Are You Using Social Media Yet?

I can’t believe there’s still so many business owners out there that refuse to use
social media. They say things like, “I don’t twitter.” Well, first of all, you don’t
twitter on twitter, you tweet on twitter. Anyway, some of the most stubborn a-holes
are starting to come around, and then, you know what they ask me? They say,
Perry, how do you make money on social media? My answer? You don’t.

Being in social media is like going to a bunch of parties. You’d have to be a pretty
big jerk to just walk around selling stuff at a party. People would stop inviting that
guy. It’s the same in social media.

So let’s take twitter, for example. Twitter is like a cocktail party. People talk about
topics that interest them. Mostly they make small talk. Occasionally they get out
their wallets and show pictures of their kids. But mostly the conversation is
topical and fun. Twitter is a place where you can be known for what interests you.
Facebook is more like a potluck. People get really personal on facebook. They
talk about anything from who died to what they ate for dinner. Pinterest–well I’m
not sure what the hell kind of party Pinterest is exactly–let’s call it a scrapbooking
convention meets neighborhood bar meets well, a really funky art festival.

Anyway, the thing you want to know about all these sites is, the friends you make there
could be tomorrow’s customer, advocate or promoter. But just like at any party, if you go
in there just to schmooze and work people, you’ll piss them off real quick. Let go, enjoy
yourself. Be interesting and be interested. Share yourself and what interests you. And
spread the love. Help people out by sharing information or connecting people. People
want that guy at their parties, right?

And then, occasionally, you invite them over to your blog where they can find out more
about what you offer. If what you’re about is not for them, but they like you, you can bet
they’ll remember you when their friend needs what you’re selling. Only the thing to
remember is, the people you meet on social sites may be connected to 1,000, 10,000 or
even 50,000 people. So is it worth your time? Definitely.