks for sharing . . . and promoting authentic networking.
Thank you so much Tracy for your comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this article. I really have found that to be my best advice on gaining authentic connections from social media. Get on the phone or Skype or Google Hangout! Thanks again and hope you have a great week!
Terrific post, Cynthia! Like you, I love Social Media and the way it allows me to make connections with my customers, friends, family and team members. I am currently working with a client who has people in 50 countries – this makes it really difficult to get the whole team together at any one time, so I use social media tools and techniques to build personal, individual connections with my key people.
And here’s the important thing…the connections have to be real – real conversation with real people.
You hit the nail on the head – we need to make sure that we step away from the keyboard and actually connect with people in a meaningful way. That may be over coffee, a skype call or Google Hangout – working in Australia means it’s often difficult to meet my US and European rockstars face to face, but that’s not the point. The point is this – Social Media creates a bridge between two people and allows them the opportunity to connect. But the real connection, the enduring value that comes out of a social media connection has to be based on a real, human relationship.
I think we get it wrong when we look to have as many Facebook followers as possible – that’s not a sign of success.
Social Media success comes when we take those followers and connect with them in a personal way – you do this very well!
Great post – very thought provoking! Congratulations, my friend!
Thank you so much for your comments Tony. I appreciate you very much! Have an awesome week! Coffee Cheers!