Time To Get All Rocky Balboa On Social Media

For some reason Americans love an underdog.  Sure, we throw our support behind the biggest names, those with the most power and prestige (yes, I am talking to all you Yankee fans out there.  You know who you are) then cheer on the underfunded, undersized, underdog who wins it all.  We are a nation in love with the Rocky Balboa types, the ones who work harder and smarter in order to prevail.

If you own a small business or run a non-profit you probably know what it feels like to be the underdog.  You are dedicated, passionate, hard working and keenly aware that there are bigger and better funded organizations out there.  They are not evil (well, not all of them) but they have significant advantages that you have to overcome if you are to be successful.  This includes the world or social media, where the big boys and girls have established brand identities, paid social media staff, and big budgets.

So, what are you gonna do about it, Champ?  Throw in the towel and give up?  Of course not!  Your gonna gulp down your glass full of raw eggs and start getting ready to rumble.  It is time to get all Rocky Balboa on social media.

The first thing you need to do is find a good trainer, someone who can give you the advice you need to take advantage of all those powerful social media tools.  Find someone with experience in both social media and the real world (and if possible is easier on the eye and ear than old Mickey).  There are professionals out there who can help you understand what the various social media platforms do and how best to use them.  Make them part of your team.

Then be dedicated and disciplined.  Develop a strategic plan and stick to it.  Building strong communities is a process not an event.  Make no mistake, there will be days when you feel like you are running through the streets of Philadelphia all by yourself.  It will take time to see a ROI but if you stay focused and committed you will see results.  Your "likes" and "followers" will become clients and volunteers, running with you as you make the world a better place.

Finally, and this may be the most crucial point, remember what your true goal is.  Believe in what your organization is trying to accomplish, why you got started in the first place.  Social media platforms can help you get there, but don't lose focus.  You did not start your business or non-profit so that you could get 3459 followers on Twitter.  You got 3459 followers on Twitter so you could fulfill your vision for your organization.  Keep your eyes on the real prize and let these tools hep you become the heavyweight champion of your world.

And Yo, Adrian! if you need a social media trainer I am here to help.  My language may not be as colorful as Mickey's, but I founded Rubate Consulting for all the underdogs out there.  You can contact me at http://www.rubateconsulting.com/ or roger@rubateconsulting.com. 

©2012 Roger Burns-Watson, All Rights Reserved

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