Michele Connolly helps people move from procrastination to action. She is the creator of 52 Weight Loss Missions and Get Organized Wizard, and her programs are used by tens of thousands of people worldwide.
Michele is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). She has been interviewed on Sydney radio, spoken at conferences, and won awards for her psychology studies, including original research and a thesis on happiness.
Michele is interested in writing, books, simplicity, love, TV, productivity, and staying thin in a world of chocolate.
Many people want to use social media for business. But they struggle to find time.
After all, there’s Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and so much more. There’s posting, re-tweeting, commenting. How do you know where to spend your limited time?
There’s no single answer to that question – it depends on your goals, your business and your audience.
But there are certain social media activities that will benefit most businesses.
Here are 5 of them.
1. Listening
Whatever social networks you’re on, one of the most powerful things you can do is listen.
If people are commenting on your blog, posting on your Facebook page or tweeting you, make sure it is part of your business day to check in and read what they have to say.
It’s a great way to understand your market.
2. Replying
Answer them!
If someone has taken the trouble to get in touch, find something encouraging or helpful to say in response.
TIP: Use people’s names when you reply to them. And smile when you type – it comes through!
3. Speaking In Your Own Voice
Facebook pages and Linked in accounts tend to be on the business-y end of the spectrum.
But Facebook profiles and Twitter accounts can be far more relaxed.
Whatever your social networks, choose a style of communicating that reflects your business, your brand, and you.
If you’re a lawyer or accountant this may need to be more conservative; if an artist it could be wild and creative.
Consider the way you ‘speak’ online so it matches the other elements of your business.
4. Looking The Part
Take a good look at the photo you use for your social networks.
Does it convey the image you want – whether professional, organised, creative?
Is it good quality?
If your photo undermines your business image then change it to one that works for you.
TIP: Consider having some professional head-shots done for your social media profiles. And use the same image across networks to strengthen your brand.
5. Going Where Your Customers Are
If your customers are professionals then you may want to be on Linked In.
If they are small businesses then Twitter may be your hangout.
If you sell fun things you might find an avid audience on Facebook.
If you don’t know where your customers are, do some research. See what competitors are doing, ask business friends, or start getting active on different networks and see where the response is greatest.
Wherever your community of readers and customers are, that’s where you should be too.
Does your business use social media? What strategies have or haven’t worked for you in the past? Please comment below and share your stories.