I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine recently which sparked the topic for this post. Her business is really consulting but she has so many different talents and is actually very good at each one of them. What I did learn is that her true passion isn’t really consulting which is why she’s currently reevaluating what she really wants to do.
The funny thing is that years ago she was recognized at her company for having the highest number of sales. She’s definitely not your typical sales person though, she made those sales due to her personality and her rapport with the customers. When she shared this story with me I was surprised to learn that she isn’t implementing social media marketing in her business.
After explaining to her how social media marketing can definitely help with attracting the right types of customers to her, the bells started going off in her head. She already knew she wasn’t happy doing what she’s doing and that things would definitely change for her this year, she just had no clue how that would all come into play. That is until we had this conversation.
Socializing online is not only fun, but beneficial for your business. How many times has someone purchased something from you because you took the time to find out more about them? What their needs were, what they were searching for, how you could actually help them?
The majority of my phone calls come from people who have either connected with me through my videos, my blog posts or connecting with me on Twitter. People find me approachable so they don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. I even had a lady connect with me recently through Twitter because she sent me a DM asking my advice and I took the time to respond. We struck up a conversation which turned into a phone call and initially a sell.
I am also not only seeing an increase in my traffic from my blog commenting, I have seen an increase in sales too. Am I making a killing yet? Well no, but I’m making a lot more than I was at the first of the year and it’s mostly because people are connecting with me, who I am. They are seeing my interaction with others on my blog posts, on Facebook and Twitter. They see me as someone who is approachable, who is willing to help and go that extra mile.
I had a lady tell me just the other day after purchasing my product and having a question about it that it’s been a very long time since she’s emailed the owner of a product with a problem and they actually responded to her and took the time to help her resolve the issues she was having. Sure, that falls under good customer service but because she has seen me as that type of person, she’s now eager to share what I offer with her friends and contacts.
Never discard social media thinking that it only involves “chatting” with people and you just don’t have time for that. Building relationships is the name of the game if you want to have success online. Anyone can sell a product but can you keep your customers coming back for more? Have you taken the time to get to know them, their needs and what they need help with?
By building those relationships so you can turn prospects into customers and then keeping those customers happy by continuing to give them what they want, you will see your business flourish like never before.
So think about this the next time you write your content, or you shoot a video or socialize with people on Facebook or Twitter. Put yourself in their shoes. Who would you rather buy from? Someone you connect with, who you can relate to, who you genuinely like, who you know will help you? Or someone who is only interested in making that next sale?
How has social media marketing benefited you in your business? Are you building relationships with future prospects and taking the time to get to know them? Are you a Twittering fool, perhaps Facebook is your #1 favorite or you are the next video King or Queen. Either way, I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts on this topic. Do you enjoy social media marketing and are your getting paid to socialize?
Until the next time, and there WILL be a next time! 
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Adrienne, this is a great story. I could not agree more because the most money I make from my blog is actually through socializing with people.
Not many blogs, aside from Problogger and Copyblogger can hope that people will just stumble on them and buy through their affiliate links. Trust sells and the best way to sell is build trust.
And some personality of course, which you don’t lack.
P.S. I am not a stalker, I just read your tweet about the new post as soon as it was published, lol.
Brankica recently posted..CuteRank Check your rankings in flying colors
I thought so too which is why it sparked my interest to actually write about it. Like you said, not too many blogs aside for the big guys can hope we get recognized and then people actually start wanting to learn from us and eventually purchase our products. Trust and a connection with others really does help tremendously. I have benefited so much from social media marketing and if you are really passionate about helping, then I truly believe everyone can benefit from this method…
Oh yeah, personality definitely does help. That I’m not lacking and neither are you! Thank goodness…
Stalk me girl, stalk me… LOL!!
Hi Adrienne, I like your ideas, thank you for sharing your client story and solution.
My best/highest sales or deals were closed via skype and email. It’s all about connecting and making friends with others, before you send them your proposal, whether a “guest post” request, joint venture or buying decision.
P.S. Social media is not just chatting, but a strategy we should take into account. You don’t have to follow or connect with everybody (that’s bad business), but the key people in your industry. Someone who you can help, and vice-versa, for real.
