Don’t Just Blow Your Own Trumpet To Make Sweet Social Media Music

Do you use social media to promote your business, organisation or charity? Do you spend some of your time promoting other people?

If you have answered yes to the first question and no to the second then maybe you need to stop just ‘blowing your own trumpet’ and get more involved with the other members of the band to get the best from your social media activities!

Image courtesy of Simon Howden/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

But why would I say that – isn’t the whole point of all that activity to tell the world how great you are and what you can do to enhance peoples lives. Surely your social media platforms are a wonderful showcase, a glorified electronic billboard which allows you to parade your wares to potential customers.

Well they certainly can be but not if you just use them to promote yourself. Think it of it like being at a party, you can generally spot the people who talk about themselves all the time as they are soon to be found standing on their own!

Consider this:

• You are much more likely to attract followers, likes and good quality connections if your own social media streams are varied, not too self promoting and generously share the great work of others.
• You are much more likely to be seen as an authority in your field if you inform and entertain with links from a variety of sources.
• You are much more likely to be able to engage and interact with potential customers and clients if you are viewed as a real person who is interested in what other people are doing.

You don’t need to stop telling the world what you can do or start promoting your direct competitors however highlighting interesting and helpful information from other sources will enhance your own reputation. One thing is certain, if you are seen as a walking advert for yourself none of the above things are likely to happen however good you may be. It’s all about getting the balance right.

So take a few moments to look at your social profiles and view them as a potential follower would. Do you come over as a ‘billboard’ or as a real and active member of the human race? It’s never to late to change so if you feel that you are being a bit of a soloist at the moment get out there to bang a few drums and blow a few trumpets for others.

My next post will give you some simple ideas as to how to do just that so be sure to subscribe and connect to make sure you don’t miss it.

What do you think? Do you use social media to promote yourself and if so what sort of approach do you take?

Many thanks for visiting today, I look forward to seeing you again soon.