Building Relationships (Day 1 / Part 3)
I actually have a lot more to say about relationship-building than the 'lil bit of 2:12 I gave it in this social media marketing video. Feel free to join me and friends on Jara University to discuss it more. But, clearly relationships are the crux of social media activities -- whether those activities be related to business development or not.
"It's not so much WHAT you give..."??
One thing you'll hear me say in the video is something along the lines of "...it's not so much what you give, it's the thought behind it." (Really? I said that? It's at about time code 1:20.)
Well, I'd be curious to know what you think about that statement?
For my part, I actually wish I could re-record that segment. I mean, yeah, I meant it. But, the context didn't quite convey the intent of my meaning. The fact is, despite my having said it, what content you share with those in your community does also make a difference. (If there's any doubt about that in your mind, try sharing one of those cheesy viagra emails or some other similar spammy tweet with me and see how quickly our relationship-building comes to an end.) ;)
At the time of the video recording, I was still really focused on the whole "giving" theme. (Remember, this section was shot in the same set as the previous two vids on New Media Philosophy and Content Philosophy.) The thing is, my intent is really to say that you want to put some deliberate thought behind the act of sharing with those in your community. That's how you gain relationship capital in the economics of the social web.
But, like it is in the capital markets, the value of the financial instruments you keep in your portfolio is in part due to the type of instrument you hold. Some are worthless and convey little or no value.
In the same manner, I think part of the deliberate thinking that goes behind sharing content with others should also be a consideration about the "what" aspect of the thing you're intending to share. That, after all, will have an effect on the way you are perceived by others in your community.
What do you think?
This video is one of the dozens of free social media marketing video training and "how to" modules on Jara University. It's packed with hours of free social media marketing training for business. It includes social media marketing tips for: LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Blogging, Content / eMail Marketing, professional/expert seminars, a whole videoBook, eBooks and much more. You can register now for free by downloading the (also free) Social Media Marketing Essentials Mini Course and newsletter.
[Video transcript available. Click "Continue..." below.]
Video Transcript
Now, let's talk about networking and relationship building. Who is it you want to network with? If you're using social media for business, then you obviously can't spend all day on it... so you have to be very conscious about how you manage your time.
Now, if time is an issue, it’s important, then, that you consider mixing into your network people of influence.... Now, that doesn't mean you ignore everybody else. But, it does mean that you should take the initiative to find people who have large networks in which their reputation is solid.
Now, this loops back to relationships because you build those relationships by being giving.... so think.... I want you to make a list right now of all the people who you respect and admire in your industry. Whether they’re online or offline. Maybe you heard a friend talk about them, perhaps you read about them in a magazine or newspaper article, or it was perhaps listed for you in a video on a web training series given by somebody you’ve started to take a shine to.
Whatever, make the list.
Then, figure out a way that you can actually give those people something.... And as you do this, try to remember the old adage, it’s not so much what you give, it's the thought behind it.
If someone creates a new blog post, do your best to share it and syndicate it out to others. That's probably one of the easiest ways to start.
If somebody takes time to post a picture or a video that you like, share the link with your friends.
If you like a list of resources someone has taken time to compile and share in a blog post or a discussion forum, tell them so.
Okay, so you get the picture. You want to make great emphasis on connecting with folks who have large influence and use the philosophy of GIVING as your behavioral guide for content sharing.
