Diving into the world of social media doesn’t have to mean you have to go hog-wild with a portfolio of blogs, a twitter feed, engagement in every social networking site out there and a virtual office in second life.
This isn’t an all or nothing game. All it requires is the recognition that conversations are going on, and a willingness to be a part of them.
Designate one or two people who can communicate well, and make it their job to spend some time online looking for conversations about you. And empower them to become a part of that conversation. Here are some basics:
-If people are saying good things about you, be appreciative and maybe even give them a freebie of another product you think they might enjoy.
-If people are complaining…be appreciative. No, really. Thank them for bringing these issues to light, and do whatever it takes to rectify the situation. Be genuine, generous and deferential, and you could turn a former customer into an evangelist for your brand.
-If people aren’t talking about you…find the places where your prospects and customers hang out online, and try to start the conversation. Again, be genuine about who you are. Don’t pretend to be someone who is “just an average Joe” extolling the virtues of your product. If your ruse is discovered, it will kill your credibility.
And then you WILL have a conversation on your hands.
One, maybe two, hours a week is a good place to start. And build from there.
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