A few weeks ago, I participated in a social media webinar that unfortunately went “over the heads” of most of the other attendees. So I invited many of them to contact me for answers to some of their basic questions.
Bob asked me:
“What do Newbies typically do wrong?”
Putting on my Thinking Cap, I came up with a Top Ten list.
- If you have not yet DIVED IN, then you can possibly avoid some of these errors.
- If you’ve “only just begun,” maybe you’ll get a better understanding of why you’re not yet Getting It.
- If you’re more experienced, please comment and add your own thoughts on how to help Newbies make their way more successfully down Social Media Revolutionary Road.
Top Ten challenges for newcomers to social media:
1. Trying to do too much too soon:
My suggestion to “students” — no matter what their age or discipline — is to understand that the learning process follows these four-steps: CONFUSION → SILENCE → FOCUS → EFFORT: In brief, anyone learning something new is going to be Confused, so accept it and Silence the associated fears, so that you can Focus on ONE THING [e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn] at a time and put in the effort to learn it and use it.
My brother Chuck was quite overwhelmed by the whole social media landscape, but he was intrigued enough to get started. He took my advice, focused solely on LinkedIn and has built up quite a presence in a very short time.
2. Being close-minded and judgmental before you really know what’s what:
I’ll never forget last January when a friend told me she was spending 3 hours a day on Facebook, and I actually told her she was “wasting her life”
— OOOPS.
When I first was introduced to Twitter, I thought that’s “stupid”
— OOOPS.
Now some of my friends invite me to play Mafia Wars . . . hmmmm, what do I say until I know what the game is really all about?
Actually some people I respect actually play Mafia Wars, which means that some of my community members are “there,” which in turn means I need to know what it’s all about.
3. Not listening enough at first to understand the workings and sentiments of a community:
If you are reading any articles on Getting Started with social media, you are bound to see the advice on Listening as a Vital First Step. Some refer to Listening as “Conversation Mining.” But, as we all know, “Listening” is more than mere “Hearing”; not only do many people read over this suggestion, but they may never have developed good listening skills.
For a bit more insight into the importance of Listening, check out my two previous articles;
Listening is the first rule to business success
When communication adds up to a big fat zero
4. Not jumping in and getting going:
Listening is critical, but if you don’t get started, you have nothing to listen to. Learning social media is all about experimenting and taking risks. One webinar coach suggested that we “Ask for forgiveness, rather than permission.” A colleague somewhat skeptical of social media evangelists isn’t a proponent of this advice.
I’m somewhere in between, but you do have to get in there and try things out. Most social media community members are very supportive of Newbies. If some are not, well they are definitely in the minority. Just say you are sorry and move on.
5. Expecting IMMEDIATE Results:
This is particularly troublesome to me because it shows that the social media neophyte doesn’t understand that Relationship-Building is a process that takes time, patience, persistence, and passion.
6. Hiding:
Best Practice on social media is all about being Real, Authentic, Genuine, and Transparent. The first thing Newbies need to understand is that they need to be themselves if they are to find real success on social media platforms. This begins with a recognizable photo and not a default avatar. It continues with completing full profiles on any site they will be fully engaging on.
Stick around for #10 for the rest of this answer.
7. No time management or consistency:
My experience with beginners to social media — and any of the skill-building courses I’ve taught — is that with no practice of what they’ve learned, those early lessons are soon lost. Same goes for further down the road: You MUST make time to be successful. Yes, practice does make perfect [or close to, anyway].
And once you begin a blog, a Twitter account, a Facebook presence, etc., you need to post on a regular basis or you may lose the community members you have been able to gather.
8. Snake oil salesman:
Do not SPAM. Do not sell, sell, sell. Your intention may be to use social media to market your products and services, but Social Media Marketing is a different animal, and that animal is not a snake. It is all about building relationships, so that people in your communities will come to know you and trust you and then come to you for whatever it is you have to offer.
In her great new social media book The New Community Rules: Marketing on the Social Web, Tamar Weinberg quotes new media marketer Chris Heurer:
“If you are trying to sell something to the community, and that is your reason for being there, it will be obvious to those people and you will never be as successful as you can be.
If you are participating because you really want to contribute to the community, because you really want to share what you know, because you really want to be of service to the community and its members, you will sell to the right people BECAUSE of your sincerity and honesty.”
9. Negativity:
I advocate positive participation wherever and whenever you can on the Internet. Think twice or thrice before tearing into people on the Web. Once those words are out there, you cannot take them back — ever.
This is a good spot to put in a good word for good etiquette, so I direct you to my article “Do we need an Emily Post for Social Media?“
FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE . . . and I’m going to make this one a DO, not a Do NOT:
10. Goal of your online presence:
Position yourself as the GO-TO Source for information in your area of expertise.
Therefore, everything you post on the Internet, in whatever platform or tool you choose, should reinforce you as a Thought Leader and Influencer.
Throw your Hat in the Ring:
Just don’t stay on the fringes.
Join the conversation . . . and add your questions and comments.
Fantastic article! I must share this with everyone I know. When I first started my social networking experience I made every mistake in the book only to alienate everyone I came into contact with. I’ve matured quite a bit since then and have built better relationships. And, as you mention in #8, people now come to me for what I have to offer.
Roland, thanks so much for sharing your experience as a “newbie” . . . which we all have been. That’s actually the Best way to write a blog post, i.e., to chronicle one’s own education! Lots of luck down the road.
