Avoiding Social Media Burnout

My last few posts have dealt with engaging in Social Media. At first, it’s fun and exciting, then I began to notice it was becoming a bit of an afterthought rather than a priority.

So what happened? What was it that caused me to take my eyes off the prize?

After some thought and attention to how I was approaching the various forms of Social Media, I had an aha moment. Some clarity was gained in why it wasn’t as fulfilling or productive…

I was losing sight of the fact that we need to make REAL connections!

Think of the Social Media process as a phone conversation…

Would you rather get on the phone to make cold calls or to have a conversation with someone who you enjoy speaking to? (okay, that was a no-brainer question but you get the point)

The typical individual – myself included – sits down in front of the computer screen and amasses quantities of “friends” – otherwise known as “unknown entities with no distinguishable resonating features”.  We’re merely after the sheer volume of numbers.

Once again, that works well for a while, but then the thrill of acquisition begins to pale and we lose enthusiasm. You with me so far? …good.

Let’s switch up the situation just a bit.

Each morning we sit down in front of our computers and actually CONNECT with individuals. These are people with whom we share interests, perspectives or even recipes. We get to know them through affiliations, comments and responses.

And best of all, WE LIKE TALKING TO THEM! Big difference, and one which makes the effort of Social Media quite worthwhile.

That’s not to say that we need to spend an inordinate amount of time aimlessly chatting. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Approach your goal each day with clarity. It could be that on Mondays and Wednesdays, you take time to seek out new connections. But on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you take time to chat, leave comments on discussion boards, or send friendly emails.

Have fun with Social Media – rather than approach it as a chore. The best way to do that is to enjoy the connections, and create real, lasting friendships or business affiliations.

When “work” is fun, then it’s no longer work!

Hoppily,

CB

Weighing In On Social Media

Per my previous post, I took in a 6-week Social Media class…not really sure how it’d work for me.

But now…I’m a believer! . Since beginning the program, I’ve gained many contacts, have had conversations with potential clients and even gained the opportunity to interview several people not previously in my circle of influence. Amazing!

What I’m even happier about is that it was relatively painless, needing only a few minutes per day to implement the recommended strategies.

Bonus: On last week’s call, our “guest host” was Brian Ahearn http://influence-people-brian.blogspot.com, who’s one of only 2 dozen people who are certified to teach Robert Cialdini’s “Principles of Persuasion” workshop. In terms of useful information as well as confirmation of being on target with various principles…excellent.

Another aha moment during this course was that although I’d read “How To Win Friends And Influence People” years ago, it warrants a re-read every now and again. Our experiences and perspectives shift and grow, thus leading to greater insights on the human condition upon revisiting the book.

All in all, it’s great! I’m totally sold on the power of the “pure” form of social media and how it works for the common good. Win-win.

More to follow in a later post.

Warmly,

-          CB

Social Media or just S&M?

Is Social Media as painful as S&M? (consider that a rhetorical question)

I confess….the thought of delving into Social Media makes me cringe.

I know, I know. It creates connections, which leads to more contacts, which then lead to more future business.  All good, right?  Except that I’d observe people spending HOURS on their SM strategies. Plunking themselves down on forums, finding people to “friend” from the vast majority of sites that appear to be “online high-schools”, complete with bitching bickering and ass-kissing posturing. They scrape around inviting all kinds of strangers to become their bff’s.

Here’s the point:

I don’t have spare time for being “chatty”. I have clients who need copy. Coaching clients who need hours each week.  I have a family who deserves some time as well. Show me some strategies that don’t include sending out those silly online balloon bouquets or other such nonsense. Quite honestly, I haven’t delved too deep in the SM pool as I haven’t discovered a road map which is tailored to my needs.

Earlier in my copywriting career, I was shown a few strategies – go into a few forums - post comments, make sure the url is in your signature - invite people to ask questions of you - lead them back to your site, etc..   I tried it a couple of times with no luck, then gave up and moved onto actual paying clients. I’d observed enough online chest-thumping from others selling their wares to last for quite a while.

BUT I recently had a conversation w/a Social Media whiz (I’ll just call him D) who set me straight.

