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How Much Do You Really Know?

You’re using social networks and other social media sites day in and out to improve your reach on potential customers and new followers. You think you’re doing everything right, but then you ask someone who has success, “how am I doing?” The response, “Honestly, you suck.” Alright, the answer wasn’t that harsh, but you get the point. I’m using this post as a personal reflection of advice I received from someone who is making money and knows how to implement a social media strategy to make money.

Seek Out Advice From Someone Successful

Jordan Cooper of Not A Pro Blog and I were recently talking about my strategy using social media and my blog to build my online business.  I usually will go to Jordan for this type of advice because he’s brutally honest and he helps me get back on the right track.  Now, Jordan didn’t tell me I suck, rather he told me that he didn’t feel I was utilizing blogging and social media to the point where I am going to make money online.  I could have become angry with him and threw a fit telling him he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.  Oh, but wait he does.  Rather than argue with Jordan, I asked him what I would need to do to improve.  I used his stance on my social media strategy and asked for his honest advice to improve myself.  See, when someone doesn’t think I’m doing something properly, if they have experience and known success, I want their tips.

Conversations Bring About New Ideas

I’ve talked with Jordan many times and we’ve had some good conversations.  I don’t always agree with what he says, but that’s the beauty of opinions related to social media – none are right or wrong.  Its all about personal preference and what you want to get out of using these tools. After our talk, I got to thinking.  What are my strengths?  What do I know best?  Technology and social media I consider strong points, but my strong points come primarily with technology. However, there are many aspects of technology – which part do I fit into to?  That was easy tech support.  I’m very good with computers and helping people improve their computer performance. From that brainstorming and my conversation with Jordan, I was able to understand that utilizing your blog based around what you know best is how you build a business.  Its all about creating a sales funnel.  A mix of free products and paid products that you create.

What Have You Learned?

I was able to put things into perspective.  Do I feel I understand social media?  Yes, I don’t care what anyone says.  I will always believe its about the conversations and relationships you make with people.  Building upon your social media strategy as you see fit can be the challenge.  You need to take advice from others – that’s a perk social media brings us.  People are willing to share information.  Just because someone is successful online doesn’t mean they are going to charge you for advice.  Well, most will not!  Funny thing is, most of the stuff out there on the internet is crap as well all know.  You can find almost anything you are looking for, for free, just by searching Google.

What Can I Take Away From All Of This?

Social media strategies aren’t set in stone, but its always good to seek out advice especially if you feel the path your heading down doesn’t seem to be working.  That’s the biggest hurdle people face in this space.  They want advice, but they don’t really.  They want a sugar coated answer instead of the truth.  I’d rather the truth because that’s what helps me improve and get going on the right track.  I have to thank Jordan for his advice, he gave me a good look into things.  He wouldn’t have said what he said if he didn’t give a crap.  Remember, if you make solid contacts via these social networks, those individuals may be more likely to help you.

Reaching New Directions For Business

I’ve learned that I needed to analyze what I am good at.  I understand social media and technology, but I need to zone into a specific aspect of those two mediums.  That’s where it hit me that my tech support skills are a highly desired commodity – which is why I launched FrankAngelone.com.  My blog is still going to talk about social media and technology because I will expand my services to social media consulting when they’re in demand.  Right now, its time to start small.  I will write my technology blog posts based around computer tech tips on how to maintain your computer.  Don’t worry, I still will be giving my insight on social media strategies because I do know these techniques work (they’ve worked for me).  I’ve always felt in sharing relevant and valuable information to help make your decisions easier when dealing with anything social media or tech related.

Feedback…

I’d like your thoughts on getting advice from those in the social media scene?  Have you ever sought out advice?  Did you feel what you were doing wasn’t working and needed to go down a different path?  If so, how did it go and what obstacles did you run into along the way?

Further reading:

Louis Gray Interview – Early Adopters In Social Media

How To End The Negativity From Social Media Users

3 Common Social Media Marketing Blunders

Jordan Cooper Interview – Being Transparent On Social Networks

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