The First and Only Rule of Social Media for Salesmen
Social Media has grown beyond its infancy now and is in full on puberty, its getting all gangly and awkward now, showing a few pimples here and there, and worst of all its trying to impress people and show off in new ways. No where is this more evident than in the recent attacks of spammers, overagressive marketers, and pyramid schemes making their way through Twitter and Facebook and their smaller cousins.
As a salesman and a professional there is only one rule to follow if you’re going to be using Social Media as any form of weapon in your arsenal:
Don’t Sell Anything on Social Media
That’s right. Don’t sell anything. Don’t start publicly bidding on things, don’t throw prices, don’t brag about your product, don’t ask for business. These things will get you labeled as a spammer, douchebag, loser or some combination of the three. To be successful all you have to do is follow the corollary rule:
Just be visible and authentic
Be in the conversation, answer questions, ask questions, be helpful. Pay attention to the conversation about markets or things that are relevant to your selling. Answer questions honestly and fairly – even if they don’t directly make your product look better. Be available when people are complaining or questioning about what you’re selling. Be a part of the online community – and use it to be a part of your local community and your business community.
I’m fortunate to see this modeled day after day in my local community and twitter list. I see Joe Johnston talking about all sorts of things but never bugging people to go to Liberty Market, or Joes Real BBQ or Joes Farm Grill. I see Justin McHood being a local expert on mortgages but never asking someone to come refinance with him. Be like these two guys and you’ll be ok.
A-FREAKING-MEN!!
Other than that, I’ve got nothing to add. Great post.
Great post.
Although, I have to say – it is entertaining to watch a hard core sales person who is new to social media.
I always try to give them a little while to pick up before I…
Unfollow.
Agreed! I’ll admit it’s awfully difficult to stick with this simple concept at times. Simple offers of help can look slimy and offensive in the social media environment. I’m still working on it.
What a pile of crap!
COME TO MY WEBSITE AND I’LL SELL YOU THE TOP 5 SECRETS TO SELLING PRODUCTS USING SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!
but seriously, nice post and great examples, brother.
keep rocking it.
Justin, you’re more patient than I am. When someone starts pitching in their feed, I unfollow the crap out of them.
Bullseye! That’s all I have to add.
[...] If you claim something, be it. [...]
Chris -
Great points! I’ve been pointing a couple of nonprofits to your blog for a while now. Change a few words here and there and it’s incredibly applicable to their world. Keep up the great work!
Yes. Yes. And Yes.
Thank you for writing this. I wish every business owner, sales rep, and marketing director gets this into their heads.