Sigh.
I know some of you are here for the get-rich quick answer, and if you are, you can stop now. That headline was bait, pure and simple. Sorry. But the claim is true, and I’ll explain.
Today on Twitter’s #SMChat, DJ Waldow asked about professional uses for Twitter and what we got out of it.
In my first year as an independent consultant, I can attribute over $100K in revenue for my business directly to Twitter. How?
- I went on Twitter and I followed people who were in industries that interested me, and those that reflected the kind of customers I wanted to have. That was PR and marketing agencies, and mostly mid to larger size brands (because they have money to spend). Twitter is far more about who YOU follow than who follows you.
- I talked to them. Said hi. Had lots of conversations about everything from work to cooking to horseback riding to beer and cars and pets and books. All sorts of stuff. Just getting to know people. I spent a couple of hours a day doing this with nothing more than the intention of building relationships and conversation systems with people.
- Eventually some of those people became business friends and acquaintances. And when it came time for them to ask what I did, I told them. Without the sales pitch.
- If they needed what I did, they said hey, that’s interesting. Can I email you a couple of questions? They did. We talked.
- I wrote proposals. I went on pitches.
- I won some work.
- I worked my ass off to deliver.
- Repeat.
Over the course of a year, it amounted to about $100K in revenue through client work that followed this path, starting with Twitter.
The magic in making money with social media isn’t that the site or social network becomes a revenue center itself. I didn’t sell stuff on Twitter. I gave people access to me and my expertise, and paid attention to when the time might be right to talk business.
That’s the trick here, folks. Social media is rarely the cash register. It’s communication tools that help form the foundation for healthy business relationships that might eventually lead to sales elsewhere. Whether you’re B2B or B2C.
Twitter was just the handshake that got the conversation started. It required an investment of time and effort for me to spend time there and converse without the intent to sell something, and lay the groundwork for trust and relationships. Much like having lunch or going to networking events. I spent time getting to know the people that might eventually be the decision maker for a project that I could be hired for. And when they needed something like what I did, they often thought of me.
It’s that simple, and yet that complex.
There’s no shortcut to success. No formula or checklist that you can complete and be guaranteed results. And in the end, all I’ve done is show you that Twitter is a way to get introduced to people that might want to work with you.
The rest? Well. It’s up to you to do work that’s worth paying for.
[quick point of clarification: I’ve been working for Radian6 for the last year, and no longer do independent consulting. These are the results from when I was a consultant, and my first year of operation in 2008.]
This is so true & so well put: Twitter is just the handshake that got the conversation started.
@CASUDI
ok so i have 500 folowers in my account let me know that how much more should i gain for earning money ?
and please let me any legal way.
This is so true & so well put: Twitter is just the handshake that got the conversation started.
@CASUDI
Amber, it sounds as if the bulk of that revenue came the fourth quarter, after you spent the first three being social. I’m going to have to look further to see how one gets results a little quicker than that.
That’s actually not true. I captured my first contract from a Twitter relationship in the first three months. It’s about your ability to be relevant and timely, and direct without being obnoxious. It’s a business skill that’s hard to teach. But regardless, if you want quick and sustainable results, my 15+ year career has taught me repeatedly that there’s no such thing.
Amber, it sounds as if the bulk of that revenue came the fourth quarter, after you spent the first three being social. I’m going to have to look further to see how one gets results a little quicker than that.
That’s actually not true. I captured my first contract from a Twitter relationship in the first three months. It’s about your ability to be relevant and timely, and direct without being obnoxious. It’s a business skill that’s hard to teach. But regardless, if you want quick and sustainable results, my 15+ year career has taught me repeatedly that there’s no such thing.
This is why you’ll be my wife someday:
“Social media is rarely the cash register. It’s communication tools that help form the foundation for healthy business relationships that might eventually lead to sales elsewhere”
That is all
I’m still waiting for the ring in the mail.
When is the UNwedding????!!! I definitely want to be on hand to live stream it on Twitterface. LOL!!! And Scott, Amber deserves a big, BIG rock!
Awesome post Amber. 🙂
I love that you are getting marriage proposals via blog comment. Now that is something!
Amber, I love your post and completely agree with you. Unbelievable people and opportunities have come into my life since I started using Twitter. Thanks for sharing!
This is why you’ll be my wife someday:
“Social media is rarely the cash register. It’s communication tools that help form the foundation for healthy business relationships that might eventually lead to sales elsewhere”
That is all
I’m still waiting for the ring in the mail.
When is the UNwedding????!!! I definitely want to be on hand to live stream it on Twitterface. LOL!!! And Scott, Amber deserves a big, BIG rock!
Awesome post Amber. 🙂
I love that you are getting marriage proposals via blog comment. Now that is something!
Amber, I love your post and completely agree with you. Unbelievable people and opportunities have come into my life since I started using Twitter. Thanks for sharing!
Scott just broke my heart and made me spit milk in my lap. Sadly, that is all.
I did love this: “Twitter is far more about who YOU follow than who follows you.” Do you have a sister?
.-= James Ball´s last blog ..Rules, Golden For A Reason =-.
I do. But she has this boyfriend guy that might object to my introducing her to random men I know. 🙂
“I worked my ass off to deliver.”
That’s the key many miss – the follow through to ensure you get done what you say you will get done. If that had not been done properly, then you would have had a much different outcome.
Often, many get the work, but then fail to deliver.
.-= Bill´s last blog ..Server move successful =-.
“I worked my ass off to deliver.”
indeed.
the dear old golden rule.
the true daily mission of every job bejond fancy literature, period.
not to be mentioned the resiliency needed in pt. 8
That’s a huge point, and it’s the part that most of the failed attempts miss. Follow through is everything, and that’s something you can’t get by checking an item off a list.
Scott just broke my heart and made me spit milk in my lap. Sadly, that is all.
I did love this: “Twitter is far more about who YOU follow than who follows you.” Do you have a sister?
.-= James Ball´s last blog ..Rules, Golden For A Reason =-.
I do. But she has this boyfriend guy that might object to my introducing her to random men I know. 🙂
“I worked my ass off to deliver.”
That’s the key many miss – the follow through to ensure you get done what you say you will get done. If that had not been done properly, then you would have had a much different outcome.
Often, many get the work, but then fail to deliver.
.-= Bill´s last blog ..Server move successful =-.
“I worked my ass off to deliver.”
indeed.
the dear old golden rule.
the true daily mission of every job bejond fancy literature, period.
not to be mentioned the resiliency needed in pt. 8
That’s a huge point, and it’s the part that most of the failed attempts miss. Follow through is everything, and that’s something you can’t get by checking an item off a list.
“Twitter was just the handshake that got the conversation started.” I TOTALLY agree. Cool post! I realized I was using Twitter incorrectly recently and I created a whole new account and have much more success connecting with people and seeing much more momentum. And you know what? It’s actually much more fun to use it this way too! 🙂
.-= scott aughtmon @rampbusinesses´s last blog ..The 9 Challenges Every Successful Business Overcomes – Challenge #6 =-.
