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
Showing posts with label partners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label partners. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Using your social media to help your partners
Every business, non-profit and organization has partners. Your partners make it possible for you to stay in business and fulfill your mission. The more successful your partners are the more successful you are going to become. You can use your social media platforms to help your partners grow and also expand your base of support. Here are some tips to make that happen:
-KNOW YOUR BRAND. You can allow partners to post on your Facebook page, or reTweet something they Tweeted, but you need to ensure that their content is consistent with your brand. Just because one of your partners is having a yard sale next weekend does not mean they should use your social media platforms to tell the world - unless yard sales are part of your brand.
-HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN. Think about your partners and what type of relationship you have with each one. Develop a plan that allows your social media platforms to specifically addresses and strengthen those relationships. Be strategic, not hit or miss.
-SHARE THAT PLAN WITH YOUR PARTNERS. It is important that they know you are trying to support them and what the boundaries are. Otherwise you risk turning your social media platforms into billboards for your partners that do not build up your brand and actually undermine your relationships.
-GIVE FIRST. Reach out to your partners first. "Like" them, follow them, invite them to post content on your social media platforms (using your strategic plan!). Take the initiative. Your partners are going to be much more willing to invite you into their social media networks if you have already extended an invitation to them.
A strategic use of social media can help your partners grow, but it will also help you grow. Your partners have access to dozens, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people and businesses who are waiting to become your next client, donor, and yes, partner. That is what makes social media platforms so valuable for you, your organization and your partners.
If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. Rubate Consulting is here to help.
©2011 Roger Burns-Watson, All Rights Reserved
-KNOW YOUR BRAND. You can allow partners to post on your Facebook page, or reTweet something they Tweeted, but you need to ensure that their content is consistent with your brand. Just because one of your partners is having a yard sale next weekend does not mean they should use your social media platforms to tell the world - unless yard sales are part of your brand.
-HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN. Think about your partners and what type of relationship you have with each one. Develop a plan that allows your social media platforms to specifically addresses and strengthen those relationships. Be strategic, not hit or miss.
-SHARE THAT PLAN WITH YOUR PARTNERS. It is important that they know you are trying to support them and what the boundaries are. Otherwise you risk turning your social media platforms into billboards for your partners that do not build up your brand and actually undermine your relationships.
-GIVE FIRST. Reach out to your partners first. "Like" them, follow them, invite them to post content on your social media platforms (using your strategic plan!). Take the initiative. Your partners are going to be much more willing to invite you into their social media networks if you have already extended an invitation to them.
A strategic use of social media can help your partners grow, but it will also help you grow. Your partners have access to dozens, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people and businesses who are waiting to become your next client, donor, and yes, partner. That is what makes social media platforms so valuable for you, your organization and your partners.
If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. Rubate Consulting is here to help.
©2011 Roger Burns-Watson, All Rights Reserved
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