The biggest mistake in that previous formula was to go in “with authority”. This was an indication of not being authentic. With today’s ever-changing rules, and society wanting to go back to more “pure” connections, you put yourself in the position for a spanking if you come across as an over-the-top used car salesman. (You can read my post on “false gurus” if you haven’t yet done so)  D took his offline success at creating connections and networks and transferred those principles online in a “real world” manner. Quite brilliant, actually.

After the discussion with D, I’m ready to be coached through the Social Media maze. The first session is this evening and I’m looking forward to learn how to “do it right”!  <whip crack>

Will keep you posted as to my progress by tracking numbers and results for the next few weeks.

Hoppily yours,

-    CB

Copywriter Wins Walmart Skirmish!

I admit…I almost lost it today while waiting to check out at Walmart  

“Oh! My! Gawd!” shrieked the young woman in front of me, startling me out of my daydreams of chocolate syrup and palm trees. She was pointing to the headline of a tabloid.

Of course, I admit to occasionally peeking at tabloids…y’know, for the headlines and stuff like that. It’s necessary market research for copywriters.

She turns to me “That would make perfect sense!!!” she yells – finger pointing at the headline. I peered over and read “Michael Jackson’s Alive - Traveling In Time!”. Turning to her I said, “That seems to be a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”

In a snotty tone, she replied “Well, dontcha know that there are some things we’re not meant to understand?” 

Sure I do, like the ingredients in Peeps that keep them soft for years. But before I could answer, she suggested that I go screw myself explore my own internal cavities.

So I took stock of my appearance – clutching a bottle of cellulite cream that most likely won’t work – the black cohosh for relieving hot flashes supplemental dietary needs — as well as the 3 pounds of assorted chocolate organic mood boosters.  I also noticed an older man near my age leaning against the wall near the entrance waiting patiently for her to check out. The way he was ogling her ass admiring her assets indicated that he wasn’t a parental unit.

It was then I realized this chick in front of me made a BIG mistake in messing with a middle-aged copywriter. We know how to keep clients, generate more business, and sell whatever we have in front of us.

As a result of this, she was going to get an ass-whupping attitude adjustment.

Quickly evaluating her as part of a Target Market which spends an inordinate amount of time on their appearances in order to boost their deficient egos, I sympathetically said <defining the problem>, “Oh honey, I’ve heard that Nature’s Cure is a great product for acne. You’d be such a lovely girl if your skin cleared up!” (she had a total of one pimple on her face, but I didn’t feel the need to point that out)

Her eyes opened wide – I had her attention. I continued <offering related information>, “And if I might mention…your eyes would look a little less close-set if you went a bit lighter on the eye liner, dear.”  

A kindly, compassionate smile was on my face <empathizing with the Target Market>. She appeared confused.

The cashier started ringing up her items – strawberry-scented massage oil, a tank top that read “Hot Pink”  and tootsie pops.

I knew that I had to quickly make that final connection and close the deal.  My voice lowered to a loud whisper…“Though I don’t know about MJ being a time traveler, did you read last week’s Star Magazine? <defining myself as a tabloid reader> They had an article on how older men prey on young women your age and give them all sorts of dreadful sexual diseases!  The pictures were disgusting…especially the oozing sores. you oughtta see ‘em! <providing provocative material> Oh, is that your dad waiting for you over there?” <creating anxiety>

Bingo! Her eyes quickly darted to the cradle-robber older gentleman waiting by the door. She paid for the items and scurried away, not bothering to take the hand he offered her.

I have to admit, I was willing to risk the bad karma. I made my purchases with confidence, knowing that experience counts for much more than youth. If nothing else, copywriting skills give us power to quickly overcome conflict…or instill the need for future therapy.

Onward!

- CB

“Potential” – just another word for “PB & J”

When I hear a copywriter say a client has “potential”, I cringe.

We all know it’s a euphemism for “living on peanut butter & jelly” until the check shows up in the mail.

Let’s face it…we all have to put carrots on the table. One sure way to go hungry is to chase down prospects one at a time.