Good for you for course correcting! Hope it continues to work well for you.
“Twitter was just the handshake that got the conversation started.” I TOTALLY agree. Cool post! I realized I was using Twitter incorrectly recently and I created a whole new account and have much more success connecting with people and seeing much more momentum. And you know what? It’s actually much more fun to use it this way too! 🙂
.-= scott aughtmon @rampbusinesses´s last blog ..The 9 Challenges Every Successful Business Overcomes – Challenge #6 =-.
Good for you for course correcting! Hope it continues to work well for you.
Thank you. Again and again, friends encourage me to to get involved in social media. I’m not a sales and marketing type, so I thought I was missing something.
Thank you for taking the slickness out of it and making it more human and friendly.
.-= Paul Hawkins´s last blog ..Other, Please Specify… notes from an off-white American =-.
Thank you. Again and again, friends encourage me to to get involved in social media. I’m not a sales and marketing type, so I thought I was missing something.
Thank you for taking the slickness out of it and making it more human and friendly.
.-= Paul Hawkins´s last blog ..Other, Please Specify… notes from an off-white American =-.
This is so true — I started up in November and networking has be responsible for about eight clients. I can’t beleive the power of the network — the the real and “e” ones. Twitter is like the Chamber of Commerce’s ‘mix and mingle’ only it’s worldwide.
This is so true — I started up in November and networking has be responsible for about eight clients. I can’t beleive the power of the network — the the real and “e” ones. Twitter is like the Chamber of Commerce’s ‘mix and mingle’ only it’s worldwide.
Sing it, sister!
Great post — the headline hooked me; the content made me stay. Sounds a lot like social media marketing, huh?
And if there is an Unmarketing-Cadabra wedding, I want to be there.
Sing it, sister!
Great post — the headline hooked me; the content made me stay. Sounds a lot like social media marketing, huh?
And if there is an Unmarketing-Cadabra wedding, I want to be there.
Awesome post, Amber – it really demonstrates the true value of social media. I’m passing this along to all the salespeople I know and hope they learn something from it.
.-= Sharon Mostyn´s last blog ..Putting The Social Back In Social Media =-.
Awesome post, Amber – it really demonstrates the true value of social media. I’m passing this along to all the salespeople I know and hope they learn something from it.
.-= Sharon Mostyn´s last blog ..Putting The Social Back In Social Media =-.
Thank you, Amber.
As a social media marketer myself, I get annoyed on an all too regular basis as to how people use Twitter and Facebook. I try to stress that everyone is talking, and no one is listening on, especially on Twitter. By continually spamming your potential customers you’re losing any value that you could be gaining through social media. In case you’re interested, You Are What You Tweet.
Anyways, your post should be used as a 101 on how to promote yourself, and the key is, building relationships. That’s the real beauty of what social media presents itself. Some use it for good, others use it for evil (or at least to annoy).
Well done,
Zach
.-= zach´s last blog ..Every Stupid Person Needs ESPN =-.
Thank you, Amber.
As a social media marketer myself, I get annoyed on an all too regular basis as to how people use Twitter and Facebook. I try to stress that everyone is talking, and no one is listening on, especially on Twitter. By continually spamming your potential customers you’re losing any value that you could be gaining through social media. In case you’re interested, You Are What You Tweet.
Anyways, your post should be used as a 101 on how to promote yourself, and the key is, building relationships. That’s the real beauty of what social media presents itself. Some use it for good, others use it for evil (or at least to annoy).
Well done,
Zach
.-= zach´s last blog ..Every Stupid Person Needs ESPN =-.
Wow Amber, that’s so awesomely simple that anyone could do it. What makes YOU great is that you actually did it.
Bravo!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to work a little more so I van write my overnight success story. 🙂
.-= Phil Gerbyshak ´s last blog ..Tanmay Vora: #QUALITYtweet interview =-.
Ah overnight success. I know a guy who knows a thing or two about that. 🙂
Wow Amber, that’s so awesomely simple that anyone could do it. What makes YOU great is that you actually did it.
Bravo!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to work a little more so I van write my overnight success story. 🙂
.-= Phil Gerbyshak ´s last blog ..Tanmay Vora: #QUALITYtweet interview =-.
Ah overnight success. I know a guy who knows a thing or two about that. 🙂
Great post as always Amber, my favorite parts:
.-= Jeremy Bryant´s last blog ..links for 2010-02-24 =-.
Great post as always Amber, my favorite parts:
.-= Jeremy Bryant´s last blog ..links for 2010-02-24 =-.
Total awesome sauce. You really nail it with #7 – “worked my ass off to deliver.” That’s the thing those “get rich quick with social media” people can’t or don’t do.
“Twitter was the handshake that got the conversation started.”
The rest…is up to us.
You’re a pure delight and I so enjoy your smarts and your wit.
Thanks for that, Kary. Appreciate your spending some time over here.
Total awesome sauce. You really nail it with #7 – “worked my ass off to deliver.” That’s the thing those “get rich quick with social media” people can’t or don’t do.
“Twitter was the handshake that got the conversation started.”
The rest…is up to us.
You’re a pure delight and I so enjoy your smarts and your wit.
Thanks for that, Kary. Appreciate your spending some time over here.
Amber,
I hit the Twitter jackpot after one month!
I love that this post is as much about solid business skills and hard work as social media savvy. You know I’m a neophyte trying to learn about social media and blogging through immersion. In the last month I’ve built my own brain trust on Twitter through the people I follow. Some know me from Social Fresh and have conversations with me. But for now, I mostly get to witness some serious talent and wit as a fly on the wall.
You wrote about relationships that you built on Twitter. I’m learning by watching the conversations that the ‘experts’ have with each other. It sounds creepy. I know.
But seeing the dynamics of the public, Twitter version of those relationships is educational for someone like me. Over time you can see the connections – who influences whom, who retweets the same links because they have the same interests, who finds news first, who blogs what first. Or simultaneously. (DJ Waldow and Scott Stratten, this means you 😉 )
For anyone who wants to get rich quick on Twitter, I say broaden your ideas about currency. Learning how ‘experts’ get people’s attention, influence them, and learn from them is pretty valuable.
How else are people measuring the value of Twitter?
Welcome to the comments, Emily. Thanks for coming out of your shell. 🙂 I think you’re setting an awesome example for other people already.
Amber,
I hit the Twitter jackpot after one month!
I love that this post is as much about solid business skills and hard work as social media savvy. You know I’m a neophyte trying to learn about social media and blogging through immersion. In the last month I’ve built my own brain trust on Twitter through the people I follow. Some know me from Social Fresh and have conversations with me. But for now, I mostly get to witness some serious talent and wit as a fly on the wall.
You wrote about relationships that you built on Twitter. I’m learning by watching the conversations that the ‘experts’ have with each other. It sounds creepy. I know.
But seeing the dynamics of the public, Twitter version of those relationships is educational for someone like me. Over time you can see the connections – who influences whom, who retweets the same links because they have the same interests, who finds news first, who blogs what first. Or simultaneously. (DJ Waldow and Scott Stratten, this means you 😉 )
For anyone who wants to get rich quick on Twitter, I say broaden your ideas about currency. Learning how ‘experts’ get people’s attention, influence them, and learn from them is pretty valuable.
