Is Social Media Driving You Crazy? A Quick How To:

By: Cynti Oshin
Director Client Services/Business Development

iMedia published a great article by Julie Glassman, 10 Simple Tips for Facebook and Twitter Success. We can all get buried in the overwhelming prospect of trying to support our own and our client’s effective social media strategy. For the newbie, these tips are a great way to wrap your arms around an effective approach, for those of us who’ve been at it for a while, it a great refresher and gut check. The Cliff Notes version is:
The old, new truism: Know your audience. But for real this time.
Spend some quiet time observing your customer’ social behavior online. Kick back, hang out, listen, learn – and THEN interact.
Choose your friends wisely.
You’re only as good as the company you keep, so choose wisely.
Look at your self through rose-colored glasses.
So what if you sell (fill in blank here). WHY do you do this? Always come from the ‘why’ not the what. Why does it matter to your consumer?
In the words of Sally Field, “You like me.” Well, no…actually they don’t.
According to a March 2011 Forrester Research report, people simply do not want to be friends with brands. Give them a reason to like you beyond what you sell. Entertain, endear and ingratiate.
Ask not what your customers can do for you, but what you can do for your customers.
Social media is not just about acting sincere; it’s about being sincere. Demonstrate that you live your purpose statement. Ask for feedback from your audience; listen to them.
You care about me because I care.
Brands need to stand up and take notice of things outside of themselves – with authenticity and humility.
When the going gets tough, go online.
Social media can put you back in the driver’s seat when the web becomes a dangerous place for brands. Being a legitimate, accepted participant in the online conversation could help to shape or reshape how you are perceived.
Change is good.
Remember who you are and why audiences like you in the first place, and then focus on being relevant, fresh, and inventive and always one step ahead.
One cannot survive on social media alone.
Don’t forget that real life matters.
It’s social media, not brain surgery.
Get to know your audience, interact, engage, be real, and have fun doing so. It’s social media folks! Get the best version of yourself out there and simply be social.

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/28857.asp