Yes, Social Media Can Deliver Leads

Still not convinced that social media marketing translates into cold, hard cash? You’re not alone in your skepticism. Many businesses as they wade out into the social media pool quickly learn that there are a number of directions they can swim and then realize, ‘Crap, we forgot the floaties.’ Figuring out which direction will lead to the most potentially profitable opportunities is the tricky part. But there are a few things you can do to help support these efforts to generate sales lead using sites like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

• Always remember the most important rule of them all as you interact with others through social media marketing: focus on building relationships first and generating business later. I know, I know, you’re saying ‘that goes completely against the whole message of this blog which is to use social media to make money’ but there’s an even more sacred rule in sales that goes something like this (and I know you’ve heard it): people do business with people they know and like. So yes, be genuine and be active, and as you build mutually beneficial relationships, the leads will follow.

• Set up your own special group of friends/followers/tweeple (whatever you want to call them) and invite your best prospects to be a part of this group. It will give you a more direct and welcomed opportunity to interact, seek their feedback and share your good business news as it happens. But be sure to give back in return. Too many people establish groups that become one-sided pages for horn-honking. Spread some kudos-sharing about your group members and nurture this special community carefully. You could quite possibly have lifelong customers in your hands.

• Offer help whenever you can and that means knowledge, too, folks. I’m not suggesting that everybody suddenly go pro bono with their services but there’s an intrinsic value to assisting fellow business owners in your marketplace. For one thing, it’s nice to see another member of the business community succeed because one success can often spill over to its neighbors. And secondly, it just makes you feel good. Okay, I’m getting all warm and fuzzy on you and I know this comes unexpectedly in a blog of all places, but it really does make you feel good as a business person to know that you’ve helped another professional succeed because of your resources. And who knows when you might be in a similar position and need to turn to your marketplace for a little back-scratching yourself?

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