How else are people measuring the value of Twitter?
Welcome to the comments, Emily. Thanks for coming out of your shell. 🙂 I think you’re setting an awesome example for other people already.
Rick — I think the point of Amber’s post is that it doesn’t happen faster than that. You *have* to invest the time to develop the relationships that bring you business. There’s no way around it. If you push too hard, you’ll create rifts, not bonds. And if all you do is sell, you’ll become noisy and ineffective.
There’s no shortcut. There’s no faster way. And when it comes to starting up anything, be it a business plan or marketing program or customers service initiative, you have to give it time to develop into a smoothly functioning, money generating machine. There’s a truth that new business owners recognize that more of us should be aware of — don’t depend on or expect massive returns on the investment you’ve made into your business for the first year it’s up and running.
Patience and hard work. No alternative.
.-= Teresa Basich´s last blog ..Shut Up With Your “I Don’t Read Long Blog Posts” Crap =-.
Rick — I think the point of Amber’s post is that it doesn’t happen faster than that. You *have* to invest the time to develop the relationships that bring you business. There’s no way around it. If you push too hard, you’ll create rifts, not bonds. And if all you do is sell, you’ll become noisy and ineffective.
There’s no shortcut. There’s no faster way. And when it comes to starting up anything, be it a business plan or marketing program or customers service initiative, you have to give it time to develop into a smoothly functioning, money generating machine. There’s a truth that new business owners recognize that more of us should be aware of — don’t depend on or expect massive returns on the investment you’ve made into your business for the first year it’s up and running.
Patience and hard work. No alternative.
.-= Teresa Basich´s last blog ..Shut Up With Your “I Don’t Read Long Blog Posts” Crap =-.
Wait, where’s the “Get Filthy Filthy Rich Over The Weekend” ebook and starter kit? 🙂
Great article Amber, and nice use of headline bait. I have to mention though; I actually didn’t click on it the first time it showed up in my feed simply because of the title. But then again, I’m probably not your target audience.
Either way, I’m glad I clicked, good read.
Wait, where’s the “Get Filthy Filthy Rich Over The Weekend” ebook and starter kit? 🙂
Great article Amber, and nice use of headline bait. I have to mention though; I actually didn’t click on it the first time it showed up in my feed simply because of the title. But then again, I’m probably not your target audience.
Either way, I’m glad I clicked, good read.
Amber,
I love that you mention networking events – the old fashioned kind – in your post. What’s intriguing is the way you mention them alongside your sentence about making an investment of time “without the intent to sell something.”
To you it seems so obvious that one should go to a networking event simply to get to know others, yet many executives decide whether or not to go to a networking event based on who will be there and whether they think that person can be of value to them. In short, they go focused on “getting” rather than “giving.” They go focused on selling themselves rather than learning about others.
Since I spend my time fully immersed in two networking organizations I’ve seen executives who excel at it and, as you know, they’re the ones who start every conversation with “is there anything that I can do to be of help to you?” These are the people who are growing their businesses exponentially because they’ve learned to give rather than to take and they know that by giving they’ll ultimately get in return, often much more than they ever imagined.
You’ve demonstrated beautifully how this applies on Twitter.
When colleagues say to me “I don’t have time for something like Twitter” I talk encouragingly about the relationships that can be developed with people across the world who they’d otherwise never meet and who they might be able to help. How they then respond tells me a lot about them. 🙂
Thanks for the insightful post Amber, @LisaPetrilli
.-= Lisa Petrilli´s last blog ..LisaPetrilli: @CKsays I believe so. @schapsis was at Mobile World in Barcelona & discovered it. And I agree…chock full of great mobile info! =-.
It’s really hard to explain people skills and finesse to people. We get so wrapped around our own axles that we often forget to just talk to people for the sake of it. So much comes from that, but because it’s not written in a business book somewhere, we ignore it’s value. It’s not just about “giving” rather than taking, either. It’s far more simple than that – more fundamental to just being a good, friendly person – and too many people lead with the business and not themselves. We could learn a lot by forgetting sometimes what we do for a living.
Amber,
I love that you mention networking events – the old fashioned kind – in your post. What’s intriguing is the way you mention them alongside your sentence about making an investment of time “without the intent to sell something.”
To you it seems so obvious that one should go to a networking event simply to get to know others, yet many executives decide whether or not to go to a networking event based on who will be there and whether they think that person can be of value to them. In short, they go focused on “getting” rather than “giving.” They go focused on selling themselves rather than learning about others.
Since I spend my time fully immersed in two networking organizations I’ve seen executives who excel at it and, as you know, they’re the ones who start every conversation with “is there anything that I can do to be of help to you?” These are the people who are growing their businesses exponentially because they’ve learned to give rather than to take and they know that by giving they’ll ultimately get in return, often much more than they ever imagined.
You’ve demonstrated beautifully how this applies on Twitter.
When colleagues say to me “I don’t have time for something like Twitter” I talk encouragingly about the relationships that can be developed with people across the world who they’d otherwise never meet and who they might be able to help. How they then respond tells me a lot about them. 🙂
Thanks for the insightful post Amber, @LisaPetrilli
.-= Lisa Petrilli´s last blog ..LisaPetrilli: @CKsays I believe so. @schapsis was at Mobile World in Barcelona & discovered it. And I agree…chock full of great mobile info! =-.
It’s really hard to explain people skills and finesse to people. We get so wrapped around our own axles that we often forget to just talk to people for the sake of it. So much comes from that, but because it’s not written in a business book somewhere, we ignore it’s value. It’s not just about “giving” rather than taking, either. It’s far more simple than that – more fundamental to just being a good, friendly person – and too many people lead with the business and not themselves. We could learn a lot by forgetting sometimes what we do for a living.
Thank you Amber,
This is the first blog I’ve seen that I can emulate. More than 99% of the “Make a bazillion dollars on the internet/twitter/facebook” pieces are all about finding Jacks magic beans.(of Jack and the Beanstalk fame) Your description is more for people who have the normal beans that most farmer plant.
Most farmers have to plant where there is good soil, water and light.
(Following targeted people)
Farming requires constant tending of the crops.
(I talked… Said hi… conversations about everything)
Real Farming is difficult, and requires that you know how other farmers are doing, and what works for them.
(Some of those people became business friends and acquaintances)
Farmers share what works and doesn’t – and info on who’s buying crops.
(If they needed what I did… We talked)
Farming is hard work.
(wrote proposals… went on pitches… won some work…worked my ass off to deliver)
Farming follows every successful harvest by preparation for the next year
(Repeat)
And the reason more people don’t ever farm, and the reason that far fewer succeed is because farming is very, very hard work. Making money is also (usually) very, very hard work. It’s nice to see someone who gets it, and is willing to explain it without the razzle-dazzle-snake-oil. This is something I can emulate and imitate, in the “imitation is sincere flattery” kind of way. Bravo and thanks.
