Ways to Grab Social Media Attention

It isn’t easy to be heard in today’s multi-media world. It is easy to publish writing, music, or video. That isn’t the question, however, here. The question is how many people are even aware of your social media account. Not many? Then you have to use tactics to grow engagement.

I hate automatic Tweeting or social media posting services. Sure, you can schedule your marketing calendar in advance, but your content isn’t going to be current. You need to post based on your industry trends, not just your specific promotions.

Be original. This is easier said versus done. Quirkiness is hard to teach. I would suggest you make your headlines a little off or play on the side of shocking. Don’t break any laws, be rude, or discriminatory when writing your headlines for social media. Instead, be bold. If your headline bores you, it bores everyone else.

I also would suggest you always use a photo or a logo with your posts. If you don’t have a photo to go with your posts, don’t steal / grab any off the web. Buy a stock photo account, take your own photos, or use your logo as a branded icon for your messages. Visuals always hook content readers quicker then paragraphs of text.

I hope this information helps you create a bigger social media audience!

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Sales Tactics That Fail.

If you're in business, you have to sell. You're either selling your company to clients, investors or other businesses. Thus, you have to know how to sell. I've learned what works and what doesn't work over the years. If you want to amp up your sales, try these tactics and stay away from the failures I've listed.

Be exciting. Don't fail your business by being boring. Presentations that are too long, even if they have substantial information to offer, will not result in a sale. Cut to the chase and present what is exciting about your company and/or proposal. You can work out details later.

Be mean. Yes, don't be too nice to potential clients. Being too nice can make the client feel like you're desperate for the sale. When you're overly accommodating clients tend not to respect you or your services much. So, be firm and polite, but not overly nice.

I read this one on Inc.com. And, I have used it. The article states that a sales person, "uses his or her neocortex, part of the brain that can handle complex reasoning and data analysis. But the potential customer processes those messages through a more primitive, instinct-aware part of the brain. Consider car marketing: no one wants to hear about gas ratios or complicated navigation systems; they want to know how they'll feel tearing down the highway at 90 miles an hour. Unless asked details, stick to emotion and narrative when selling."

Don't be too available either. If you respect your time, so will your potential clients. In fact, they will feel lucky to have you on their team. When you walk into a sales pitch, tell them you only have 30 minutes to talk with them and answer questions. At the twenty minute mark wrap up your sales pitch, mentioning you have another meeting with potential clients, and that you would love to provide one-on-one service when they sign the deal.

Although these tactics seem harsh, the nicer versions have failed me in the past. Save yourself from learning the hard lessons I subjected myself to. Be firm with potential clients and your sales tactics won't fail.

Until next time,
Twyla