Scared of Social Media?

A friend of mine bought his first computer about a year ago.

He sells advertising. He's been doing this for 40 years.

I cannot imagine how difficult it was for him before he bought the computer.

If my 68 year old friend can do something new, you can too.

Here's some hints on how to get started with Social Media from MarketingProfs.com:

How to Connect With Customers on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

In today's marketplace, the customer is in control and companies are being held to a whole new level of accountability, Paul Chaney notes in an on-demand seminar at the MarketingProfs site. Today's skeptical consumers are downright resistant to advertisers—and "the pressure is on to improve targeting to achieve relevance and minimize waste," he says.

What's the best way to connect with today's picky consumers? Through social media, Chaney says—even if it's the last thing on earth you want to do!

In the seminar, Social Media Slowpokes: It's Not too Late to Connect With Your Customers Online, Chaney offers great guidance for social-wary marketers, including step-by-step tips for engaging customers on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Among his practical instructions:

Facebook: Set up a personal Profile; develop a Fan Page to pull supportive customers in; create and advertise Events; form Groups to engage in ongoing conversations; move into creating and running ads; effectively use the "Like" button.

LinkedIn: Create that all-important Profile first; import contacts to find existing LinkedIn members among them; use LinkedIn Answers to demonstrate your expertise; pull in your Twitter and blog feeds.

Twitter: Monitor what is being said about your company, products, services, industry and competition; gather valuable feedback about products or services; offer proactive customer service; promote events; drive traffic to your website or blog.

By following step-by-step how-to's, even the most reluctant among us can develop an effective social-media presence, Chaney argues. And in today's digital marketplace, staying anti-social is not an option, he concludes.

The Po!nt: Slow and steady wins the race. "Be easy on yourself," Chaney advises reluctant social-media marketers. Take one step at a time—and, to get off to a great start, "buy a state-of-the-art mobile device."

Source: MarketingProfs. View the full On-Demand Seminar (free for Pro members).

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