-J
Hard work, indeed. I have never, ever had something just “happen” to me that was lucky, easy, or overnight. I’ve had a few fortunate turns of circumstance, but if I wasn’t ready or willing to act on them and make the most of the opportunity, it wouldn’t have amounted to much.
Thanks for the farmer analogy. It’s one I like very much.
Thank you Amber,
This is the first blog I’ve seen that I can emulate. More than 99% of the “Make a bazillion dollars on the internet/twitter/facebook” pieces are all about finding Jacks magic beans.(of Jack and the Beanstalk fame) Your description is more for people who have the normal beans that most farmer plant.
Most farmers have to plant where there is good soil, water and light.
(Following targeted people)
Farming requires constant tending of the crops.
(I talked… Said hi… conversations about everything)
Real Farming is difficult, and requires that you know how other farmers are doing, and what works for them.
(Some of those people became business friends and acquaintances)
Farmers share what works and doesn’t – and info on who’s buying crops.
(If they needed what I did… We talked)
Farming is hard work.
(wrote proposals… went on pitches… won some work…worked my ass off to deliver)
Farming follows every successful harvest by preparation for the next year
(Repeat)
And the reason more people don’t ever farm, and the reason that far fewer succeed is because farming is very, very hard work. Making money is also (usually) very, very hard work. It’s nice to see someone who gets it, and is willing to explain it without the razzle-dazzle-snake-oil. This is something I can emulate and imitate, in the “imitation is sincere flattery” kind of way. Bravo and thanks.
-J
Hard work, indeed. I have never, ever had something just “happen” to me that was lucky, easy, or overnight. I’ve had a few fortunate turns of circumstance, but if I wasn’t ready or willing to act on them and make the most of the opportunity, it wouldn’t have amounted to much.
Thanks for the farmer analogy. It’s one I like very much.
Great post Amber!
Hopefully people arent getting the wrong idea that they can make $100K in 365 days right out of University for example.
People need to understand that you had years of experience in non-profit, marketing and writing. Building Social Capital is a refined skill.
Following those steps alone wont get most people business. It is important to build credibility. Im sure you had this blog for example, or also wrote some e-books.
But what you are illustrating is the true potential for honest income through the channel. You are a leader in fighting the good fight.
You’d be surprised by how many young people out of school I’ve interviewed that are expecting starting salaries higher than I earned in my 10th year of professional work. We have a problem thinking that compensation and opportunity comes first, as an investment in our potential. The reality? It’s the opposite. Opportunity and compensation are a result of a track record. That’s it.
Amber –
You are showing your age with that comment! Ha ha. FWIW – I feel the exact same way. Damn kids! They want it all…now!
Of course you nail it here: Opportunity and compensation are a result of a track record.. However, I’d add that compensation is also based on future potential. In other words, I don’t care as much what you’ve done in the past (that got you the interview). The past was with another company, maybe another industry. What can do for me (our company), today and into the future?
That’s all I’ve got.
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
Great post Amber!
Hopefully people arent getting the wrong idea that they can make $100K in 365 days right out of University for example.
People need to understand that you had years of experience in non-profit, marketing and writing. Building Social Capital is a refined skill.
Following those steps alone wont get most people business. It is important to build credibility. Im sure you had this blog for example, or also wrote some e-books.
But what you are illustrating is the true potential for honest income through the channel. You are a leader in fighting the good fight.
You’d be surprised by how many young people out of school I’ve interviewed that are expecting starting salaries higher than I earned in my 10th year of professional work. We have a problem thinking that compensation and opportunity comes first, as an investment in our potential. The reality? It’s the opposite. Opportunity and compensation are a result of a track record. That’s it.
Amber –
You are showing your age with that comment! Ha ha. FWIW – I feel the exact same way. Damn kids! They want it all…now!
Of course you nail it here: Opportunity and compensation are a result of a track record.. However, I’d add that compensation is also based on future potential. In other words, I don’t care as much what you’ve done in the past (that got you the interview). The past was with another company, maybe another industry. What can do for me (our company), today and into the future?
That’s all I’ve got.
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
You make it sound so simple. It is simple, but I think most people don’t realize how much work it is.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..How Having a Blog Can Help with SEO =-.
Make no mistake: hard work is at the core of everything that’s worthwhile. Whether it’s me or someone else, the successful people I know have, without exception, worked hard to get where they are.
The trouble comes in when we *think* we’re working hard but we’re whining because nothing’s happening. I know people who think a 9-5 day following other people’s instructions is “working hard”. Hard work is more than just putting in the hours. Hmm. I smell another blog post.
You make it sound so simple. It is simple, but I think most people don’t realize how much work it is.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..How Having a Blog Can Help with SEO =-.
Make no mistake: hard work is at the core of everything that’s worthwhile. Whether it’s me or someone else, the successful people I know have, without exception, worked hard to get where they are.
The trouble comes in when we *think* we’re working hard but we’re whining because nothing’s happening. I know people who think a 9-5 day following other people’s instructions is “working hard”. Hard work is more than just putting in the hours. Hmm. I smell another blog post.
Brilliant. Seriously. And SO simple. Hard work pays off – you are a true testament to that – you’re able to balance your personal and professional life extremely well and you are successful because you do good work and genuinely believe in what you do. Really something to be admired. Cheers to you and here’s to much more success in the future!
Thank you, Matt. I’m not at all sure I ever really get the balance right, but I put in the effort. Half the battle is showing up with the right attitude. The other is being willing to dig in and get your hands dirty.
Brilliant. Seriously. And SO simple. Hard work pays off – you are a true testament to that – you’re able to balance your personal and professional life extremely well and you are successful because you do good work and genuinely believe in what you do. Really something to be admired. Cheers to you and here’s to much more success in the future!
Thank you, Matt. I’m not at all sure I ever really get the balance right, but I put in the effort. Half the battle is showing up with the right attitude. The other is being willing to dig in and get your hands dirty.
When people ask me of how Twitter is useful, I’m going to send them this link. Great post.
Great illustration of how to actually use Twitter to benefit your business, so many don’t get the concept.
When people ask me of how Twitter is useful, I’m going to send them this link. Great post.
Great illustration of how to actually use Twitter to benefit your business, so many don’t get the concept.
Great article Amber..
I think you defined Social Media Marketing in 8 Simple but very powerful points.
I wrote an article about Sparking Customer Expectations, and it all starts with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’… then listen take mental notes, and prepare yourself to deliver the message that not only meet their expectations but exceed their expectations.
Cheers.. Are
.-= Are Morch´s last blog ..Social Media Experience 101: Spark Customers Expectations =-.
Great article Amber..
I think you defined Social Media Marketing in 8 Simple but very powerful points.
I wrote an article about Sparking Customer Expectations, and it all starts with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’… then listen take mental notes, and prepare yourself to deliver the message that not only meet their expectations but exceed their expectations.
Cheers.. Are
.-= Are Morch´s last blog ..Social Media Experience 101: Spark Customers Expectations =-.
