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Quick Tips for Better Social Media and Transparency
by Nancy Jarial
Are you honest, responsive, and thoughtful when it comes to your family and friends? Then let these traits carry over to your business world. Your customers will relate to you more if you open up and let your business become transparent. The word, “transparency,” has become popular through the development of social media and its strategies for business use. Being more transparent in business is one of the newer ways companies are connecting with customers. Using this strategy can build better relationships and bigger business. Here are a few quick tips for using social media to become more transparent:
• Be an expert in your field. Stick to what you know and discuss your expertise on social media outlets and blogs. The key is to be genuine and personable.
• Offer your opinion or expertise on a subject, but don’t be too overbearing. Keep in mind, you are likely to offend someone with discussions about political or religious views. So, it is best to stay away from these topics. Remember, you need to be accountable for the content you are putting out there.
• Be honest with your customers. You don’t have to air all your companies flaws, but being honest about issues that affect your customers is always the best decision.
• Be responsive. Conversations and topics change so rapidly, you need to respond as they are happening. This will take some time, but it is well worth the effort. Just think of it as consistently networking with other professionals.
• Think of your friends and followers as a community. Be thoughtful and supportive of their activities and businesses. Social media is not just about promoting yourself, it is also about promoting the endeavors of others and sharing good resources.
So how do you promote transparency through social media, and how has it affected your customer relations?
BIN2010
Nancy Jarial, our Marketing Manager, called me this morning and asked, “What do you think about a blog post on the BIN2010 conference?” Of course I heard, “We need a post on BIN2010, RIGHT NOW!” I said, “Sure… let me squeeze that into my to-do list, it’s only three pages long.” But she heard, “I’ll get right on it, Nancy!” So… I got right on it.
What’s Age Got To Do With It?
Paul Poteet (@PaulPoteet) began his keynote address by stating he was the “oldest person in the room.” Paul, you were definitely not. I have shoes older than the average age of the audience in that auditorium. My wife asked how it went, and I told her it was a blast being with some of the best and brightest young people I could imagine. Does social networking transcend generations? Is it appropriate for a boomer to friend a millennial? I hope so. I hope we can get past any generational prejudices (well, I’m old, so I’d think that) and base relationships on similarities not dissimilarities. Okay… enough rambling.
Spinning With Ideas
Paul Poteet was HILARIOUS and informative. I hope everyone absorbed the lesson he put into action about having a back-up plan on stage, at work, or in life. Kyle Lacy (@kyleplacy) not only has the content (we all know that), he’s also a master at leading an audience with open-ended questions. Jason Falls’s (@JasonFalls) presentation, “The Art of Conversation,” gave concrete ideas on how to attract, rather than promote. I applaud Jason for the courage to share his own personal inappropriate posting experiences. Jeremy Dearringer’s (@Slingshot_SEO) discussion focused on search reputation by, among other actions, focusing on customer service. Customer service is near and dear to my heart. I had the privilege of mentoring and guiding Unique Home Solutions, an organization that developed the most award-winning service in the US, within an industry not known for service. If Bruce McClain (@sbh_bruce) from Scotty’s BrewHouse (@brewhouse) had not told us he was “filling in,” we would not have known.
Wish I Could’ve Gone To Them All
You rock, Rocky (and so did everyone else)! Rocky Walls (@RockyWalls) not only offered an entertaining, value filled presentation, he made it easy and comfortable to participate. From Erik Deckers(@edeckers), I have four pages of notes (yes, you can tell the old guy at BIN2010 by the pen and paper). Tricia Meyer (@sunshinetricia) put more content into an hour than I thought possible — she has a great personality. Carissa Newton (@fullcirclec) gave me the ammunition I needed to look at our team and say, “blog five days a week!” And what a great story Heather Sokol (@JustHeather) shared about her media and blogging experience — talk about leveraging opportunity. The burlesque-ing Chuck Gose (@chuckgose) got my attention with, “If you are bored writing it, imagine what it’s like on the readers’ end!” (Crap… I hope this is not boring.)
Face-To-Face Social Interaction Is Not Overrated!
While attending BIN2010 with Lindsey Richardt (@LindseyUHS) and Greg McMullen (@mcmullen_greg) from Unique Home Solutions, I had a great time chatting with Jon Bausman (@JonBausman) from Rickers Oil (@RickerStores), Kevin Mullett (@kmullett) from Cirrus ABS (@cirrusabs), and Jeremy Williams(@jeremyawilliams) with The Indiana Office of Tourism (@VisitIndiana). Also, it was too cool speaking with Amy Magan from 4th Frog Blog (@4thfrog) and Lindsay Manfredi (@LindsayManfredi) of Neon Love Life (@NeonLoveLife) (although brief, as I had no sleep — my band, Under The Radar, played at John Wayne’s Pub, Friday night). Check out Lindsay’s band at IndyFringe (@IndyFringe) on Thursday, August 26th.
I’m excited about following up on the seminars I did not attend — check out the slides! Thank you, BIN2010, for a head spinning, idea inspiring, information gathering, millennial confirming, networking event!
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