Dec 14 2009

Time-efficient networking – Social Media in a Small Town

Lisagerber


Speed networking machine

Originally uploaded by Richard-G


I’ve noticed the biggest reluctance to getting into social networking is related to time management and productivity issues.

I say, don’t be afraid.

It’s the most efficient way to network and a godsend for those of us in small town who want to broaden their reach.

Five reasons social media is time-efficient:

1.  You don’t have to look good, you just have to be thought-provoking and informative. The cocktail party analogy in my previous post, is very apt. Now you can attend the party in your long johns or you know, those nights when you don’t feel like going to “that thing”.

2.  Maximum contact in minimal time. Face it, in real life we all say we will keep in touch, but we  know what that means. When else have you been able to stay in touch with so many people in so little time. In a 10– or 15-minute session. you can update your organization’s news or events, and spend a few minutes commenting on your followers’ news and answering questions (be it about you or about others).

And therefore,
3.   Social media helps you to form deeper relationships, even without direct interaction. You know more about what is happening in others lives than ever before. You’re getting data on your customers, WOW! You’re congratulating them on the birth of a baby, their recent graduation. You know if they are dissatisfied with your brand. You know if a potential client is out there looking for your goods and services.

4.   Small Talk is Dead. I grew up in New York, and I like to get right to the point. I LOVE that social media has changed the social etiquette. You have to be a lot more thoughtful, and concise in 140 characters or a facebook update. It doesn’t mean you care less, it’s just being more efficient.

Don’t get me wrong, nothing will ever replace the face-to-face networking, but you can only be in place at one time:

5.  Social media is worldwide, 24/7. There is no geographic limitation. And when you are an organization that is trying to reach outside your small community, that is critical.

The major time investment is on the front end: Schedule a day or a weekend to set up your pages, and to spend time developing your following. (to be discussed in a future post), and learn the ins and outs of each site. Once you get going, it can take as little or as much time as you want. And it’s up to you to keep that time productive.

I was going to blog about tips to manage your time, but why re-create that wheel when my very smart friend Gini Dietrich brought it down to a science for you here.

Do you agree? Do you find spending a chunk of time daily on your social media outlets save you time over the long run? Or no?

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , ,

Dec 9 2009

Waiting for the party to start – Social Media in a Small Town

Lisagerber
It’s the classic fear. You throw a party, and no one shows up. There you are. All dressed up standing there feeling foolish with food, drinks, conversation starters at the ready. And you’re thinking, what if no one shows up?Welcome to social media in a small town. The biggest question I get is how to use social media to grow your business when you live in a rural area, and your target audience isn’t there. You’ve heard there is a party online, and you hate to be out of the loop, but what if you go and there is no one to talk to?

First of all, don’t worry, your guests are on their way, they are just running late. Now is a great time to really prepare. Experiment with the various sites, and create your voice, your story, and really clean the house. When they do arrive, you will be there to greet them, and you’ll be ahead of your competition. Your guests will leave saying it’s the best party they’ve ever been to.

You’ve asked, how can you benefit now and what can you do? (I’ll blog about each these points in future posts)

  1. Curious? But unsure? Jump into it. Get yourself set up on LinkedIn, Facebook and twitter. Build your network and spend a lot of time “listening”. Spend a few hours on each to learn about the different unique benefits. It won’t take long once you get going.
  2. Don’t assume your audience isn’t out there. Visitors from out of town are coming to your small town and they are seeking your goods and services. They are tweeting about it and, more than likely, no one is responding to them. Be there.
  3. Your social media experience is only as good as the network you create. Get in there, develop relationships nationally and internationally in your industry and within your personal interests. You will be amazed at how it can broaden your perspective outside of the vacuum of your community. It will open your world to a wealth of knowledge. Follow people that are smart, learn from them.

Don’t allow yourself to feel overwhelmed. You’ve got time to take small steps. There really isn’t that much to learn other than the technical use of the various sites. The same rules of social etiquette at your cocktail party apply. It’s simply another channel of communication that is inexpensive and time-efficient. That’s right, I said time-efficient. And that, my friends, is the topic of my next post.

Social media enthusiasts, have anything to add? If you’re new to it, what do you think, does this help? I’d like to hear from you.

5 comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Public Relations, social media

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