🙂 See you “there” — the blogosphere and cyberspace!
Great post!! I’m new to the social media marketing scene and your post gave me some great tips!! Thanks for not making me learn the hard way and not making newbie mistakes…I will definitely be passing this on to others!! Thank you!
Kelly, I am so happy that the list was helpful. Actually I had wanted to “update” it, but when I looked the list over, I saw that it is still pretty much right on. Lots of luck to you as you learn and use these great new platforms. See you around the TSA world.
Great post Shari!
A lot of great comments.
I agree with your insightful information.
It is all about the person you are talking to 🙂
So true, Maggie.
I know I’m going to like this TSA [tribe syndicate] addition to my social media bag of tricks. Looking forward to many more interactions.
🙂
And . . . if you and everyone reading this comment would do me one Huge Favor: I have started a new blog called DRIVING MISS SHARI in which I intend to influence the way blogging will be done in the future.
The first post “How to Get Rich & Famous on the Web” now has more than 300 comments. Would you mind adding one? I ask people to either tell me what being “Rich & Famous” means to them OR What Drives them [or drives them crazy] OR, FINALLY, to simply comment on one of the other comments.
Here’s the link: http://sharisax.com/DrivingMissShari/2010/08/how-to-become-rich-famous-on-the-web/
Very informative post Shari. I’ve seen friends, colleagues and even myself (gasp!) make some, if not all 10, of these social media mistakes.
The most important question to ask oneself when getting involved in any social media site is: “What is my intention?” If it’s creating buzz around a service or product, social media can be an indispensable resource in today’s world.
It’s when folks are simply creating buzz about themselves, trying to become an online presence just for the sake of online recognition that it becomes worrisome.
I recently watched an incredible documentary titled “We Live in Public.” I found the most poignant observation in the film was that the people with the most active virtual social lives reported feeling the most lonely. Those who checked in to Facebook, Twitter, etc., less frequently reported as being most content even if they don’t have a roaring social life in the “real world.”
I suppose it all goes back to intention. If one is trying to make up for a lousy social life in high school or college by creating a virtual identity and garnering thousands of online followers, it will generally bite them in the end. Those who are mindful and deliberate when using social media are those who won’t wind up using one of the saddest words to describe themselves: lonely.
Joel, you raise some excellent points. I, too, suggest people understand WHY they are online before engaging. Reminds me of the saying: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”
Most of the people I deal with are using social media for building a business presence, so I don’t think they are necessarily looking for company online.
🙂
Could be a generational thing.
When I first was introduced to Twitter, I thought that’s “stupid”
never had a twitter till your class for that same exact reason. i still think its stupid for the simple fact that its just AIM with another name.
but besides from the point that i already have AIM, and stopped going on it for the fact that i got bord with it as well as the people (as i do with all these social sites ), i only kept it because its my second source for when i don’t have a phone.
So to me, both are still stupid and i hate them both still. lol. but in the end i like it because it becomes sourcful :/
Snake oil salesman
when i took my sales class 🙂 learning to make the customers feel comfortable and trusting was our first lesson lol
the demonstrations were HILARIOUS !!!!
Great Post Shari. You are right on, when you talk about the time that it takes to build a community. But like anything if you are willing to work at it, you will reap great rewards.
David
David, that is the First Expectation that Newbies have, i.e, IMMEDIATE RESULTS.
How silly.
🙂
What do we do in life where we get Immediate Results that prove valuable for the long term?
🙂
Shari, exceptional stuff as always! They are certainly the top 10. My own personal one is to never swear online – which may seems a bit hypocritical for those who know me, but face to face is a different story. I have read some tweets with swearing in and it even puts me off!
Nice to hear from you – hope you are well!!
Sharon
The more specific the additional tips, the better. And Not Swearing online is great advice. After all, we “are” what we publish online — Forever! I’m reminded of a young relative of mine [who has now “unfriended” me on Facebook because I suggested that she be careful about writing things like “All Men are a———”
I suggested that perhaps her new employers would not take too kindly to seeing this online.
Her response: “They aren’t on Facebook” and she was going to do anything she wanted . . .
Hi Shari
Good list – #4 and #10 resonate. When first “throwing my hat into the ring” Social Media did seem overwhelming. By structuring a framework to develop social media marketing programs (with the Objectives and Measures mentioned in point #10), I was able to rationalize all the different “social media stuff” and develop a blueprint for creating social media initiatives. Here is a link to the blueprint for reuse: http://bit.ly/59Xi5l
Hey, Graham, I did take a look at your framework and was hoping to leave a comment on the article.
Is your site not set up for comments?
Anyway, I loved what I saw and definitely wanted to ask you if you would like to run the article and Framework as a Guest Post.
I am on vacation and computer time is limited but in addition to running your article “as is” I’d love to introduce it with a few Tidbits about you. What five things might I say about you?
Ciao,
Shari
Thanks, Shari. Yes, you may quote me on marketing, but the “selling is getting rid of what you have” came from marketing instructor Bob Sherk in Portland, Ore. P.S. I love the user-friendliness of your blog/site. That also sends a message about your genuine desire to assist all of us learners. Thanks!Best to you in 2010, Kathie
Shari – As a long-time PR professional who earned her degree 20+ years ago and APR a decade ago, this new aspect of marketing is a little daunting, and yet … Your Top 10 list here shows that it always comes back to basic PR principles.
