Social media entourage
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21/10/2009 9:00:00 AM
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Many will argue the inception of social media has removed the personal touch that has succeeded within a significant portion of the old-school broker generation. I personally don't see it this way - quite the opposite actually.
The definition of social media is content created by people using highly accessible and 'scalable' (a word referring to how well something can adapt to increased demand) publishing technologies. Essentially, it's a way to share and discuss information, whatever it may be.
Social media can be used for entertainment, research, networking or education, but I, on the other hand, proudly exploit this wonderful tool and use it to connect with clients, keep on their radar and have fun with free advertising. Let's talk about that - anyone ever heard of Twitter?
Short and sweet
Twitter is a website based on status updates, which to those unfamiliar with the concept are basically short messages updating people on what you are doing. The content provider is limited to 140 characters and a common strategy is to "tag" others in your message in order to get their attention, as well as to encourage interaction.
Tagging is done by typing "@ (insert user name)" and then your message. For example, you would write @JessiJohnson before your actual message. This way the recipient will hopefully see your message and now the conversation has started.
To succeed at Twitter is simple - just be yourself. Reality sells like proverbial hotcakes these days and people adore sincerity. Paint a picture of what you are up to and intrigue followers with your daily operations. Don't be shy to write, or "tweet" as it's called, but don't over-tweet. No one wants someone filling up their Twitter page with updates every five minutes.
One significant benefit I find with Twitter is that it allows you to casually communicate with your clients. Feel free to finish a conversation with "cheers" or "ciao." These words of familiarity are generally considered faux pas during business hours but sometimes helpful when trying to connect.
Let's look at Twitter from the mind of a business owner. Twitter showcases real-time updates. As a company, you can keep your followers up-to-date with products or interest rates by the minute (if you so desire). Why not facilitate sales by helping people with their questions or comments, rants or raves. Houston's coffee retailer Coffee Groundz allows coffee addicts to order via Twitter. As a consumer on Twitter, you can provide reviews of the experience you just received and direct your comments to the company (or brokerage house).
Want to master Twitter? Like any communication connoisseur, the key to this success is listening. Want to listen in on what others are saying or follow who's talking about you? Go to Search.twitter.com and input your search request.
And if you're curious why you're only allowed 140 characters? SMS (cellphone texting) limits each message to 160 characters. Twitter uses this popular parameter while keeping space for a maximum 20 character username.
For all ages
With over 200 million members, Facebook has crushed the previously popular myspace.com or friendster.com like small bugs. Myspace still holds huge market share but it's not hot like Facebook.
This magnificent website, which engulfs hours of time on a daily basis within the general public, allows you to share comments, pictures, video, friends and more. Posting isn't as easy as Tumblr (see below) and is less centralized, but Facebook rocked the world and caused the tsunami that is kicking social media butt. Believe it or not, the average age on Facebook is over 50. No, it's not your children banging away on the keys all the time - the odds are it's you. Seventy-five per cent of Facebook users are aged 24-65.
Ever heard of an API? This wonderful tool is used to link websites together and allows them to communicate live. Facebook is packed full of APIs allowing you to upload one comment, newsfeed post or video and it automatically appears on sites like Twitter (comments only), Tumblr and many more.
Also, anything you can think of is obtainable from Facebook. Just post what you are looking for on your status update (just like Twitter) and wait for people to respond. Yes, of course you need a database of friends, but this will undoubtedly grow with time. Some quick examples are: a score from the hockey game, a used TV, opinion on your new hair cut, mortgage rates or even (heaven forbid) a romantic encounter with a friend. Yes it's true, Facebook has it all.
Consider Facebook's newsfeed section the ultimate comment card. Once you post your opinion about something, it appears on everyone's newsfeed. This is awesome, especially when you are commenting on today's killer mortgage rate and someone who requires a mortgage broker notices and decides to contact you.
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