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