Using Social Media to Leverage Face-to-Face Relationships
Although half of the adult population is using social media sites to connect, communicate and transact business, I still hear from many of my clients that this online stuff is a just a big waste of time and they simply have better things to do than play on a computer all day. Besides, it’s just a fad and they aren’t “techie” people. Then I proceed to tell them that was what people said about telephones, car phones, cell phones, etc. I also tell them that Facebook or LinkedIn may not be around 5 years from now, but this form of communication is here to stay.
I remember 10 years ago when my daughter was “IM-ing” and her 5th grade boyfriend broke up with her with an instant message. Generation Y has been communicating online like generation X communicates via email, Baby Boomers talk on the phone and Veterans send letters. We have just added a different layer of communication. What’s even more interesting is that there are now 4 generations in the work place (X, Y, Boomer, Vets) and we will soon have Generation Z (anyone 16 or younger).
So what does this mean? If you are marketing to anyone in these generations, you better learn how they like to communicate. Currently there are 72M Generation Y “kids” ages 17-34 and they are buying a lot of services and merchandise. So, too bad, so sad if you don’t like being online – figure out a way to make it happen for your business. Oh – I have an idea – how about you hire a Gen Y person to help you?
And I can help you. The number one question I get every day is “how do I start to implement an online strategy with my business?” So, I decided to give people what they want and I am hosting a 3- series online and live workshop. First 2 sessions are online and I will review the why, how and where of your online presence and follow up with a “live” event later in December so we can all connect in person. Please visit my website to learn more and to register.
Business is about relationships. Developing those relationships has changed in the last 5 years. Social Media is no longer a child’s game. The average profile age on LinkedIn is 40 years, Twitter 35 years and Facebook’s biggest age group of followers is now in the 35-54 range. Therefore, you need to make sure you are using your Social Media to Build Your Face-to-Face Relationships. Follow my Fan Page for ideas on how to do this or attend one or both of the online sessions coming up.
Another Take Action idea is to read as much as you can about the subject. You don’t have to dive in today but just start exploring. Social Media Examiner and Mashable are two of my favorite sites that not only share current social media trends and statistics but also relevant articles and companies making things happen in this space.
See you online!
Angela