Here’s what I’ve seen –

New copywriters get tentative nibbles on their marketing efforts and hop with excitement, thinking they’re about to land “the big one”. Meanwhile, they lose their grip on the other lines in the water and the “big one” turns out to be just debris at the bottom of the lake.

In my coaching program, I strongly urge copywriters to follow up with a number of potential prospects at a time. This way, the odds are in favor of gaining a new client or two rather than crying about the one that got away.

As an example, I sent out a proposal this week for a very big contract. It appears I’ll be doing some exciting work for this client, but…

I’m not turning away other clients who are handing over the money right now! 

In my newbie days, I’d hold off – trusting that a particular client would come up with the cash, while allowing the “lesser fish” to swim away. It didn’t take too long before I realized that things don’t always work out as planned.

So although the proposed contract means I’d be guaranteed ongoing income for quite some time, I’ll wait until I see the figures show up in the bank account with my very own eyes.

For now, I’m still working with great clients – enjoying the process – and eating salmon rather than PB & J.

DON’T COUNT ON “POTENTIAL” – give yourself the best shot at success by remaining open to other opportunities.

Hoppily yours,

CB

Do You Have BSO?

“Bright Shiny Object Syndrome” is common among entrepreneurs. It’s the inability to see clearly once a new opportunity is sensed.

Symptoms:

-       Inability to complete a project before engaging in another.

-       Broken promises and under-delivery of results

-       Scattered energy rather than clear plan of attack

Warning signs: High level of excitement coupled with anxiety over possibly missing “the big one” – also known as “the million dollar idea”.

Unfortunately, this leads to social and vocational decline as a lack of follow-through becomes standard. Word spreads quickly throughout professional circles and joint ventures are avoided with this person.

A sense of urgency overtakes the reasoning and cognitive capabilities of the brain. Much like an alcoholic with a hangover -  the individual has perhaps a moment of clarity before the need for a “rush” takes them over again.

Treatment – Many individuals with BSO Syndrome are not seeking treatment. Rather, they delude themselves that the people surrounding them merely aren’t as aware of the fantastic opportunity as they themselves are.

Issue: A good sum of money changes hands when people are excited to be sold their dream. Talk is cheap and easy for someone immersed in BSO syndrome. Unfortunately, the money flows into their pockets, but their client is left with only a “learning experience”.

Case Study: 

Mr. Superstar Marketer has several viable projects on-the-go. Most of these are not getting the attention deserved as they near the final stages of completion. Instead, he has moved onto his latest “love child”, which is the creation of his own public speaker training.

Rather than seeing the other projects to fulfillment — which would provide ongoing income to fund himself and his team – his focus has shifted and the current projects have been relegated to “secondary status”. Thus losing credibility and viable revenue. A trail of unhappy clients and unresolved issues lies in his wake. He is forced to always go to “the new market” where people aren’t aware of his swindles.

 No amount of repeated failure sways BSO addicts from their behavior. Their self-induced sense of superiority will not allow them to admit they may have made a mistake.

 If you recognize yourself in any of the indicators listed above, take on a time-management system such as Basecamp. Get organized to remove the possibility of receiving the unwelcome news that someone is taking legal recourse against you for not delivering what you promised!

- CB

P.S. A lot of time-management systems are easy to use and help us work-from-home types keep our integrity and professional creds intact.

Leverage Your Efforts Into Income

This section is dedicated to how to keep income flowing into your household. As solopreneurs, it’s difficult to juggle the tasks and duties while still marketing for future clients. No longer is “trying hard” going to be enough to take care of you and your loved ones.

The goal here is to make it easier. Through the years, I’ve seen businesses that are run extremely well and others that are…let’s just say that emergencies were a daily occurrence. Going against my lawyer’s advice, I’ll be highlighting some real-life examples of how NOT to do business. heh heh heh.  Of course, all names will be changed to protect…me.

Taking steps to avoid undue stress as well as provide greater cash flow will be highlighted in this section.

Keep in mind that my suggestions – whether it be products or valuable suggestions – are all tested by me first. The last thing I’d want is to pass along second-hand information. I’m not an “affiliate-hare” and strive to maintain the integrity of this site.

Hoppily yours,

- C.B.