One of my favorite sales books, “The No BS guide to Wealth Attraction” by Dan Kennedy says “ It’s important to continuously ‘Prime the Pump.’” I think networking, which is critical to being influential, is much like great sales (versus slimy). With the influence factor I teach people to MAKE people WANT to be a part.
As I think more and more about it, THAT is what you want to do on these social media sites, for your career! How to do that is REALLY the question! The key is to build relationship with people like you do when you network. Ok, I’ll admit most people to not do that well either! But networking requires that you give first without EXPECTING anything in return. That you offer solutions for people, that you listen more than speak. Those same things need to be true for you when networking online. Using Dan Kennedy’s language, you can “Prime the Pump” to increase relationship on your social media sites:
- Find a great news article and post it to a relevant group you belong to on LinkedIn. Pose a question about the article for people to answer and engage in the discussion.
- Share a tool you use in your business and love on your facebook page, maybe even make a video about why you love it.
- Read a great blog post or article online- share it with others on Twitter, and do your best to give the author credit by using their Twitter username.
- Also stay connected – just take time to comment on their posts without saying anything about what you need.
- Another great way to prime the pump – give “little pinks spoons” – tips and insights from your knowledge and wisdom that make people see your value, especially on LinkedIn!
I think it’s important to share different unique and special things on each site. You increase your value. You increase your Influence Factor.
Take a few moments and plan your strategy for each site you’re on. What will you offer that’s unique? How will you “Prime the Pump?”
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Great tips. People need to realize that social media needs to start at the beginning of the conversation and then proceed!
My hope is to reach one person at a time, if that is what it takes to make this click Candace! Glad you are on the journey with me!
Great tips. People need to realize that social media needs to start at the beginning of the conversation and then proceed!
Such valid reminders! Sometimes we get caught up in the fun and forget we have business to conduct as well! {I cant believe we have so much fun doing what we love!!!}
I wish more small business owners saw the passion behind it and made it fun!
Great stuff Ann!
I'm an old school marketer that has become very fond of Social Marketing and I do look forward to learning from your wisdom.
Always my Best,
Gerry Usselman
P.S. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Gary! How we engage is so important to success, I am glad you find my strategies right for you!
Great information. Giving “little pink spoons” is also a good tip when networking face to face. We need to “prime the pump” online and in person.
So true Orene!
Hi Ann,
Great post. My main goal for 2010 is to become more engaged in SoMe (love that by the way!). I have a question however re: # 4 you say “… comment on their posts with saying anything about your business.” I was taught that you stay away from saying too much about your own business as you want to shy away from agressive marketing. What are your thoughts on this?
Nice attention to detail and catching a TYPO Pam! Re-read it – I think it will better fit for you!
“Little Pink Spoons” is a great analogy. I share a lot of nuts & bots tutorials on YouTube for organic search as well as to directly share with others. It's a great way to build trust and also to give people an easy way to find out what you're all about. Little Pink Spoon, in essence, are the touchstone for a strong personal brand.
I saw Zig Zigler on stage literally “priming the pump” with a real pump. He pumped and pumped and pumped and said to keep pumping until the water comes out. Don't stop just because there is no water, or else you'll have to start all over again. Once the water starts flowing, you can ease up and pump with less effort. The key is continuously following the tips above to prime the pump, then the “water” will start flowing.
I saw Zig Zigler on stage literally “priming the pump” with a real pump. He pumped and pumped and pumped and said to keep pumping until the water comes out. Don't stop just because there is no water, or else you'll have to start all over again. Once the water starts flowing, you can ease up and pump with less effort. The key is continuously following the tips above to prime the pump, then the “water” will start flowing.
One tool I'm not using is LinkedIn. Thanks for the swift kick to get that started.
“Little Pink Spoons” is such a terrific analogy for so many reasons. Sometime people ask when is enough, enough? Has Baskin-Robbins every limited the number of pink spoons you could have? NO! They wont give you a gallon of ice cream for free but I think they will let you have a gallons worth of pink spoons. With your advice in mind I will stay on a mission to give away gallons of pink spoons of valuable relevant information.
Lisa Ann Landry – Corporate TrainerI’m an exuberant force of light… Come light up your lifehttp://www.imagedevelopmentgroup.com/speakers.html
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Thanks a lot for these priceless tips Ann. Indeed I have to boost up my LinkedIn using.
Ben.
P.S. May I translate your post in Spanish Language, my friend. Thanks
Hi Ben and thank you- Sure I am open to that, but you will be sure and give full credentials links and change the title so it’s complies with Googles rules? Would you send my the link once you post it? I’d love someday to have a Spanish speaking coach on the team!