Social Media - It Is Not All About You!

When it comes to using social media so many non-profits and small businesses lose sight of one simple fact - it is not all about you.  Too often the first question I get from clients is, "How do I get more people to like/follow/subscribe my organization or business?"  This is not a bad question.  The problem is what drives people to ask it.  In most cases it has to do with organizations and businesses wanting more people to use their social media platforms so that their business or organization will grow.  Of course social media can help you grow.  Yet, if your first concern is about you and your organization then you run a high risk of missing out on the power of social media platforms.  It is not all about you.

Rather, your first thought should be about your customers, clients, donors and partners.  And your first question should be about how you can use your social media platforms to meet their needs.  Think about it for a minute, how many people use social media platforms in order to be sold goods, services or opportunities to give?  Yes, people go to websites to shop, and Groupon and other such sites are popular with consumers, but most folks are using social media for other reasons.  They are looking to stay connected, maintain or nurture relationships, be amused, distracted, inspired, and heard. 

Organizations and businesses that use social media effectively strive to know their customers, clients, donors and partners needs and then figure out ways to meet those needs (within the context of what those organizations and businesses specialize in).  These professionals understand that the fastest way to grow their social media base is to shift the focus from their organizations to the people they serve.  Growth in the number of likes/followers/subscribers comes because these organizations bring value to the lives of the people they are reaching out to. 

What drives your organization or business' social media strategy?  Are you committed to identifying and meeting the needs of your clients or donors?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Questions? Don't be afraid to ask. Rubate Consulting is here to help.

©2011 Roger Burns-Watson, All Rights Reserved