I especially love Nos. 3 and 8. Authentic PR is about wanting to do the right thing consistently. Selling is getting rid of something you have while Marketing is knowing who can benefit from receiving what you have/know.
I jumped into social networking after participating in a free webinar offered by George Kao. I’ve enjoyed learning to use this medium to make real connections and build relationships. In fact, I contacted George about writing an article for an online newsletter I do for one of my clients. He claims he is a better speaker than writer, so referred me to you. :o)
Would it be OK for me to condense your thoughts into an article for a local SBDC newsletter, giving you full credit and referring readers to this site?
Thanks for your time and consideration. And, thanks to George for referring me to you and your site! Let’s keep in touch!
“Marketing is knowing who can benefit from receiving what you have/know.” Can I quote you?
🙂
Kathy, it is actually a lot of fun for me to talk with fellow PR-Pro’s who are also learning about Social Media. As a long-time PR university prof, I am almost “ashamed” that I’ve only been on the Web 2.0/PR 2.0 bandwagon for such a short time!
That being said, like you, I believe that Authentic PR is about wanting to do the right thing consistently AND THAT is what I most love about Social Media. As someone who has been trying to instill ethical consciences in my students for all these years, I see Social Media marketing as the way to do just that — and love to share my newfound knowledge.
Please share my article with as many people as you wish. If they have further questions, they can read more and/or contact me. And, yes, definitely, follow me on Twitter, connect on Facebook and LinkedIn, and let’s chat. I have met at least seven people from these activities that I now have phone chats with on a regular basis. It is a wonderful world!
🙂
Shari
I remember when you were a social media “newbie.” Now you’re all grown up!
I’m especially fond of 2, 3 and 6
John, I’m especially glad you brought up Number 2, i.e. being OPEN-MINDED and not wanting to “poopoo” things simply because you don’t yet understand the relevance — the key phrase being “not yet”; I believe it is safe to say that one reason No One should say that he/she is an expert is because No One yet can know the relevance of all the new platforms, strategies, and tools — and all the ones that will evolve.
But many of us are trying, and that makes the whole education/trial process so darn much fun!
Shari, I’m printing your newest article, so I can read it leisurely.
Regarding your article on getting started in Social Media, I’ll have to say that it was a daunting task at first. All the words were foreign to me. I made a commitment to myself to read about Social Media for about fifteen minutes per day. Even though I didn’t understand the words that I was reading, at first, after several weeks, reading the same words in different contexts finally started to make some sense.
I may be a bit optimistic, but I think I understand about 80%, or what I read.I find that when I talk to people who are just starting out learning about Social Media, I soon become the expert.
I also made a commitment everyday to either join a different media site, or explore a different facet of one of the sites that I’m already on. For example, learning about Answers, in LinkedIn.
Finally, it helps to be grounded to a good reliable Social Media site, where I can learn at a consistant pace. That’s why I like your site. I can learn everything I need to know, at the pace I want. Thanks Shari.
Charles Balcher
Shari
Great list. The listening is such a huge part as this is where a lot is lost when people fail to listen. Listening is one of the most important factors when starting. Seeing how the community behaves, communicates with one another not only gives you the chance to know how to jump in, it also keeps you focused on learning how to use the platforms correctly. Concentrating on 1 platform is great sound advice as there are so many out there that quite frankly most do not know how to use effectively so they sit idle.
I think that when starting out a good way to see how people communicate, esp on Twitter is to look into the chats. There are probably over 90 different chats that take place that range from social media to gardening.
Excellent list!
For any “newbies” reading this post and the conversation, you would do well to check out Suzanne’s blog: http://www.kherize5.com/blog. I learn so much on every article.
Thanks for your comments here Suzanne. Yup, “lurking” and listening first is a great start — and less intimidating to beginners at every stage of the learning process.
Shari – I love this. I think you’ve nailed everything. As a very experienced Social-Medialite, I think you’ve explained everything so well. A few comments…
Learning the different avenues of social media CAN be super overwhelming. For newbies, they should do exactly what you said. Follow the 4 steps and focus on one element at a time. Learning one (twitter, facebook, etc.) will help you learn the others. For example, Twitter and Facebook have many of the same elements and reach the same demographic, hence once you learn one it will be “easier” to learn the other.
Love the Mafia Wars reference 🙂 My boyfriend works for the company that supplies us with those games such as FarmVille, Mafia Wars, YoVille, etc. The point of those games is to connect friends through gaming. Back in the day, this used to be done by having family/friend game nights and playing board games. It’s the same concept, only nowadays, people are on-line the majority of their day and have less time to meet face to face. These games give people the opportunity to play games with their friends/family (be connected) and still have the same kind of playful experience. Also, if the games are THAT popular there is probably something attractive about them… and it’s just another way to be connected, which is the point anyway.. right?
One of the best ways to learn the tips and tricks of social media is LISTENING to your peers. Watch, listen, explore, and learn.
Everyone was a newbie at one time when it comes to social media. Most social media members are forgiving and will offer help and suggestions. MOST, not all.
Be yourself when it comes to social media. Acting like someone you aren’t is bad and it’s for a whole different crowd – the cults of people who use social media as an “escape” from who they really are. The people who are there to be themselves and connect with people they REALLY know (not imaginary internet friends) see these “cult” people as creepy and spam-like.