Amber:
What a great post! True affirmation that good old-fashioned elbow grease and relationships are still the way to go. Twitter accelerates that process. When I initially went on Twitter, it was for the same reasons: to get to know people, find out what they are up to, and if business comes out of that, we can talk about it further over coffee or Skype. Worked for me. I found a job as a result of it. I’m a huge advocate of engagement and passion for what you do. The rest always follows!
.-= Anna Barcelos´s last blog ..Five Confessions of an Integrated Marketing Communications Marketer =-.
Anna, you’re always a testament to the good things in this space. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too.
Great post Amber – you have distilled things so well here.
Hopefully a few of those who think they can make a quick buck off social media give this a read and realise that success is about what you put in, not a formula.
Amber:
What a great post! True affirmation that good old-fashioned elbow grease and relationships are still the way to go. Twitter accelerates that process. When I initially went on Twitter, it was for the same reasons: to get to know people, find out what they are up to, and if business comes out of that, we can talk about it further over coffee or Skype. Worked for me. I found a job as a result of it. I’m a huge advocate of engagement and passion for what you do. The rest always follows!
.-= Anna Barcelos´s last blog ..Five Confessions of an Integrated Marketing Communications Marketer =-.
Anna, you’re always a testament to the good things in this space. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too.
Great post Amber – you have distilled things so well here.
Hopefully a few of those who think they can make a quick buck off social media give this a read and realise that success is about what you put in, not a formula.
Nicely said. It’s actually a lot of work but it pays off if you are consistant. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Linda @alamodestuff´s last blog ..Bailey [Flickr] =-.
Nicely said. It’s actually a lot of work but it pays off if you are consistant. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Linda @alamodestuff´s last blog ..Bailey [Flickr] =-.
Amber – you got me. I came over based on the title. I’m not looking for a quick rich scheme, just something that will pay the bills and eventually earn me the big bucks.
While I agree with what you say, doing is harder. I’m not consistent in the networking in real life or virtually. I like to blame it on my shyness, however, it’s more due to everything. Everything needs to be done right now, this minute. Whether it’s writing for me, commenting on blogs, ghost blogging, creating unique articles, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in a day. Throw in just one or two clients and the day really is short.
Maybe I can’t multitask, but finding time to network and work just don’t always seem to go hand-in-hand, at least not if your are a writer.
Oh, and hard work, that never bothers me, so long as I can play hard later.
CJ, here’s the thing: if you want to pay the bills and eventually earn the big bucks, you’re going to need to fix that networking consistency. Business is driven by people, and you’ll need to make those human engines work if you’re hoping to turn on the cash flow.
Time is hard to find. But if it’s worthwhile to you to build the career, it’s worth putting in the hours and effort. My days are 12-16 hours long and I find pockets of time wherever I can. It’s not for everyone, but you can’t have it both ways. Success is about trial, error, learning, and effort. Without exception.
Amber – you got me. I came over based on the title. I’m not looking for a quick rich scheme, just something that will pay the bills and eventually earn me the big bucks.
While I agree with what you say, doing is harder. I’m not consistent in the networking in real life or virtually. I like to blame it on my shyness, however, it’s more due to everything. Everything needs to be done right now, this minute. Whether it’s writing for me, commenting on blogs, ghost blogging, creating unique articles, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in a day. Throw in just one or two clients and the day really is short.
Maybe I can’t multitask, but finding time to network and work just don’t always seem to go hand-in-hand, at least not if your are a writer.
Oh, and hard work, that never bothers me, so long as I can play hard later.
CJ, here’s the thing: if you want to pay the bills and eventually earn the big bucks, you’re going to need to fix that networking consistency. Business is driven by people, and you’ll need to make those human engines work if you’re hoping to turn on the cash flow.
Time is hard to find. But if it’s worthwhile to you to build the career, it’s worth putting in the hours and effort. My days are 12-16 hours long and I find pockets of time wherever I can. It’s not for everyone, but you can’t have it both ways. Success is about trial, error, learning, and effort. Without exception.
It’s the whole concept of: “Relationship before the sale.”
Great process and great follow up!
.-= Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..Send Branded Video E-mails with the Eyejot This! Bookmarklet =-.
It’s the whole concept of: “Relationship before the sale.”
Great process and great follow up!
.-= Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..Send Branded Video E-mails with the Eyejot This! Bookmarklet =-.
It is so refreshing to read when professionals are doing two things with Social Media technologies:
1) Using it to grow and build relationships
2) Using Social Media technologies effectively to generate business
People want to talk and interact, want to learn what others are doing, and want to find ways to help. You have done something special and found a great way to articulate your success!
BR
.-= Bobby Rettew´s last blog ..Trial lawyers are storytellers as well! =-.
Thanks, Bobby. The tech is just the means. The hard part is that it’s not quite as easy to teach people to be subtle yet direct, to be present and attentive, to be interesting and interested. Those are, to me, softer skills that are much harder to illustrate for someone else because they don’t subscribe to a process or checklist or textbook. And they’re the bits where the gold is.
It is so refreshing to read when professionals are doing two things with Social Media technologies:
1) Using it to grow and build relationships
2) Using Social Media technologies effectively to generate business
People want to talk and interact, want to learn what others are doing, and want to find ways to help. You have done something special and found a great way to articulate your success!
BR
.-= Bobby Rettew´s last blog ..Trial lawyers are storytellers as well! =-.
Thanks, Bobby. The tech is just the means. The hard part is that it’s not quite as easy to teach people to be subtle yet direct, to be present and attentive, to be interesting and interested. Those are, to me, softer skills that are much harder to illustrate for someone else because they don’t subscribe to a process or checklist or textbook. And they’re the bits where the gold is.
laughing at myself because I sucked in on the headline too… great job. Wonderful example of how to make something like this ring with truth and serve as a (gentle?) kick in the behind.
Actually I know a whole bunch of writers who work like the dickens as you say to here, but sometimes… 😉
.-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..12 Essential Questions to Ask a Literary Agent Who Offers To Represent You =-.
Working like the Dickens isn’t enough. Hard work isn’t about how many hours you put in, it’s about WHERE you put those hours. That’s the trick. I can spend hours spinning my wheels on nothing of value and feel like I’m working hard. The key is finding the effort that yields something, and repeating THAT. But most folks don’t have the self-reflection enough to realize that the “hard work” they’re putting in isn’t yielding anything.
laughing at myself because I sucked in on the headline too… great job. Wonderful example of how to make something like this ring with truth and serve as a (gentle?) kick in the behind.
Actually I know a whole bunch of writers who work like the dickens as you say to here, but sometimes… 😉
.-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..12 Essential Questions to Ask a Literary Agent Who Offers To Represent You =-.
Working like the Dickens isn’t enough. Hard work isn’t about how many hours you put in, it’s about WHERE you put those hours. That’s the trick. I can spend hours spinning my wheels on nothing of value and feel like I’m working hard. The key is finding the effort that yields something, and repeating THAT. But most folks don’t have the self-reflection enough to realize that the “hard work” they’re putting in isn’t yielding anything.
