Social networking and community engagement technology made easy

In the world of social media, there are many misconceptions. Today, I want to talk about one. It’s important to understand that there is no such thing as “overnight success.” Sure, there are many examples of successful campaigns, but these successes didn’t just “happen.” The individuals or organisations spent years crafting their brand, communicating with their audience, and delivering quality products and services. If there was a time they screwed up, they made it right. They created trust with their audience, provided relevant content their audience could use, and provided a platform for contribution. This does not happen overnight.

New York Times Bestseller and co-author of Trust Agents, Chris Brogan recently did a series on the overnight success through vlogging on his blog. In this short series, he provides some very valuable advice and lessons. Brogan shares with his audience the importance of discipline, dedication, and hard work. He stresses lifting others up, not making excuses, stretching beyond what you’re comfortable with, looking inside yourself, and staying humble are keys to becoming successful. But the most important lesson is these things don’t really happen overnight.

So, how can we integrate Brogan’s advice in becoming successful with your social media platform? Here are some key components we’ve found in growing your social media network:

1) Decision: Making the DECISION to embark upon your own social space is the first thing that needs to be done. Riding the fence never cuts it. Make a decision. Stick with it. Just know that it is going to take time, patience, but most importantly, COMMITMENT.

When you make a decision and commit to something, *committed no matter what*, change happens. However, it takes that *committed no matter what* mentality in order to do that…not *committed unless* (list excuses here).  One thing Brogan stresses in his “Overnight Success” series is that we are usually the ones who get in the way of accomplishing our goals. We are the ones who make excuses for ourselves. Commit to NOT making excuses. Commit to making things happen.

2) Create: It’s important to CREATE a social network that fits your brand and audience. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, know who you are and KNOW YOUR GOALS. Who are you speaking with? Why are you creating your platform? What message are you conveying? How can you involve others?

At Community Engine, we have every option available to our clients to assist in creating a social platform that completely fits the needs of their social media campaign. If there is something we’ve not yet integrated, we create it. However having a map on where you currently are and where you want to be, is essential in the creative process. Creating a user-friendly network and content folks can use is a must.

3) Listen: Although listening seems elementary, this skill is truly one that often needs to be developed.  Media Philosopher recently wrote a valuable blog on the practice of conversational listening. The number one point of listening in social media is to grow relationships. They say the following in regard to listening and building relationships online:

“One-way data gathering is a stealth activity.  You may be doing it to better listen to your customers, and there is tremendous value in analyzing what you hear and acting upon it.  Why stop there, however?  Let customers see that you are listening by acknowledging them and strengthen your relationships too!”

Listening is crucial in every aspect of life if relationships are being built. So whether you are a multi-million dollar industry, a community advocate, or conversing with your best friend, actively listening and answering based upon the needs of the individuals is sure to grow trust.

Listening is also important in order to hear what people are saying about your brand. In Social Media Lessons from the U.S. Presidential Campaign, Gartner mention this very important step:

“Monitor the blogosphere and other social media spheres for authentic brand discussion and for astroturfed brand attacks. Reputation management via third-party services may be necessary.”

4) Engage: Once you have actively listened to the needs of your social media community, it’s important to engage in the conversation.  When we talk about engaging, this does not mean promote. This does not mean broadcasting about the amazing things you and/or your product or service can do. Engaging is addressing the needs of your audience. It is participating in the conversation.

One of the best ways to engage with your audience, in my opinion, is through a blog. Asking questions like, “How does this suit you?” or “What are your thoughts on the subject?” are great questions which help facilitate conversation.  You not only get out your message, you are asking others what their opinions and ideas are to expand upon what you’re currently doing.  Brogan asks these types of questions often through his blog. He is an excellent example of using his social platform to engage with his audience.

There are many more. These are only a few. Make the decision today to be an active role in creating your success.  If you’ve not yet built a social network, consider taking that action. Community Engine can help assist you in that area. Be sure to listen and engage with your community in order to experience growth all around.  But most importantly, remember that these projects take time. Through hard work, dedication, and delivery, you can build your social network into a successful one.

posted by Piers Hogarth-Scott in the category Social Media Social networking
Tags: chris brogan, Social Media, Social networking