Why Social Media Networking Is Like One Big Cocktail Party

What would you say if I told you that you already know the rules of great social media engagement?  That’s right.  Read on, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The way to be effective and successful with social media is to think of each interaction you have on social media in the same way you would engage with someone at a cocktail party.   Let’s break it down into a few easy steps:

Spark up a conversation

If you’re at a cocktail party how would you start a conversation with a complete stranger?  You wouldn’t just stand there and wait for them to talk to you (I hope!) because service-based business owners who are afraid to start up a conversation with a complete stranger are going to have a hard time getting new clients.  

The key to starting a conversation with a complete stranger in person or on social media is to listen to them first, see what they are talking about and then present a thoughtful response about something they have just mentioned.    When I am at a party, I don’t jump in a conversation without first knowing what the topic is about.  

I need to first listen, and only then can I jump in on the conversation and offer up an interesting point of view.  I don’t mull over in my mind what I am going to say, it comes naturally, just flows because I am paying attention to what’s being said.  Don’t over think social media conversation.   Be natural.   Be yourself.

Listen More, Speak Less

Listen to the problems that your ideal clients are dealing with, and try to help them solve these problems without expecting anything in return.   The reason I say this is people aren’t interested in your business, they are more interested in solving their own problems.  They are interested in making themselves happy by way of a funny quote, or a silly picture.    Can you help with this?  You bet you can.   Mix your posts up with this formula:

• 1/3 business
• 1/3 funny or inspiration quotes
• 1/3 direct engagement with your friends/followers

Be Authentically You

Social media is a place where conversations are light, fun and people love seeing how “human” we are. Don’t be afraid to be yourself on social media even when you’re reaching out to your target audience and having conversations with potential clients. The more open and transparent you are, the more people will trust you.   And the more people trust you, the more people will want to do business with you.  The more authentic you are–showing your true self, your personality, and even your mistakes and vulnerabilities–the more people will be drawn to you.  

Case in point.  My most popular Facebook status update to date was when my 4-year old son who just couldn’t hold it anymore had peed on my patio and the event that followed after.    Check it out below.   It got dozens of comments and almost 40 likes in a few hours.  

Don’t be afraid to post similar posts.  The above post was put on my personal Facebook profile and I  have a great deal of business contacts as friends and they all told me what a great laugh they had after reading my post.   The more human you are, the more authentic you are, the more people will want to do business with you.

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I wanna see what you’ve got.   Let me know how this post has helped you realize how to reach out and communicate with your ideal client on social media.   Let me know in the comments below.   I read every comment and can’t wait to hear from you!

Rock on,

Reese