Speaking of spam – DON’T spam. This will cause people to “unfollow” or “hide” you, which defeats the purpose of being connected through social media. There are so many people on my Facebook page that post and repost every ounce of spam they come across. I “hide” these people from my Facebook page so I never see what they post. You don’t want to be one of these people 🙂
Lastly, social media outlets are NOT your diary. Like you said, once you say something, it’s out there and you can’t take it back. If you want to post something, think about it first. If it’s something only your diary should know, write it down there and don’t share it with the Web world.
I LOVE what you’re doing with your blog, Shari!! Congrats!!!!
Great basic guidelines, 1 thru 10, and the week-long response is a good measure that you’re touching some nerves.
My issue is now “troubleshooting” when my social-networking responses feel like they’re falling short. I set up my first special-interest page on Facebook: “Friends of ‘Pulitzer’s Gold’,” on the topic of journalism public service, about which I’ve written a book. After getting a terrific “sign-up” response from interested people, many of them high-level journalists, there’s been a total lack of comment on my subsequent posts.
I feel like I need to follow up individually to make sure my posts are getting through, and if they are, why comments aren’t forthcoming. I’d really like to see a public-service-journalism community grow here. Any thoughts?
P.S. I’m Medill ’68; wonder if I knew you in school back then….
Hey, Roy
Thanks for joining the conversation.
🙂
1) Let’s deal with the “personal” first. In order to determine if we knew one another — because it was the ’60s at Northwestern — our social lives were pretty much determined by our sorority/fraternities and visits to Deering Library. I was in Delta Zeta and went to the Library at least 4-6 hours almost every day. Quite different from all my Ohio friends, whom I later learned spent those same hours in the bars around Ohio State, Miami, Ohio U, and Kent State.
2) Re: social media “marketing” of your book. YES, your inclination is correct. Until “we” [i.e., you and I] become as famous as personalities like Chris Brogan, Robert Scoble, Louis Gray, Seth Godin, Michael Brito, etc. in Social Media, for instance, we do need to work REALLY HARD on cultivating die-hard fans who can mutually support one another.
I’d be happy to support you now that you’ve found me, and I’ll be very happy to check out your “Friends of Pulitzer’s Gold” fan page. Many of my Facebook Friends are journalist types as well and may find you simply from my mention in a Facebook update. BUT I’d suggest that you connect with Kim Jackson on Facebook. She’s a rising broadcast journalist in Tulsa OK who was my star student at Univ of Tulsa. Tell her I said HI.
Next, start to read David E. Henderson’s blog http://www.davidhenderson.com
Comment on a regular basis. David is an Emmy-award winning former CBS correspondent who wrote a terrific new book I reviewed: “Making News in the Digital Age.” Hey, read his book and comment on his Amazon review page. He’ll reciprocate, I’m certain.
Pardon the “teacher” in me, but when people ask for homework, I’m just accustomed to going overboard. Lots of luck, Roy. Please write back . . . but for now I have to (a) finish my next post and (b) check out your Pulitzer Fan Page.
🙂
HERE’S ANOTHER MEDILL COMMENTOR AND MY RESPONSE:
Shari,
You are right on. I’m a ’79 GSJ graduate. Tell me about what you do. I believe that corporations make all these mistakes and need people like you to help them plan and participate community marketing. I want to learn more.
John
By John Morocco Strategic Planning – Media & Promotion – Integrated Marketing Plans – Neighborhood Marketing
Hi John,
Thanks for asking. I know that lots of us “social media evangelists” LOVE to talk about what we do.
🙂
As a university marketing/PR/advertising prof for more than 15 years AND a journalist ever since graduating from Medill in ’69, I have “only just begun” studying All Things Social Media and chronicling my education for a year now.
I still can’t believe that as a PR and Advertising teacher, it took me SO LONG to understand the huge evolution that’s already been going on for the last few years.
That being said, if it took ME so long, i.e., someone teaching marketing communication, then it stands to reason that people who are “only” practicing these activities will need leaders/teachers/evangelists to help them understand and navigate this new frontier/landscape.
And I want to help. So . . . if you want to learn more, my suggestion is that you stay tuned to my blog articles AND perhaps do some of the “homework” I suggest along the way.
Hope to hear more from you, and I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be adding this comment to my actual blog. It might be interesting to follow the Thread of comments. They will show you one way that people/brands do build community.
Lots of luck, and please contact me with any questions. If the answer is long like this one, I’ll turn it into a blog post.
Shari
I really like “Position yourself as the GO-TO Source for information in your area of expertise.” The #1 advice I give to people trying to build their network “Find an angle and your network will gravitate towards you.”
Thanks Shari!
Of course “bloggers need to consider their purpose for doing the blog” I didn’t mean pro/guru bloggers like Seth and C Brogan – I’ve followed them from the beginning.
I meant “ordinary bloggers”.
It’s so sad that good, potential material is waste because people don’t have time enough to read them.
Now, after couple of hours, my other questions look a little bit silly…
For me personally avatar is part of my blogger brand. It’s a tiny visual thing people might remember me – in good or bad! autch!
Still so much to learn!
Have a good day!
Hi Shari!
What I have noticed exploring a LOT of blogs is that a lot of postings are tooooooooo long.
I follow hundreds of blogs. When exploring new ones one important thing is average length of the postings plus are there paragraphs so that the text is easy to read.
As you notice already, English is not my mother tongue. 🙂 I guess for me it takes more time to read postings than for native speakers, I don’t know.
Sometimes I’ve read those one kilometer (0.621371192 miles) long posts.
