Have You Operationalized Your Social Media?

Many times when I meet with prospects or clients for the first time they tell that they’re “doing something” with social media and they’d like me to just look it over for them and give them some suggestions.

Being always willing to help, I ask them to show me what “doing something” is all about.

Invariably, we sit down, hunched over their device and I’m shown multiple social media channels in various states of disarray.

I then ask them what they’re planning to do with this tomorrow.

Silence.

I then ask to see their editorial calendar or their social media program. (Honestly, I’m not trying to be cruel.)

More silence.

I think you know by now where I’m going.

Let’s talk about this for a bit.

Too many people just dash into social media without thinking.

They create a few profiles on different social media channels, connect with a few people, make a few posts, and then are disappointed when the world doesn’t follow them.

(Some actually get themselves into trouble, but I’ll save that story for another time.)

This approach may work if you’re only using social media for personal reasons.

But, for business, this is worse than doing nothing at all.

It’s guaranteed to fail every time!

In social media, process is necessary, if not everything.

And, while I recommend a full social media program if you’re going to use it for business, even doing a few small things can help start you down the right path.

What am I talking about?

Having at least a schedule of the original and shared content that you want to post helps you to focus on what you’re doing and when you’re doing it.

Setting aside some time regularly to write and engage with others gets you into the routine.

(Please remember to reply in a timely manner to those who seek you out!)

Create a schedule for these activities!

Small first steps in social media will yield positive results for you if you stay at it.

Social media is a marathon and not a sprint.

As you would prepare for a marathon so should you prepare for social media.

If done well in a consistent and disciplined manner then you will be successful!

One last point, don’t forget to think about why you’re using social media in the first place!

That’s it for now!

Please check-out my 8 step approach for developing a social media program to get some more ideas on how to use social media.

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself!

In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

And, remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.