Codrut Turcanu recently posted..Affiliate Newbie Challenge 20 – How to Generate Your First 100 In 45 Days or Less
See, I knew it Codrut!!! Socializing and then building on those relationships is what builds trust and that is what leads to clients and sales. But you are right, social media is not just chatting… But that’s what some people have told me which is why they haven’t been taking the time to implement this into their marketing. It’s not about that and we can’t connect with everyone. We won’t connect with everyone because we are all different. I have met some key people in this industry who have actually reached out to me because I’ve been social and man has it ever benefited me and my business.
I love this topic and hope everyone else who isn’t implementing social media marketing will take a closer look at how it can really help you not only build relationships but also help you learn and grow.
Always appreciate you stopping by and I know we’ll be talking again soon.
Adrienne, another great article from you. Yes, most of the time its bloggers like you who refer me to people they know who are in need of help. There are one two many bloggers to mention here.
Eddie Gear – The Guy With An Attitude recently posted..Best WordPress Plugins I’ve Used Thus Far
Ah thanks Eddie!!! You are SO right..
When we meet awesome people through visiting blogs (like we have), we connect with some of those people and we may not specialize in the area that they do which is why we can refer our friends and prospects to them because we have built up that trust and know they will provide a great service. I’m SO not an expert in all areas and I enjoy helping my new found friends with their business as well. Socializing is benefiting everyone involved…
Hi Adrienne
It is always nice with a story from the real world. I totally get your point about connecting with people and let them know that you care about other people’s problems, without you have to sell the something. I have never met you and I live on another continent, but I have watched one of your video so I know how you sound and how you look. That leaves me with a pretty strong idea of how you are as a person and how you speak to people. That would be very important if I should buy something from you some day. I think that video is pretty important in this matter. Well of cause you need to have a good personality for this. I think we could find sales people out there as well there for sure never ever should make a video if they would like to ever make a sale again. Personality is very important if you want to make a sale I think.
Thomas recently posted..Organize your desktop icons with Fences
I totally agree Thomas… Doing video helps people connect with you on some level and also see what you look like. Anyone can put up an old photo so that sometimes doesn’t always stick with me. And having some type of connection definitely helps. I know for me, once people call me, they feel an instant connection which I LOVE!!!
I’m glad we connected even though you are on the other side of the world! I can learn a lot from you, you’re such a smart techie guy! An area I’m so lacking in! LOL!!!
Awesome post. When I first got on FB it was to chat with family and friends. I quickly learned the opportunities FB holds and it has changed my life.
I post on my blog daily now and Tweet and FB daily!
Just yesterday I learned more about blogs and another FB opportunity and this morning when I got up there were more posts on my blog than I’ve had in the last two weeks YEEHAW!!!! I’m so excited.
I’ve also been making videos and YouTubing ever chance I get. The difference that has made is outstanding. I’ve had people talk to me and they’re like, “Is that you?” They then feel a personal connection with me that they wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. It’s AMAZING!
Just yesterday I was getting ready for an interview with a lady and there were a few things that she didn’t know how to do (techy things). I spent probably two hours helping her. It was fun for me to be able to help someone and she learned a lot. We really had a great time!
Thank you for your wonderful post!
TAM
Tammy Matthews recently posted..Overcome The Fear of Failure
I LOVE that story Tammy!! I know exactly what you mean. Once you start connecting and sharing information you will find more and more people coming to you and leaving comments. You then start receiving that validation that what you are doing is right. And you are helping people learn which is so rewarding. It is such an amazing feeling. I’m right there with you!
I love that you are doing videos and enjoying the experience. The lady I mentioned in this post is fixing to get started doing videos because she doesn’t enjoy writing. She’s got the best personality and people love her so videos will help her tremendously. She has no idea but I don’t doubt that she’ll soon have the same response you are having.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this with us. See, I love hearing these success stories.
You are the Master Networker Adrienne! What you are talking about in this article is what I call the “New Customer Marketing” – companies can no longer afford to hide behind a website or product. In this age of transparency, they have to engage or interact with their customers or risk fading out their business. Great article!
