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Social media works!

By
Industry Observer with Responsive Pest Control

Good morning! I was thinking today about how social media can be a really effective part of anyone's business. Is it the be all end all that will take you to the next level? Probably not. It may but don't forget to measure before continuing. What works for one person may not work for another.

Why do I say social media works? It almost seems counter to some of my other posts which have been somewhat skeptical by nature.

I think social media works if we all understand it is a great way to build relationships. Case in point: In an hour I'm going to meet with the President of a growing company for coffee. His company is a tech one who is actively involved in social media. I remember him saying that social media is a great way to build relationships. This was in the Fall. Now, here we are getting together IRL (in real life). I'm excited about the meeting as this is exactly the kind of person I'd like to stay in touch with.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I'm curious as to your experiences with social media. I haven't  hit the results home run yet but remain here because it allows me to build and strengthen my relationships. Have a great day!

Posted by

Paul McFadden

Iris Shamas
ITS Realty - Scottsdale, AZ

IRL (In Real Life)

I am still learning shortcuts and acronyms.

I have put a step in the social media direction and I am slowly getting there.

 

Apr 07, 2010 04:23 AM
Iris Shamas
ITS Realty - Scottsdale, AZ

IRL (In Real Life)

I am still learning shortcuts and acronyms.

I have put a step in the social media direction and I am slowly getting there.

 

Apr 07, 2010 04:23 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Social media is very hyped up.

How much direct business does it really bring you?

Yes, you'll find an old acquaintence or even a new acquaintance on the social media sites, but if you look at how much direct business it brings you, you'll see that you should only devote a small amount of your efforts to social media.

And I'm a techno-wiz with past experience as a programmer and web designer, so I'm speaking from first hand information from someone who was VERY hot on social media and jumped on board the band wagon.

Extreme discretion and moderation is very important with this.

Active Rain is one of the very few sites that can yield proven results.

I have a fair amount of direct business that has developed as a result of Active Rain.

Facebook is merely a tool I used in a casual, recreational/social way just to keep in touch with people.  That indirectly leads to social farming from a business standpoint, but I DO NOT use it as a business tool in any way.

I don't want to be negative, just realistic.  I think it's important for people to have good, real information when making decisions about social media and not get caught up in the hype that the social media vendors want you to be.

Apr 07, 2010 04:23 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Ralph: I agree with you.  It needs to be measured. Thanks for commenting!

Iris: Good luck! I think that you should take it slow. Business first!

Apr 07, 2010 04:32 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Paul:  I think you and I are a great example of why social media should be in your arsenal of marketing activities.  There would have been no way that we would have been aware of one another or in contact, were it not for AR.  No, our conversations did not produce business this time ... but who knows?  It is encouraging .. at least for me ... that opportunities DO exist through this medium.  Again, you and I are perfect examples of that ...   Best of luck in the coffee meeting!

Gene

Apr 07, 2010 05:50 AM
Frank Kliewer
Woodinville, WA

Hi Paul, social media certainly does work for you overtime, even when you are not around. Great tool to present who you are and what you do.

Apr 07, 2010 10:52 AM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

Paul,

It's a long-term project, is how I treat it. The key words I'm embracing are consistency and content.

Apr 08, 2010 07:32 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Esko: I agree with you. The problem is we are all a little impatient!

Frank: Thank you! I agree with you 100%.

Gene: Great point. Sometimes I think we forget why we're really here. I appreciate your friendship and bringing this to my attention. Take care.

Apr 08, 2010 08:19 AM