It seems like everyone has hopped on the social media train trolling for followers, and I guess I am no different. But how do you go about it? I double dog dare you to scroll just for a wee bit (Sorry St. Pat's leftovers)and not see an ad that pops up where it's a guy telling you "SEO is dead" and "We can get you 300 new reviews for $300". Or better yet, a "Digital Creator" which is just a hot gal in workout apparel with her junk hanging out sipping coffee and looking all cute in the frame.
Not going to lie. It pisses me off. It cheapens what the industry does and IS. You see, impressions are relative. Sure you want eyes,and in a perfect world you'll get "clicks". But what does this do for your business' bottom line when it comes to "actions"? What do you want to happen as a result of this "sponsored" campaign? I've always asked my clients that. And it's about the most important question to ask.
A few weeks ago, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attend a BNI meeting that I was invited to. A roundtable of business owners and marketing folk. There was about 25 in attendance. First thing I noticed was that this was not my people. In fact, during intros, they skipped me. TWICE. And nobody puts baby in the corner, especially when I put on "hard pants" and a nice shirt. So I introduced myself and what it is that I do for a living. It appeared I hit a nerve when I told some industry secrets. I asked if I could leave some business cards with the group, which was ok. But I only got one person who reached out and she was with a non-profit.
GREAT. At a time when we've been abandoned by central Illinois businesses that want to stay local, I need to work with someone who I can never charge a dime to.
What came next was extremely eye-opening. I set up a time to Zoom meet. What I found was that she needed eyes or "impressions" to her upcoming event. So I took my time and showed her how to get the word out without spending a dime. Not a broken promise or deal of 300 reviews for $300. And you know what? It felt great.
They say those that can't do-coach. Maybe it's time to have an entire paradigm shift to how I want to spend my last 10-15 years as a career. Go back to my consulting instead of trying to obtain new monthly clients. If the BNI group was any indication, there's a ton of people who could use the help. The quandary lies in how can I do this for a living and still pay the mortgage? That's where I am right now.
I guess you could say I'm looking for followers, but much like the great messiah Himself, I would rather preach what I know than to continue down this path. It is good. It is righteous. And let's face it. I need an excuse to dress in hard pants anyway.
Following :P