\n<\/strong> They did so well before social media entered your purview.\u00a0 Just because you didn\u2019t realize it, does not mean it wasn\u2019t there.\u00a0 Now that you do know about their product, you can address it by actively differentiating your product.<\/p>\n
If they knew more about a topic, you can learn from them and put the knowledge into practice for your clients.\u00a0 Then, reciprocate by sharing what you know.\u00a0 Ignorance is NOT bliss when it comes to the competition and social media tools will help you learn more.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What if I make a mistake? 3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What if no one follows\/friends me?<\/strong> The reality online is the same as that offline:\u00a0 if you approach someone through Twitter, Facebook, or the like and start a conversation with them, they\u2019ll answer you back.\u00a0 Suddenly, you aren\u2019t alone in a corner.\u00a0 The lesson from offline networking is that we mustn\u2019t rely on others to seek us out; rather, we must dive into the conversation with our questions and ideas.\u00a0 Inevitably, this leads to conversation and followers\/friends!<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What if I don\u2019t have anything to say?<\/em><\/strong> My advice is always to start small and to set goals.\u00a0 If the idea of writing full length articles each week is just too much at first, start by hoping on Twitter and listening.\u00a0 Try sharing something that another expert has written.\u00a0 Try asking a genuine question.\u00a0 Chances are good that, as you get more comfortable with the online world, you\u2019ll start to hear questions and concerns that inspire you to leverage your expertise and to continue the conversations in a longer format \u2013 an article.<\/p>\n 5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 And, the top \u201cwhat if . . .\u201d What if someone speaks negatively about my business?<\/strong> The \u201cwhat ifs\u201d are scary, but not insurmountable.\u00a0 With practice, conversing online will become second nature and an opportunity to share your business on a broader scale.<\/p>\n – Rachel<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong> As your mother told you way back when, \u201cwe all make mistakes.\u201d\u00a0 Learn from it and move on.\u00a0 Assuming you avoid being over-the-top lewd or disrespectful, chances are that no one is even going to notice.\u00a0 If they do notice, the error will be quickly forgotten if you stay genuine, continue to share your expertise, and maintain a committed online presence.<\/p>\n
\nI get this, because offline no one wants to end up at a networking event standing in the corner, sipping a drink, with no one to talk to.\u00a0 But, how often has this actually happened?\u00a0 When you arrive, don\u2019t you just walk up to someone, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.\u00a0 Then, exchange business cards and a new contact is added to your \u201cRolodex.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThis is a common question, but I find it ironic since we\u2019re talking all day, every day about our work \u2013 to our colleagues, other businesses and consumers, our neighbors.\u00a0 The difference in social media is that we are now being asked to write thoughts down: put in front of a blank piece of paper, many of us freeze.<\/p>\n
\nWe come back to the fact that, if they are going to say something negative, they were going to do so whether you were part of the conversation or not.\u00a0 By being there, you have an opportunity.\u00a0 You have the chance to correct misinformation, address customer service issues, or make the frustrated person feel heard.<\/p>\n
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