Beautiful stories, beautiful blogs but no followers, no comments or only one or two which are often from friends or family members.
It would be much better to write short postings and continue the story next day or so.
That way one visit doesn’t take too much time.
Especially IF the blogger wants to interact the posts should always be quick and easy to read.
Could you write a post about this topic? Or if you already have, please let me know!
I have several questions about bloggers in US. I’m European, if you didn’t know 🙂
I’ve noticed that a lot of bloggers ‘play with coupons’ and giveaways.
Do you know why?
Do you know why a female blogger has an avatar posing with her husband/boyfriend, not just herself, blog’s owner?
Do you know why a blogger’s username is like ‘I’m a mom of five’ or similar? Is that how the blogger wants to be identified – just a mother of five?
This is enough. Today.
But I’ll be back! 🙂
Have a great day!
HI THERE, I’m going to answer your questions in two replies:
Hi Shari!
What I have noticed exploring a LOT of blogs is that a lot of postings are
tooooooooo long.
Length is definitely a consideration, but [like most strategies], bloggers need to consider their purpose for doing the blog. Are you simply wanting to add your voice to the world’s choir? Then short solos and a lot of harmonizing will probably make everyone happy. But if you want to really establish your position as an Influencer and Thought Leader, then no doubt you will need to put a lot of effort and words into your articles. Note that Brian Solis — PR 2.0 — was named Blogger of the Year recently, and his articles are very long.
On the other side, you have tremendously popular bloggers like Seth Godin, whose posts are often 3 or 4 one-sentence paragraphs.
I think I am in the middle: I like to provide more substance than I can personally fit into short posts, but I’m trying to be clear and concise enough to keep them under 750 words.
What about some of you out there. Do you have a view on how long a blog post should be?
ANSWER TWO:
To these questions of yours:
I have several questions about bloggers in US. I’m European, if you didn’t know 🙂
I’ve noticed that a lot of bloggers ‘play with coupons’ and giveaways.
Do you know why?
My understanding is that coupons and giveaways are the most recognized what to get immediate results, i.e., readers/doers with your articles.
Do you know why a female blogger has an avatar posing with her husband/boyfriend, not just herself, blog’s owner?
Good question, but I’m afraid you would need to ask the individual who made the choice. I could offer some “guesses”: anything from the fact that the blogger was such a “people” person that she wanted to include someone she loved in her appearance or, on the other side of the spectrum, she needed someone’s support [even if just in a photo] to put herself “out there.”
Do you know why a blogger’s username is like ‘I’m a mom of five’ or similar? Is that how the blogger wants to be identified – just a mother of five?
Seems to me you’ve offered the best answer to that question, i.e., the “label” is how the person wants to be known; however, that being said, when a lot of us begin, we just dive in and choose names and such before we understand the implications of those choices.
Ideally, our usernames should describe our “position” in the world of ideas, but since many of us try hard just to get started, we don’t know that in the beginning.
Bring on the questions. They are great fun to think about and answer.
Hi Shari,
I read your top ten list and several comments. I think it’s a huge help to those starting out. (I’ve always had an aversion to the word newbie, so I’m in a tiny minority.)
One thing I wasn’t clear on was the use of “default avatar.” It
appears to be some old time rendering of oneself, and not the incarnation of a Hindu god.
Burt,
Default avatar REFERS to the little icon that appears next to people’s
accounts on Twitter and blog comments, etc. If you check into the comment
section of the 10 mistakes article, you will see a string of “avatars.” Most of
them are people’s photos and not a “default” logo.
Good luck with your own new blog http://sixtofiveagainst/wordpress.com
When I first starting Twitter and blogging, prior to knowing about Shari’s information, I did the usual newbie mistakes mentioned here, particularly #2 (“Being close-minded and judgmental before you really know what’s what.”
I always thought —
why would someone want to know what I had for dinner…what is the use of Tweeting?
#7 “No time management or consistency” — this was a big one for me, as I never made time for it and was inconsistent
and the one I love most, because I am a business owner who understands the importance of objectives,
#10 “Goal of your online presence: Position yourself as the GO-TO Source for information in your area of expertise”
When I first started to Tweet, I stopped because I had no idea what to Tweet, how to Tweet correctly, and more importantly, why. I was dead in the water before finding Shari’s wonderful information.
I love the idea of the opportunity to become an online expert in my field, which is be a lifeline to seniors and their family members so seniors can find housing or resources to help them live a quality life — which is what gets me up in the morning — and now, I am back in action and ready to listen to what others want to know, and am better able to tailor my posts to help baby boomers challenged by aging parents.
Wow! This is a huge revelation for me. Great article, Shari, and very easy to understand as someone just starting out in this area. Much appreciated!
I liked what you had to say.
What I want to learn more about is how do I get people to trust me and contact me for information.
They need to understand the difference between online travel sites and the benefit they can receive by using a professional travel agent with over 25 years experience in all aspects. Travel agents can offer better values at the same or better prices. How do I get people to realize this value?
Alyce, your “Answer” is the same — no matter whether in the travel industry, shoes, or social media consulting: To build trust, you start with building mutually supportive relationships in which you prove to be an informed, valuable friend — whom others learn about and “come to” for what you “sell.” Keep in mind, this is a process and does not happen overnight — without time, persistence, passion, and a genuine desire to help others.