Allow me to add another slant to this conversation – public relations. Our company has used Twitter as you mentioned and connected with both traditional media reporters and bloggers that we would have never known otherwise. Following each other led to retweets that led to direct messages that led to phone calls and e-mails. All of this results in the media contacts having a relationship with us for story sources. We get direct access to reporters to represent our clients. It all starts with simply connecting on Twitter and reading tweets than lead to a further affinity.
Yep, same concept, different approach. Connecting with people that can create relationships with context and possibility. Good work!
Allow me to add another slant to this conversation – public relations. Our company has used Twitter as you mentioned and connected with both traditional media reporters and bloggers that we would have never known otherwise. Following each other led to retweets that led to direct messages that led to phone calls and e-mails. All of this results in the media contacts having a relationship with us for story sources. We get direct access to reporters to represent our clients. It all starts with simply connecting on Twitter and reading tweets than lead to a further affinity.
Yep, same concept, different approach. Connecting with people that can create relationships with context and possibility. Good work!
Awesome post Amber. You have brought out that there is no get rich quick scheme. Plus having a plan in mind while showing interest in others first. All this while believing in yourself and your efforts along the way.
Awesome post Amber. You have brought out that there is no get rich quick scheme. Plus having a plan in mind while showing interest in others first. All this while believing in yourself and your efforts along the way.
Boom. Love this. Keep doing great stuff Amber.
Boom. Love this. Keep doing great stuff Amber.
@Amber,
This line is golden: “Just getting to know people.”
A lot of people, who may get twitter, don’t get this point.
I’d bet you would have been able to rack up that 100k without twitter; this tool simply made a portion of your efforts a little easier…
Thanks for sharing.
Eric
Eric – here’s the thing. Long before Twitter existed, I worked with a team to raise over $60mm for non profit organizations. The philosophies were exactly the same. The tools were more analog. But the intent was there, which meant the results followed. And that wasn’t just me. I learned from amazing people who did it (and still do it) even better than I do. But it’s never, ever about the mechanisms. It’s about the aims, and the people on the other end.
@Amber,
This line is golden: “Just getting to know people.”
A lot of people, who may get twitter, don’t get this point.
I’d bet you would have been able to rack up that 100k without twitter; this tool simply made a portion of your efforts a little easier…
Thanks for sharing.
Eric
Eric – here’s the thing. Long before Twitter existed, I worked with a team to raise over $60mm for non profit organizations. The philosophies were exactly the same. The tools were more analog. But the intent was there, which meant the results followed. And that wasn’t just me. I learned from amazing people who did it (and still do it) even better than I do. But it’s never, ever about the mechanisms. It’s about the aims, and the people on the other end.
Of all the articles I have read about Twitter and earning money, this quite frankly is totally ‘on the money’… As i explain to all my clients, Twitter is just another way to communicate… Its not about selling.. Its about listening, engaging, adding value, becoming a great resource for people, which when done over time, you become known, liked and trusted…
You are after advocates, people that will refer you, and yes.. its so not a numbers game.. Its about devleoping good relationships with peeps..
And above all its about having fun, and remembering that it is all about being social…
Mark Shaw
Of all the articles I have read about Twitter and earning money, this quite frankly is totally ‘on the money’… As i explain to all my clients, Twitter is just another way to communicate… Its not about selling.. Its about listening, engaging, adding value, becoming a great resource for people, which when done over time, you become known, liked and trusted…
You are after advocates, people that will refer you, and yes.. its so not a numbers game.. Its about devleoping good relationships with peeps..
And above all its about having fun, and remembering that it is all about being social…
Mark Shaw
Really enjoyed this article. There are too many people who are on a get-rich-quick mission and it just shows that to get results as well as long term quality business relationships, it takes time and hard work. I did love the point you made on Twitter followers:
“Twitter is far more about who YOU follow than who follows you”
For a long time I have generally believed the oppostie. I am, however, going to give this a try and we’ll see what happens 🙂
Thanks for a great post.
Emma
.-= Emma Cunningham´s last blog ..Being a Busy Photography Bee =-.
Really enjoyed this article. There are too many people who are on a get-rich-quick mission and it just shows that to get results as well as long term quality business relationships, it takes time and hard work. I did love the point you made on Twitter followers:
“Twitter is far more about who YOU follow than who follows you”
For a long time I have generally believed the oppostie. I am, however, going to give this a try and we’ll see what happens 🙂
Thanks for a great post.
Emma
.-= Emma Cunningham´s last blog ..Being a Busy Photography Bee =-.
Great piece. Perfect concept and execution. Well done on the busy career!
.-= John Glynn´s last blog ..Waldegard In-Car Classic 911 Video =-.
Great piece. Perfect concept and execution. Well done on the busy career!
.-= John Glynn´s last blog ..Waldegard In-Car Classic 911 Video =-.
Thank you for the great explanation. I think too many people think unfortunately just not logically. Who thinks logically come alone to the right questions, solutions and ultimately success.
.-= Ernst Koch´s last blog ..The Feast of Trimalchio =-.
Thank you for the great explanation. I think too many people think unfortunately just not logically. Who thinks logically come alone to the right questions, solutions and ultimately success.
.-= Ernst Koch´s last blog ..The Feast of Trimalchio =-.
Amber – love this. It is about making connections but following through with them. (Plus, I love a good success story for inspiration!)
Having an online community for women, I follow women and block guys (aside from friends, clients and influencers). I want it to be an authentic conversation with women and it’s paid off well by growing the brand and community. (And I work my ass off to deliver too. But it doesn’t feel so much like work when you’re passionate about what you do, does it?!)
Debba / Girlfriendology.com
.-= Debba / Girlfriendology´s last blog ..Daily Inspiration – Our deepest fear … =-.
I have to admit I’m curious about the blocking of guys…I can understand not following them, but aren’t you sending a rather harsh message with the block? Just wondering. That aside, congrats on the success.
Amber – love this. It is about making connections but following through with them. (Plus, I love a good success story for inspiration!)
Having an online community for women, I follow women and block guys (aside from friends, clients and influencers). I want it to be an authentic conversation with women and it’s paid off well by growing the brand and community. (And I work my ass off to deliver too. But it doesn’t feel so much like work when you’re passionate about what you do, does it?!)
Debba / Girlfriendology.com
.-= Debba / Girlfriendology´s last blog ..Daily Inspiration – Our deepest fear … =-.
I have to admit I’m curious about the blocking of guys…I can understand not following them, but aren’t you sending a rather harsh message with the block? Just wondering. That aside, congrats on the success.
Twitter is a great place to build relationships and that can be the start to a long-lasting business relationship.
.-= Jesse Luna´s last blog ..No Time Left And The Millennium Development Goals =-.
Twitter is a great place to build relationships and that can be the start to a long-lasting business relationship.
.-= Jesse Luna´s last blog ..No Time Left And The Millennium Development Goals =-.
