Stop. Look. Listen.

Three words you no doubt remember from childhood. Mother was right, even now, in this crazy world of new (social) media.

Have you been thinking about launching a social media marketing campaign? Are your competitors already using these new media channels? Before you do anything, I want you to STOP. This brave new world is an exciting place and it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. Where do you want to start? Are you going to create a blog, podcast, Facebook page or tweet? Before you dive in headfirst with all of them, choose one media channel to work with. There’s plenty of time to do all of them, but start slow with one.

Let’s say you’ve decided to create a blog. Great! Where should you start? With a little R&D of course! LOOK at what others in your space are doing. Where are your competitors and where are your customers? LISTEN and learn by reading their blogs regularly and commenting on them. It’s important that these experts get to know you and value what you add to the conversation. Why is this an important step? Because when you do start blogging, these same people will follow you back and regard you as an expert.

Every day, you should stop, look and listen. Take a break from the daily grind and perform some simple searches. Listen to what others are saying and join the conversation. The key is to be the center of something useful. Help others. Add value. Listen. Reciprocate. Ask questions. Comment and answer questions. Be an active part of the community in which you do business. Your customers are out there looking for you. This is your chance to foster community, conversation and commerce.

“Everyone is connected; connect your business to everyone.”
~Mitch Joel, Six Pixels of Separation