Great topic and excellent advice, Shari! I’m not a newbie to the social realm of the web, however I AM a newbie at establishing my professional presence in the social realm. Looks like I followed some of your advice without even thinking about it.
Six months ago I joined LinkedIn. I was really excited to finally have a professional networking resource without all the games and fluff of Facebook and its counterparts. Since then, LinkedIn has become such a critical business resource for me that I can’t imagine how I ever lived without it. The value I have gleaned from my LinkedIn presence and relationships has inspired me to begin work on my professional website and blog. I hope to launch it in January and kick off 2010 with a bang.
I’m glad I stumbled across this and look forward to reading more of your blog.
Regards,
Cory
Cory, I’m excited to hear that you, too, have found the “hidden” values/features/benefits of LinkedIn. I am only beginning to understand just how rebust the site is for business collaboration, problem solving, and a host of other applications and opportunities.
Please do check in and share your insights. Thanks for connecting,
Shari
Hey Shari, this blog was very good. A lot of newbies would try to add a lot of stuff to their pages and put unnecessary things on there to get peoples attention,but it really just pushes people away. I would also never forget the rules to success. I will remember all rules I learned from your class and become successful one day. And your grandson is so handsome. By the way, goodluck and have a wonderful life. Effort= Everything.
Diana, I am always please to hear that some of our class lesson “take.”
🙂
You are certain to achieve everything you set your sights on. GO FOR IT!
I’ve been resisting Mafia Wars. might have to reconsider after reading this because what you have to say makes a lot of sense. I have a feeling expecting immediate results affects a lot of newbies. I’m over that syndrome now. 😉
Angela, please do me [and “us,” i.e. readers following this thread] the favor of letting us know about Mafia Wars — if you do check it out. Love to hear your take on the game and its merits.
Shari
Your article is well-written and describes many people I have encountered during my journey to understand Social Media.
In particular, your advice to build relationships is in line with my book, Nice Girls DO Get The Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results.”
I completely dislike the sell, sell, sell attitude so many have on Twitter.
Lastly, thank you for reminding me to learn what Mafia Wars is all about!
Thank you for putting together your informative list.
An additional thought related to considering entering the world of social media is to take the pressure off of it by viewing it as nothing more than an incremental means by which to communicate. Social media is but another quiver in the arsenal of options available to us all, and shouldn’t be viewed as the “be all, end all”; that’s simply too much pressure to put on any communications tool.
It’s best viewed as a way to extend your communications reach and impact. Thank you
Bill, we social media evangelists had better listen to your advice and NOT come across like it Social Media OR NOTHING!!
No one likes people to them them that their life’s work is now value-less. I can see, though, that you personally understand how social media strategies can provide new tools and channels for messages to reach their target audience. Thank you for joining the conversation.
Great thoughts here Shari – I would also add not doing something unique and trying to be another “me too”. There’s too much of the same, and personality is a real key to success.
Good point, Adam. From personal experience, though, I can say that sometimes it may take awhile to narrow your blog’s focus and find the right, unique niche. Certainly something to aim for. And, readers, please check out Adam’s blog http://the futurebuzz.com He’s my favorite blogger and often provides just the inspiration I’m looking for.
Speaking as an example of the dictionary definition of “newbie” I found that your article was very helpful…hoping to move from the confusion and silence stages into FOCUS soon.
Piece of cake, Susan.
🙂
“Just do it.”
🙂
I almost forgot here is a link to the article I read on MSNBC.com it is about Apple and their decision not to use today’s social media forums. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34329873/ns/business-the_big_money/
Cody wrote our guest post on Jack Dorsey back in the spring: http://sharisax.com/2009/05/01/the-original-tweeter-comes-to-sfsu/
and I’m looking forward to hearing more reports of what you are finding out “Out There.” Guest Post time, again, Cody, if you get the chance.
🙂
Shari this is a great list of tips to help those who are confused in today’s digital world.
I especially love the first tip about concentrating on one thing at a time. I myself tried to expand into too many social media communities when starting off and it only delayed my learning process. It wasn’t until I took the time to concentrate on one site at a time that I truly learned to master social media.
Something that I feel goes along with this learning process is knowing the ins and outs of how each social media channel allows you to link the different forums together in an efficient and effective manner. Your blog is an excellent example of what I am talking about because any reader can “retweet” your posts or see your twitter updates which are all different ways of attracting new visitors.
Finally I read an article the other day on MSNBC.com and found it quite interesting. The article is about Apple and the fact that they do not use social media in today’s world. The article reminded me that while social media can hugely benefit a company or business we can not forget where we come from and what it is we provide to consumers. We must continue to produce products or services that provide value to consumers or it won’t matter how many followers we have on twitter because they will quickly forget your business exists. Thanks for the tips I will be checking back soon.
I enjoyed your article. When I first was introduced to Twitter, I thought it was stupid too and a service I’d never use. My outlook has changed.
Over the years I’ve made some of the mistakes you’ve mentioned, but I’m suddenly learning.
As for etiquette- The sad thing is your online past can come back to haunt you again & again years later.
Some troll gets you to react in an emotional response & they use that against you.
Oh, Rose, the first thing that comes to mind to deal with the “troll” is to flood him/her with “goodness.” Don’t know if it will work, but certainly worth the try.
I think that these 10 are a great starting point for any “newbie” looking to dive into the world of social media. I think one more thing that could be worked in would be Being Fearless. basically taking a step outside what you would normally to. I know JP and I did that when we got Jack Dorsey to speak in class. Afterwards I realized that that was something that I wouldnt have done in person, but I did online to great success. I have now become more fearless when it comes to Social Media.