Hi Amber, CC Chapman referred me to this article. I had a question regarding the part that said its more important who you follow than who follows you. While I agree with that my question is if you follow everyone or people specific to your industry but they don’t follow you how do you ever engage in conversation with them? Can you list some ways to engage people that you are following but that are not following you? As an example I’ve been replying to posts but i’m not sure where it goes? it doesn’t appear to go on the persons wall and I was just wondering how the reply feature works if the person you are replying to is not following you. Thanks, Craig
On Twitter, if you respond to someone with their twitter name preceded by an “@” symbol, they’ll see your reply in the stream even if they aren’t following you.
So for example, when I first met CC, he didn’t know me. But I followed him, and one day I replied to a tweet of his that interested me by saying hey @cc_chapman, yaddda yadda. He could see my reply, and decide whether or not to respond. We eventually struck up a conversation, which prompted him to follow me back so we could stay connected.
So I don’t have to follow you to see your reply or message to me (I do have to follow you for you to be able to send me a direct message, though). But often, a reply is an initiated conversation, and subtle invitation for someone to follow you back.
Amber –
I know this wasn’t the point of your reply to Craig, however, I think it’s also critical to mention that the @ reply to CC led (eventually) to a face-to-face meeting. This served to further solidify the relationship, the trust, etc. That – as you know – is the key…the “secret” sauce.
The reply (@) allowed you to strike up a conversation that eventually led to a friendship.
Face.
To.
Face.
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
Hi Amber, CC Chapman referred me to this article. I had a question regarding the part that said its more important who you follow than who follows you. While I agree with that my question is if you follow everyone or people specific to your industry but they don’t follow you how do you ever engage in conversation with them? Can you list some ways to engage people that you are following but that are not following you? As an example I’ve been replying to posts but i’m not sure where it goes? it doesn’t appear to go on the persons wall and I was just wondering how the reply feature works if the person you are replying to is not following you. Thanks, Craig
On Twitter, if you respond to someone with their twitter name preceded by an “@” symbol, they’ll see your reply in the stream even if they aren’t following you.
So for example, when I first met CC, he didn’t know me. But I followed him, and one day I replied to a tweet of his that interested me by saying hey @cc_chapman, yaddda yadda. He could see my reply, and decide whether or not to respond. We eventually struck up a conversation, which prompted him to follow me back so we could stay connected.
So I don’t have to follow you to see your reply or message to me (I do have to follow you for you to be able to send me a direct message, though). But often, a reply is an initiated conversation, and subtle invitation for someone to follow you back.
Amber –
I know this wasn’t the point of your reply to Craig, however, I think it’s also critical to mention that the @ reply to CC led (eventually) to a face-to-face meeting. This served to further solidify the relationship, the trust, etc. That – as you know – is the key…the “secret” sauce.
The reply (@) allowed you to strike up a conversation that eventually led to a friendship.
Face.
To.
Face.
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
I have also had great exposure via Twitter that has lead to networking, work and revenue, certainly not at the volume of yours. Both with my professional brand @RonaldBradford and my skillset identity @MySQLExpert have opened doors to wider communities.
As you highlight, there is no substitute for hard work.
.-= Ronald Bradford´s last blog ..A Cassandra twitter clone =-.
I have also had great exposure via Twitter that has lead to networking, work and revenue, certainly not at the volume of yours. Both with my professional brand @RonaldBradford and my skillset identity @MySQLExpert have opened doors to wider communities.
As you highlight, there is no substitute for hard work.
.-= Ronald Bradford´s last blog ..A Cassandra twitter clone =-.
This summarizes everything I preach about Twitter and other social media tools. Thanks, Amber!
This summarizes everything I preach about Twitter and other social media tools. Thanks, Amber!
You said it Amber! Twitter is like a cocktail party, where you get to meet wonderful people, like minded individuals, and you converse about everything. And just like in any cocktail party, you end up exchanging business cards, or numbers, this is when you decide to stay in touch … and the rest is history
Twitter has made reaching out and connecting with people easier than ever!
thank you for a great post!
.-= John Antonios´s last blog ..The Nail that Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down – NOT! =-.
You said it Amber! Twitter is like a cocktail party, where you get to meet wonderful people, like minded individuals, and you converse about everything. And just like in any cocktail party, you end up exchanging business cards, or numbers, this is when you decide to stay in touch … and the rest is history
Twitter has made reaching out and connecting with people easier than ever!
thank you for a great post!
.-= John Antonios´s last blog ..The Nail that Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down – NOT! =-.
You captured the essence of social media and that is establishing relationships first. Thank you for an intelligent, concise post.
You captured the essence of social media and that is establishing relationships first. Thank you for an intelligent, concise post.
Totally agree, Amber.
I’ve had much the same experiences. Not only have I got work out of twitter but I have met and started working with some wonderful people that I have never met. And to this day, still don’t know what they look like. Obviously this necessitates a learning curve of trust, and the intent of each party to do their job with integrity, but once you identify those people, there’s no end to the doors twitter can open. Thanks for sharing your positive experience and encouraging others.
Best, Simon
.-= Simon Mainwaring´s last blog ..Customer curation: What brands and ad agencies do about it =-.
Learning curve of trust. I like that. Trust is a currency on the web, no doubt, precisely because of the lack of physical presence, body language, and the ability for anonymity on any front. It takes time and engagement to make it really work, but when it does, it’s as powerful a relationship catalyst as any I’ve found.
Totally agree, Amber.
I’ve had much the same experiences. Not only have I got work out of twitter but I have met and started working with some wonderful people that I have never met. And to this day, still don’t know what they look like. Obviously this necessitates a learning curve of trust, and the intent of each party to do their job with integrity, but once you identify those people, there’s no end to the doors twitter can open. Thanks for sharing your positive experience and encouraging others.
Best, Simon
.-= Simon Mainwaring´s last blog ..Customer curation: What brands and ad agencies do about it =-.
Learning curve of trust. I like that. Trust is a currency on the web, no doubt, precisely because of the lack of physical presence, body language, and the ability for anonymity on any front. It takes time and engagement to make it really work, but when it does, it’s as powerful a relationship catalyst as any I’ve found.
Amber –
Nobody works harder then you do. You are genuine, kind, helpful, and know your stuff – a deadly combination.
I’m honored to know you and be able to learn from (and with) you every day.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
.-= DJ Waldow´s last blog ..Life Without Twitter =-.
Thanks for all of that, DJ. I think the same about you, and am really glad we’re colleagues and friends. Thanks. 🙂
Amber –
Nobody works harder then you do. You are genuine, kind, helpful, and know your stuff – a deadly combination.
I’m honored to know you and be able to learn from (and with) you every day.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
.-= DJ Waldow´s last blog ..Life Without Twitter =-.
Thanks for all of that, DJ. I think the same about you, and am really glad we’re colleagues and friends. Thanks. 🙂
http://www.dentistsurgery.com
Looking up for the information for a paper on teeth diseases I came across dentistsurgery.com site. The information presented there is indispensable: 5 main teeth diseases described in each detail with pictures and advice how to prevent them! My paper was the best one in my group!
http://www.dentistsurgery.com
Looking up for the information for a paper on teeth diseases I came across dentistsurgery.com site. The information presented there is indispensable: 5 main teeth diseases described in each detail with pictures and advice how to prevent them! My paper was the best one in my group!