Kelly
Hey thanks Kelly. Great minds think alike don’t they! Loved your post so we are definitely moving in that direction! I just wish more people would see that but I do believe it’s catching on. I know that those implementing this method will see a big rise in relationships with new customers for sure.
Thanks for your comment!
Adrienne, this was exceptional. As you know from reading my blog, I agree with your take on relationships–
Building relationships is the name of the game if you want to have success online.
Yes, it’s just sad that so many people and business owners (like your friend), just don’t get that. They don’t see the sheer power that a comes from the synergy of community and networking. But once they do catch a glimpse of how it works, then everything will change for them.
Well done Adrienne, well done!!
Marcus
Hey Marcus, thanks for visiting… I appreciate your input and know you agree with me on this subject. Most people I’m connected with online today are. Just a few that have never really dove into this yet are having problems wrapping their brains around it all. I get that though, it’s new, it’s different and they don’t have a clue how to go about this. It’s not like everyone you reach out to will be your target audience or someone you even care to connect with down the road. So it can be a confusing place to get started.
Always appreciate your input and your visits… See you again soon!
It is said that given all conditions being equal, people like to do business with friends. In fact I believe that even if all conditions are not equal, people still like to do business with friends. It is no wonder that networking, alumni get-together etc are hot. Or as they say that many multi-million and sometime even billion dollar deals are struck on the golf courses! So what has been true in the brick and mortar world should also be true on the internet. I fully agree with you that socializing on the internet is a key ingredient for marketing. Actually people do not like to be sold – they like to buy. And they buy from the ones they can trust because they are parting with something that is extremely dear to them – money.
Sanjeev Sharma recently posted..Environment Does Not Need Our Protection
I could not agree with you more Sanjeev… And you know I didn’t even think about that but you mentioned that people do business on the golf course. Another note I should take from my Dad. That’s where he did the majority of his business as a mater of fact. But you are so right. That’s one of the reasons Facebook has become so popular because it’s the place where people ask their friends what product or service they suggestion before purchasing. Another point well taken.
Thanks my friend… Appreciate your thoughts on this topic.
Social Media has helped my site immensely. I get a ton of traffic from Twitter, Reddit, and such sites and its been great making connections on social networks
Edwin recently posted..Recommend Sites To Friends and Family With Google 1
I love hearing that Edwin, thanks for sharing…
Hi Adrienne,
Building relationships is crucial for the success of any business online. I personally have been building relationships with various bloggers for many months. I also use social media constantly like facebook and twitter. The online business can’t flourish to the extent where want it to be without the use of social media and without building relationships with others. Thanks for sharing
Dia recently posted..Are you an optimist or a pessimist
Hey Dia,
You are so right and I think more and more people are realizing it. Even the ones who really aren’t that social in the social networking communities are realizing this now. I just don’t think some people haven’t given this much thought but hopefully they are waking up now! Appreciate your comment.
Hi Adrienne,
It’s really a great pleasure to read your articles and leave behind a comment. I’m just getting to know you through your blog and your blog reflects you. Not all extroverts are approachable, so keep it up.
Whoever termed that man is a social animal was so right, we need to interact and keep relations with others and in this age what can be the best way then utilizing the social media.
Hi Greg, thank you for that. I am SO approachable! LOL!!!
Having powerful social relationships is so important to us. I always remember that at the end of our lives what matters most to us! Your possessions or the relationships you have? Don’t ever discount that for a minute.
Hey Adrienne,
I think good social skills is a tremendous advantage in all walks of life. If people like you they will probably trust you and if they like and trust you then the greater the sales opportunity. Also when there is a problem (as there always will be in consulting) they will be more flexible in working towards a solution. To my way of thinking socialization is the foundation for good networking skills and networking/collaborative skillsare really required for any type of significant success in most fields.
Riley
Riley Harrison recently posted..ARE YOU STUCK
Hey Riley, always good to see you. I totally agree with you, if people like you then they most likely trust you and we all know those are the kinds of people we all want to work with.
