So you're at a bar, it’s Friday afternoon and you're enjoying a well deserved knock off, enjoying catching up with some mates after a busy week. Out of nowhere a guy comes along, interrupts and starts trying to sell you a weight loss package, a car, a Google campaign, a pair of shoes! About now you’re thinking - What The? How rude. He’s interrupting a personal social catch up with friends. He’s not invited. He’s a stranger.

There’s a huge problem with social media, it’s being abused. It is SOCIAL media, not SELLING media. If social media is the basis for your marketing campaign, think about your message, the intent, don’t go straight to sell, sell, sell.

So, here’s the same scenario, but different.

So you're at a bar, it’s Friday afternoon and you're enjoying a well deserved knock off, enjoying catching up with some mates after a busy week. Guy comes along, introduces himself, he overheard you were talking about a mutual friend, he’s from out of town and asks if he can join you. You discuss the mutual friend and you start to create a connection. He buys a drink, you share a laugh, some interesting chit chat, and you find you have quite a lot in common. You go your separate ways and invite him next Friday.

You catch up again, chat and you start to get to know him, and he gets to know you. After a couple of weeks he mentions he sells XYZ. Interesting you’ve been researching XYZ, He’s able to give you all the knowledge you need, and adds some real value and he’s able to answer all your questions! This guy knows his stuff, plus he can give you a better warranty and deliver it the next day!

Fabulous. You agree to buy XYZ from HIM, he’s no longer a stranger he’s your new friend, he’s solved your problem and offered you a solution, he’s very trustworthy, and really knowledgeable.

Winning!

There’s a simple lesson here, remember social media is SOCIAL MEDIA! Dont disrespect your audience with irrelevant content, unnecessary interruptions, get to know them first, explore their behaviour, interest and get some insights. Start thinking of your followers as friends. After all, the best thing to have is a friend! And the best thing you can be is a mate.