There’s another part of this you left out though, hon.
While steps 1-8 are critical – you missed step X.
Step X:
You are very good at what you do.
We all hate saying it, but you’re not including the part where hard work and twitter relationships don’t make up for a lack of skill at what you do.
You are amazingly talented. No amount of talent makes up for a lack of hard work, but no amount of hard work makes up for a lack of talent either.
.-= Lucretia M Pruitt´s last blog ..Living Life Out Loud =-.
There’s another part of this you left out though, hon.
While steps 1-8 are critical – you missed step X.
Step X:
You are very good at what you do.
We all hate saying it, but you’re not including the part where hard work and twitter relationships don’t make up for a lack of skill at what you do.
You are amazingly talented. No amount of talent makes up for a lack of hard work, but no amount of hard work makes up for a lack of talent either.
.-= Lucretia M Pruitt´s last blog ..Living Life Out Loud =-.
Amber,your post was right on — I couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote. And, for that one comment about “finding a quicker way,” we must remind ourselves that with even the most consistent of marketing plans, it’s generally in Year 2 or 3 that we begin to reap rewards.
Amber,your post was right on — I couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote. And, for that one comment about “finding a quicker way,” we must remind ourselves that with even the most consistent of marketing plans, it’s generally in Year 2 or 3 that we begin to reap rewards.
Amber,
Do you think this strategy would work as well in 2010 as it did in 2008?
I was very keen on Twitter 15 months ago, not so much now. It’s like trying to have a conversation at a rock concert.
Julie
.-= Juliemarg´s last blog ..Everyone’s in the Media =-.
Julie, I do think it’s possible. I think it’s about avoiding the noise and finding the people looking for conversations.
.-= Sue Anne´s last blog ..sue_anne: RT @ambercadabra How I Made $100K With Twitter http://bit.ly/biv4eb =-.
Amber,
Do you think this strategy would work as well in 2010 as it did in 2008?
I was very keen on Twitter 15 months ago, not so much now. It’s like trying to have a conversation at a rock concert.
Julie
.-= Juliemarg´s last blog ..Everyone’s in the Media =-.
Julie, I do think it’s possible. I think it’s about avoiding the noise and finding the people looking for conversations.
.-= Sue Anne´s last blog ..sue_anne: RT @ambercadabra How I Made $100K With Twitter http://bit.ly/biv4eb =-.
Thank goodness finally some sense to be heard in all the hype. I’m sick of so many “social media experts” lacking any depth to their understanding how to connect social media content to business bottom line.
.-= Sean Callanan´s last blog ..Sports, social media & impro… =-.
Thank goodness finally some sense to be heard in all the hype. I’m sick of so many “social media experts” lacking any depth to their understanding how to connect social media content to business bottom line.
.-= Sean Callanan´s last blog ..Sports, social media & impro… =-.
I second what Sean Callahan said. It’s so nice to hear some common sense among all of the “get rich quick” scams out there surrounding social media. So many people I run into want to start a blog or a twitter account, mistakenly believing that they will somehow instantly become millionaires. What they fail to see is the hard work, time, and sacrifice that is required to effectively build relationships and build a brand.
Thank you for this important post, Amber.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..1st Bday: babyGap =-.
I second what Sean Callahan said. It’s so nice to hear some common sense among all of the “get rich quick” scams out there surrounding social media. So many people I run into want to start a blog or a twitter account, mistakenly believing that they will somehow instantly become millionaires. What they fail to see is the hard work, time, and sacrifice that is required to effectively build relationships and build a brand.
Thank you for this important post, Amber.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..1st Bday: babyGap =-.
Amber I love this post.
I love how honest and real you are about how it all works. My core belief is people buy from people they like and trust.
People do not have relationships with organizations – they have relationships with other people.
I also like that you are honest, it doesn’t happen over night. It happens when your orientation is about getting to know and helping people.
Thanks for being honest in real in the way you write. I always love reading your posts.
Amber I love this post.
I love how honest and real you are about how it all works. My core belief is people buy from people they like and trust.
People do not have relationships with organizations – they have relationships with other people.
I also like that you are honest, it doesn’t happen over night. It happens when your orientation is about getting to know and helping people.
Thanks for being honest in real in the way you write. I always love reading your posts.
Thanks for the post Amber, the demystification/honesty is refreshing.
.-= Tariq West´s last blog ..A poem about a story =-.
Thanks for the post Amber, the demystification/honesty is refreshing.
.-= Tariq West´s last blog ..A poem about a story =-.
Amazing post, it is rare you find great success with great humility. HT to you my friend.
Amazing post, it is rare you find great success with great humility. HT to you my friend.
This was a great post. So many people want to see the dollars from social media the second you say things are going well. Social media is all about relationships and this post confirms it.
.-= Geoff Taylor´s last blog ..How Social Media Saved SeaWorld =-.
This was a great post. So many people want to see the dollars from social media the second you say things are going well. Social media is all about relationships and this post confirms it.
.-= Geoff Taylor´s last blog ..How Social Media Saved SeaWorld =-.
Amber,
I couldn’t agree more. This is not just a Twitter realization, it’s a social media reality. I’ve had people ask me how can I make the cash register ring using social media. I’ve simply turned that question around and asked them how do they make the cash register ring now. In many cases they say it’s been through customer referral, word of mouth and a spattereing of ads and promotions. In most cases once they have a customer it becomes easier because of “relationship”.
Social media is another tool in the relationship building process and you just simply hit the nail on the head with your post.
One thing I like to tell people about Twitter and business – “If you Tweet – You Should Meet. Twitter is just like a dating service. You meet, have a few conversations, find things or needs in common and when you meet in person to build on the relationship, it’s easier. You already know enouhg about the person to sustain a much longer and more valuable conversation in person.
Thanks for the post! Keep them coming.
Amber,
I couldn’t agree more. This is not just a Twitter realization, it’s a social media reality. I’ve had people ask me how can I make the cash register ring using social media. I’ve simply turned that question around and asked them how do they make the cash register ring now. In many cases they say it’s been through customer referral, word of mouth and a spattereing of ads and promotions. In most cases once they have a customer it becomes easier because of “relationship”.
Social media is another tool in the relationship building process and you just simply hit the nail on the head with your post.
One thing I like to tell people about Twitter and business – “If you Tweet – You Should Meet. Twitter is just like a dating service. You meet, have a few conversations, find things or needs in common and when you meet in person to build on the relationship, it’s easier. You already know enouhg about the person to sustain a much longer and more valuable conversation in person.
Thanks for the post! Keep them coming.
You are so right Amber, social media is not the cash register as you say, these are communication tools and it's 'how' you use the tools that make the difference. It's the people looking for the 'get rich quick' tools that get lured into misusing social media. Thanks for the candid post.
What type of information did you post on Twitter in the beginning? I have been using it for marketing, but I also post quotes on business success. Should I cut out the marketing and keep the quotes?
OH SHIT I got to try this out……