I’ll start by saying that’s an inspiring story.Socializing is now undeniable one of the best way to connect with people for different purpose including marketing. I relaunched my affiliate marketing business last November I think social media marketing and blogging have been the 2 most important engines in my affiliate business. I still do lots of SEO as I have few e-commerce sites.
Alexis recently posted..Who Makes Money From Launches
Hey Alexis,
I appreciate that and I know she is excited about this new venture. Little did she realize it’s more important than ever with her current business and boy will it be a lot more fun too!
I’m with you, I relaunched my affiliate marketing business last November as well and it’s exploded through these methods. Social media has played a huge part in why I’m having much more success then I did in the past and I’m so happy to hear you are having the same results.
I appreciate you sharing your story with us as well. I wish you the very best of luck that is will continue to explode.
Adrienne
Twitter: berget
April 2, 2011 at 4:06 AM
Hi Adrienne,
I absolutely agree with you. When I buy products online (especially products related to Internet marketing), I always buy from people I have met and trust. I never just buy from the so-called Gurus who are sending emails to their list of thousands of people. That’s not for me.
For instance, about a month ago, I contacted Elise from Elise’s Review and asked her to send me her affiliate link for Elegant Themes. Because I knew she was using it, and because she was using it, I wanted it… and I wanted her to make the sale.
- Jens
Jens P. Berget recently posted..The presentation of my first novel
That’s awesome Jens that you contact your friends who are promoting a product and purchase through them. You are one in a million, that’s for sure. I have friends like that as well that when they are getting ready to purchase a particular product or service and they know I’ve helped them along the way, they have me send them my affiliate link and purchase through me. They also know that if they ever have any questions or problems, I’ll be there to help them. I only purchase products and use services I like and use myself.
Socializing is one of the best ways to get to know others and they can help us all along this journey we are on. We all aren’t on the same path so it’s nice to run across people who specialize in a certain area and can really help out.
Thank you for sharing that and good luck with your book! I have no doubt it will be a hit.
I certainly am of the opinion that if I had two people selling the same product – I’d purchase from the individual whom I feel the most comfortable with. The one who I feel in some way closer to. It’s certainly fun to socialize for work online!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..Building Up a Blogging Community
I totally agree with you Christian. I would do the same and I’m having a blast socializing online. Thanks so much for your comment. Hope you are enjoying your day!
Hi, Adrienne
Love your site. I believe this is my first time visiting. I was referred by Thomas @ TechWork.dk.
You’re absolutely right. Socializing is about building relationships. It helps to let people know you care…like you did when that lady needed some advice. It definitely goes a long way.
Hi Allyson and welcome to my blog. Thomas is a gem isn’t he! I’ll have to personally thank him for pointing you in my direction.
Socializing is definitely the way to go. If you aren’t online chatting it up with others and you are trying to build a business online, it’s going to be much harder. It’s like I’ve heard so many times over and over again.. People buy things from people they know, like and trust. If I’m going to buy something I will ask my friends first. If they happen to be online promoting that, I’ll definitely buy from them. So even if you are just getting to know people here online, it just opens your world up to so many other people that you would never have met any other way.
My friend that I mentioned in the post is now putting up a blog and fixing to get REAL social. I have no doubt that her business will really take off because she is such a fun person to talk to.
Sorry, I rambled long enough. I just love this subject as you probably can tell. Anyway, thanks again Allyson for stopping by and I truly appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day!
Adrienne
Yes, and that’s such great news about your friend. You’re not rambling at all. Your excitement shows passion. I’ve bookmarked your site and can’t wait to read more great posts from you.
Allyson Stewart recently posted..Is Your Website Committing Suicide with Unformatted Text
I’m excited for her too, she has so much to offer in her field of expertise!
You are way too kind because I definitely can talk… But you are right, I get so excited about what others are doing and what they are able to accomplish that I just can’t help myself.
So glad you will be back to visit again and you can trust I’ll be back to see you as well. I love meeting new people and seeing what they are doing. Thanks again Allyson!
Thank you!!!
Allyson Stewart recently posted..Is Your Website Committing Suicide with Unformatted Text
You are so very welcome…