James, let me know what you’ve been up to Social Media-wise in a Guest Post, if you get a chance. [Show us what being Fearless really means].
🙂
Shari you have summarized everything you have learned with great understanding of social media.
Point 2, being close minded is what I suffered from when I first experienced social media, I pretended it was all fun and games and then it hit me that if I wanted to make it useful, I can.
One thing I would like to add is that newbies are disappointed when they are not able to get attention when starting out. Newbies should understand that everyone is not a celebrity in social media, people who have made a mark were just like them when they first started out and there is a phase every one goes through before success.
Yes, Zahid, I think we all think that getting read and known is easier than it actually is — in the beginning. However, we soon learn that achieving our goals takes a lot of effort, persistence, passion, determination, and sticking to it.
There are so many of those tips I need to apply to myself! I think that so far I have tried to define a goal for each of my social media networks. I mainly keep in touch with my friends on FaceBook, with the professional world via LinkedIn and I tweet about what I think is linked to marketing and about social media content. And finally I blog when I have more consistent things to express. So I guess this is how I try to deal with issue #1 & 10, and avoid scattering in all directions.
I also think that one of the most important thing you point out is the capability one must have to listen. It’s important to be able to get info from the main experts in your field. I had the opportunity to meet you Shari, and you opened other doors, and now I know about Brian Solis and Robert Scoble, who shared their knowledge as well as other interesting and knowledgeable contacts.
But you are right about this one thing: you have to go out and look for what is interesting, even if you make mistakes. A great tool to find more people to listen to is the twitter list, Brian Solis has some great ones about pr or tech. Now I think that not only should one listen to experts, but also be aware of what’s going on around him. Robert Scoble in recent tweets pointed out how French start-ups are not present on Twitter, (this is mainly caused by biases like the ones you described earlier).
A last point I perceive as important is the spamming thing. I think that in order to gain credibility, it is better to say less than to post irrelevant messages to most of the people (Robert Scoble discusses some of this with Brian Solis: http://scobleizer.com/2009/11/27/the-real-time-pr-man/ ). I suppose that’s one of the things to do to get results, but results definitely rely on the relationships you build by “going out there’\” (which obviously take time to achieve).
Cyril.
Shari,
The #1 biggest mistake made by new social media users is NOT taking the time to understand the etiquette for each social network.
An example occurs when a person or company doesn’t understand follow to follower ratios, on Twitter, and how they effect how a brand is perceived.
I have seen a number of global brands make this critical mistake and as a result lose credibility, consumers, and their advantage.
Hey, Dean, thanks for taking time to join the conversation.
🙂
Dean knows what he’s talking about as many of my students can attest to when he visited my marketing classes at the beginning of 2009 and opened their eyes to the possibilities of Social Media for business, not just their personal lives.
I’m fortunate to have heard Dean and his partner Susan Hanshaw present numerous short workshops for the Marin Professionals networking group I belong to. Check out innerarchitect.com for Dean’s blog articles and a great deal more information on how to get started — and how to succeed with marketing your business online.
* Group: Intelligent Social Media
* Subject: New comment (1) on “Trying to help NEWBIES”
Hi Shari
I would add a need to relax and for the newbie or oldie. This follows the generous, authentic and informative route; consumers are now more than ever in need of reality and less sales person blag and con.
Social media gurus are beginning to appear everywhere now as they see an easy money maker in THEIR minds as people have less knowledge than them. Sadly they haven’t worked out that everyone is online already communicationg via social media from Google to Ning.
To wind up: relax, be real, and develop communication to build loyalty.
Well said! I think this is great advice to people just getting into the social media arena. Whether your branding yourself as an expert or looking to create a SM presence for a company, the same rules apply. I tell clients interested in conversation marketing communications (as with personal brand development for an individual’s expertise) that there are 5 key elements to being successful:
* Listening to current customers (the current participants in the online conversation), prospects, industry experts and other influencers in the market space and internalizing what you hear.
* Speaking to the overall market conversation with quality, supportive and helpful content that people want to respond to, inquire about and pass on to others.
* Caring about what is being said about your products, your company (you and your expertise as a brand), your competitors and your industry, but more importantly, caring about helping your customers and prospects fulfill their wants and needs.
* Sharing your experiences—positive and negative—and your insights as you grow your company and evolve your product lines.
* Building relationships with market conversation Influencers, Participants and Listeners based on the mutual interest of the consumer problems or wants that need to be solved or fulfilled.
If newbies focused on these elements for themselves as they get started in SM they could probably avoid all 10 of these mistakes.
Great post! Thanks
Christine, thank you for sharing so much of your experience with our readers. It is hugely important to Give the DO’S in addition to the DON’TS.
🙂
Building Relationships — and all that that entails — is the foundation of social media, business, and society. Sharing our ideas and experiences certainly helps the process.
My friend Sandy Davis wrote me this email: Re: selling things and expecting immediate results
It’s easy to forget when we are online that we are talking to _people_. Online relationships need time to grow just like face to face ones do. We should always remember to treat our online friends and contacts with the same care and respect that we would use in a face to face situation. If you wouldn’t say or do it in person, don’t do it online.
–Sandy
This post is very spot on. I remember getting into social media was very overwhelming and actually confusing sometimes; but then I remembered that being confused means that I am learning.
