Well, it is almost New Years Eve and I find myself alone, meaning without a date or a plan.  It’s kind of funny cause I don’t really do the whole “go out on” New Year’s Eve.  I think when I was younger a friend of the family was killed by a drunk driver and I always associate going on on NYE with drunk driving accidents and just because you might have a plan doesn’t mean other people do.  This year is looking like I will be spending time with Mom, Sissy, her Uncles(Josh and Balto-my moms dogs), watching Lifetime marathon movies AND hanging online with all my Social Media Friends and Family.  We can have virtual NYE parties this year.  If I was brave I would turn on the video chat.  At some point I know that I will be Vlogging and Videoing.  2010 will be that year.  I just really like working from home and all the non-makeup, non-dressing up, comfortableness that goes with that.


What are your Social Media Plans for 2010?
I know that everyone has identified this as the year they want to get serious about Social Media and “figure it out.”  It’s not that hard.  I have heard some people say that the best way to do it is to just do it.  I agree and disagree with this statement.  I think that you should just do it.  But so you can manage your own expectaiton you should plan your Social Media Marketing endeavors.

I regularly attend social networking events such as Chamber Mixers, Leads Luncheons, Industry Associations and Community Outreach Programs. These are perfect places and some designed specifically for professionals and entrepreneurs to get together trade business cards and obtain business from each other.

Networking events deliver value through idea sharing, communication techniques, relationship building and promoting goodwill in the perspective community.  Over the years I have learned a few things from these events that I apply to Social Media/Web 2.0 Networking.

Like elbow to elbow networking here are 6 ways to put Social Media to work for you!

HAVE A STRATEGY
You choose networking events wisely and should pick your social media communities the same way.  Tools will change. There was a time when we all used Netscape, AOL, Yahoo and Myspace. If you concentrate on tools, you’ll constantly be changing strategy. What’s your point? Know what your target audience is looking for and how that applies to you or your business.

WHAT IS YOUR PITCH?
Forget the elevator pitch or 60 second commercial…how can you communicate what you do in 140 characters or less!  This is your personal headline.  Come up with something that captures the essence of who you are or what you/your company are all about-your mission statement. Try to include keywords that are strategic to the market you are trying to grow you/your brand too.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
Strategy is different from goals! Put Social Media goals in writing – written goals equal success!  When I go to a Networking event I try to get a designated amount of business cards or talk to group leaders. Like the statement, “We have got to get on Twitter, Facebook and Blog,” just going to an event is like going out on a Tuesday night. Define what you want to accomplish.  In other words, what is your purpose?  Define your goals and you manage your own expectations!

BE YOURSELF
Let people get to know you first.  When you hide your Social Media accounts people who might potentially follow you won’t know what you are about.  If they can’t see your content how will they know if they want to follow you?  Networking is about being social. You don’t have to be personal to be personable.   I like to control how much of my personal life I put out there but it’s hard to hold back sometimes when you are having a bad day.  I just try to share and learn from other people after all you have to give it away to keep it.

TELLINGS NOT SELLING
When you first meet someone take the opportunity to get to know them. Don’t try to sell them stuff. Build a relationship first. Social Media is attraction marketing and best achieved by letting people get to know you or what you are doing. Let them see how your service or product will benefit them the way it benefited you or your other clients.

FOLLOW UP
At the very least you should do what you say you will do. Deliver information to anyone you promised to contact. Make the calls, send the emails and forward along any material in a timely fashion. This is extremely important. If you don’t think you will follow through on a promise, don’t make one. Not keeping promises will have a negative impact on your personal and professional reputation. Create a simple process for following up with networking contacts.

Jessica is the Social Media Editor for Full Throttle Country-Country Radio’s newest full-service and free interactive idea sharing and new media on-line service. She has over 19 years experience including Radio, Television, Internet and Print Sales as well as an On-Air Radio personality.  She is an Entrepreneur who owns MediaJess.com servicing all website needs including domain names, hosting, SSL Certificates etc. She specializes in big ideas and is known for the ability to create complete marketing campaigns and bridge marketing partnerships. Her company Finger Candy provides social and new media optimization planning for businesses, brands and individuals.

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