Hello? It’s STILL Not Just About Numbers


I can say “Social networking success is NOT just about numbers” and people will nod their heads, saying “yeah, yeah, yeah”, then they turn around and do stupid things to get huge numbers.

Sure, it must feel good to brag about having 10,000 followers on Twitter but if those followers aren’t matched to what you offer, then you’re just socializing… not doing business.

Social media marketing is NOT direct mail marketing, but when you focus only on numbers you’re imitating that strategy.

You experience direct mail every day… go into your mailbox (snail mail) and pull out the many flyers, postcards, lumpy envelopes, etc that marketers send you. I get sooooooo many of these and 99% of them go straight to the recycle bin. (1% I save in my copywriting swipe file for headline ideas, so these papers are not totally useless).

A 2% conversion rate is considered REALLY GREAT in direct mail marketing. So if you send out 100,000 mailers and 2000 people buy, then that is cause for celebration.

Not to be the one who points out that the glass is 98% empty, but… it is!

A 2% success rate means a 98% failure rate. Hmmmm… maybe that works in the paper wasting world of direct mail but can you afford that in your social media marketing where people are having conversations in real time about what’s good and what’s not good? Direct mail doesn’t have to worry about someone Tweeting their opinion, but in social media it’s a reality.

Ask any experienced networker, whether online or offline, and you’ll get the same advice: numbers alone won’t do it.

Numbers are important, don’t get me wrong. But who makes up those numbers is even more important.

Having someone on your friend list doesn’t automatically make him or her your ideal client.

Here are some tips from my How to Get Free Publicity and Attract New Clients With the Power of Social Networking home study system:

1. Get clear on your expertise and who the ideal market is for that expertise.

2. Create a winning profile that clearly states your expertise in a way that attracts clients and opportunities

3. Set up criteria for ideal clients, referral partners, media connections, etc. Make sure you follow that criterial in all your social networking.

By focusing on quality contacts, you’ll increase your effectiveness, your sales, and your results.

Find out more about How to Get Free Publicity and Attract New Clients With the Power of Social Networking and other great Viva Visibility home study systems. You’ll learn how to set up a strong foundation for social media success, leverage it with time saving tools, and how to cash in on the visibility with publicity and Joint Venture tips.


Share this resource!

Share on Digg!  Share on Delicious!  Share on StumbleUpon!  Share on Google Buzz!

About Nancy Marmolejo

I'm a soul-driven strategist who teaches entrepreneurs how to turn followers into fans and fans into clients using social media and heart based marketing. My approach integrates proven strategies and intuitive hits so each client finds her special way to stand out and sizzle in the spotlight.

  • http://www.greenteadietblog.com/ Megan

    You are right. Number played a big deal in this business. Thank you for the tip. These are very helpful.

  • http://www.MendYourMoney.com Cindy Morus, The Mon

    Hi Nancy, I'd like to hear more about the criteria you use in working with referral partners. Can you tell more about that?

    Thanks.

  • http://thesavvyva.com Kathleen, The Savvy

    Hi Nancy

    I agree completely when you say that huge numbers equals socializing, not business. What else could it be? To maintain any kind of relationship with a huge following would take all day every day. Sooner or later it's gotta backfire.

    I would also like to hear how you set criteria for your following.

    Warmly

    Kathleen

  • http://blog.planitwithlisa.com Lisa Almeida

    Love how you simplify social networking success here. It even has a rhythm if you think of it as the Social Media Waltz – 1,2,3; 1,2,3!

  • http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com Nancy Marmolejo

    Thanks for chiming in everyone, it's always good to know I'm writing about topics you can relate to!

    Cindy, my #1 criteria for referral partners is that they know my ideal client/target market and understand what I can do for people. I'd start there. Depends on what you're being referred for.

  • http://www.catchthedreamexpress.com Maria Mar

    Hi, Nancy,

    The hunger for numbers is ingrained in our system because it emphasizes the criteria of our Shiva Power (Male/yang principle). The "More Mentality" is connected to more control over resources. Since the Shiva principle sees power as control, this control over larger numbers determines the control over resources, at least theoretically.

    This perception is so ingrained that people attach their own hunger for money, power and even acceptance to this "More Mentality." Sometimes it is irrational to the point that people pay to get these numbers without studying if they will convert into sales.

    I have also noticed that those with this hunger can be pretty callous in the way they present their offer, with lots of hype. This hype is so formulaic that after a while, it turns people off. It becomes a source of loss of credibility.

    Another observation about this "More Mentality Marketeers" is that they set up systems that create SPAM or alienate their Twitter/FB contacts. I am right now beginning to block people like this in my FB contacts, because they send emails 2-3 times a week without establishing any relationship with me, and they alienate me.

    At the core of all this, is the lack of respect for our Shakti Power (Female/Yin). This power brings us into harmony with others through empathy, love, compassion, care, soulfulness, community, collaboration and receptivity.

    These powers or gifts are essential in cultivating relationships, caring for those who need your services and honoring your gifts and your life purpose.

    One of the things I appreciate about you, Nancy, is that you bring these gifts into your business relations.

    As these are shamanic principles, I would like to know if what I am saying can be easily understood from a business perspective. I appreciate any feedback about this.

    Nancy, thanks for your joyful, valuable presence in my business and my life.

    Maria Mar

    The Dream Alchemist

  • http://www.thesocialmediaboomer.com Barb White

    Hi Nancy

    Thanks for the great #SMU09 session. I'd love you to send me your questions infomation

  • http://www.ConnectWithThomas.com Thomas Mangum

    Heck yeah!!! Thanks for saying what needs to be said. It's just nutty to spend hours and hours following pretty much everyone. I mean c'mon, that's like the old days of buying a mailing list.

    Give me 600 people that actually connect over 6000 random people any day.

  • http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com Nancy Marmolejo

    Heck yeah right back atcha! Remember buying lists? You’d end up with 99% mismatched contacts and a lot of frustration. Thanks for chiming in! :-)
    Nancy