Reading as much as possible and not judging anything until you know it is also the best advice that I can give and also it does not hurt to try anything. Try writing your own blog at your pace, and never be too shy to ask; if we never asked we could have never met Jack.
Hey Jeanette, thanks for adding your thoughts to the conversation.
Jeanette was one of the “power members” of my SFSU PR class the semester when we all first got started learning about All Things Social Media. When she refers to “Jack” above, she is talking about Jack Dorsey — the creator of Twitter — who visited us and talked to the class for a full hour back in the spring. Here’s the story about his visit WITH videos: http://sharisax.com/2009/05/01/the-original-tweeter-comes-to-sfsu/
Shari, what a wonderful post, sage advice!
One thing that came to mind for me is: help Newbies experience some a connection and they’ll start to see how important it is to be on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. For example, help them import their email address book into FB, TW, LI and they’ll see how many people they know are already there, and active!
George, what I love so much about Social Media in general and blogging in particular — is how we can all help each other, even with little tips. One step at a time will move us all forward. Thanks so much for this comment AND everything you do to help people progress with their understanding and use of social media strategies, tools, and benefits.
And next week: more terrific collaboration! Who knows what we may cook up when we put our heads together, Shari? The real beauty is that we can “meet” whenever and wherever we like and keep the collaboration going.
Shari: what a terrific listing…you’ve done it again! # 2 kept me away (from social media) for a long time; thank goodness my mentors were patient with me!
And, # 5 is a terrific reminder because building relationships does take time…just like it does face to face! What I find so interesting about this process of building relationships online is that baby boomers, who think we have the answers to everything, are quick to ‘dis’ the significance of social media and fall back onto f2f as “the” only way; many are the same who hide behind email rather than really connecting with people in the workplace… because that takes work, too!
This is a post I’ll be forwarding to many, Shari… thanks so much!
And I would love the COMMUNITY of readers to this post to know that Janine and I met through Twitter, but have had both F2F and phone meetings ever since. Social Media has been just the beginning of a great friendship and business collaboration.
As a newbie, I find the article helpful and straightforward. The comment about not using this venue as a hard sell/cold call free advertising center reinforces some experiences I have had. In today’s digital age, we strive to actually make a connection through these e-media. Let’s continue to use it only for good and positive social movement.
Couldn’t have said it better.
🙂
Thanks, Randy, the fact that Social Media has such a potential for good and ethical behavior to one another is exactly what has won me over.
Great article, Shari. It really gives the newbies the encouragement necessary to stick to it. “One thing at a time” is such a great suggestion—it’s so “zen” and you can apply this philosophy to anything in your life!!
Social Media is my ZEN
🙂
thanks for the article on being a newbie to the world of social meida. I felt encouraged after reading this and will work more diligently on trying to do one thing..and make my link-in site better!
Kathleen
Cool, Kathleen,
I KNOW that you KNOW that this is our Future. Lots of luck. Let me know if you have more questions. BETTER YET, post them here and then other readers can answer them as well. 🙂
The 10th is my favorite! It is so true that you need to be careful about the message you are sending as well as carefully listen. Thank you for the tips, I know that I will refer back to these often!
Misty, thanks so much for joining the conversation. Have you started to build your online presence yet? What else is new?
Shari
A Newbie who doesn’t read this is destined to either remain a Newbie for eternity or to remain one for much longer than necessary. I learn something in each of the blogs Shari writes. This one, as most of hers are, is straight forward and full of common sense advice. Her knowledge maybe something that can be obtained by others, but I’ve found that reading her blogs saves me a lot of work as well as a great deal of time spent in trial and error efforts of my own.
In this particular entry, I’ve found numbers 3, 5, and 6 to be a great help. And number 4–it might not be conventional wisdom, but it is rock-solid, common sense.
Carol, you are too kind! I hope I see you finding a way to make this info really work for you . . . as well as me. I’ve got tons of ideas for you 🙂
Very cool Shari. I started in 2003 and almost forgot what it took to get in, get around, get something out…
*** I remember one phrase I started to teach:
“You only get something out if you first put something in.”
*** I also remember how hard it was to understand the “LISTENING” part. Of course I listen – how can you even mention it. I just wrote a post about Listening 2.0 here:
http://socialmedia-academy.blogspot.com/2009/12/surveys-customers-and-listening-20.html
*** I very much like your EXPECTATION part. Socialmedians learn to reset their expectation pattern – it is a result of the new listening pattern. Let the world surprise you. Don’t have an answer to everything – but most importantly don’t “define” what social media is supposed to do for you – instead DEFINE what you do for social media – actually for your community.
*** The old guard has a “what’s in for me mentality”. It is a behavioral pattern also known as “Shortcoming complex”. People focus on their benefit – in Maslow’s “Hierarchy of needs” those people are rather low level. They have it hardest to join the community of openness, sharing and giving. But many will learn it – others bite the dust.
Axel
http://xeesm.com/AxelS
Axel, I FOUND YOU.
Thanks so much for your speedy comment. Unfortunately some readers will have missed it because somehow it was in my SPAM folder. I’m so lucky I found it.
I love how you begin by emphasizing the importance of understanding that people can “only get something out if [they] first put something in.”
This community of Openness, Sharing, and Giving is what is going to move us all Forward. Thanks for re-iterating these priniciples . . . and thanks for your personal and professional efforts to help people understand this wonderful evolution in business communication.