How to use today's web tools and social networking to market your firm
Starting a new business is very exciting. I mean, think about it. You have a product and you want to sell it right? Make a little money and have some fun doing it? Well, it sounds simple enough.
What’s your product anyway? Maybe you’ve got the hottest new 3 legged, mechanical-robot dog that won’t hump your leg or poop on your carpet. It’s all the rage in Laos and the Samoan Islands (who knew right?). And you think you can sell a load of them here. What’s even better, your aunt Petunia has a cousin three times removed and she’s married to a Laos based exporter that can ship them to you for nothing. And you’re thinking, “I can sell em here and make a killing!“ “If they liked Elmo – they’re gonna love this!â€
What next? Sell some dogs you say. MARKETING! Aha! I could power up a bunch of the little suckers and let them start barking their heads off. But who’s going to notice them on my front porch? So “how do I get these dogs off my front porch?†How do you sell without spending yourself silly with promotions, ads, mailings and TV showsâ€. And who’s got that kind of cash when you're trying to prove to yourself that this will work? Not to mention good ol’ Aunt Petunia – she never did think I’d do much with my life – I’ll show her…oh…umn…never mind…
Well for me – it’s not a mechanical dog or a foil Martian hat or some crazy new age rock. It’s a service. People selling what other people need and I want to help them find each other (and maybe get some $$ for my work – three legged dog not withstanding I’ve got hungry mouths to feed).
So like a lot of people I looked at the internet and said, “We need to create a place where sellers can find buyers". Build an site that showcases professionals so customers can find them, learn about their servcies and make better, more informed choices. Well, I’ve convinced a few professionals I’m the man for the job and my site is the best and I'll get them new clients. Next – GET customers. The internet again! The internet is amazing. And it’s getting more powerful as new technologies and social and business networks become more useful and pervasive. Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Yahoo, YouTube, Friendster and many others are booming. Everyone is using them to stay in touch. And with other tools like Twitter, instant messaging, texting and conferencing there now are so many ways to attract customers, build a message and sell to your network of friends and co-workers.
You need web networking and selling tools in your marketing plans. It’s not only cheap (or free), it’s also the way of doing business in the future. My buyers can view a weekly video or text blog, use instant messaging tools to stay in touch, post their own videos, create their own message and stay in touch with their customers. NETWORK using the Web and you’re bound to sell more three legged dogs than you ever dreamed you would. Just don’t tell Aunt Petunia. She’ll start bugging you
