Last night’s teleseminar with Edge Studio’s “Talk With A Pro” series was packed: the full allowable 100 callers. And here’s the funny part: I was the ‘expert’!!! It’s hard for me to get comfortable with that moniker…partly because I make fun of the ‘expert’ title as an over-used, undefinable, and inflated handle that so many in social media claim.
But apparently there IS something to show for the countless hours I’ve spent online.
The callers could be loosely herded into 3 categories from what I could tell by the questions (IMHO):
1) Those who are neophytes and have yet to understand the value to their VO business of using Social Media site.
2) Those who have launched their profiles and accounts with social media sites, and wonder: ”Now what?”
3) Those who have launched their profiles and accounts with social media sites, and say: “So what?”
For category one, I say: Social Media is a FREE marketing tool that will help raise awareness of your brand online.
For categories two and three, I say: ”Be yourself”…nothing more…nothing less. It’s easy, ’cause — after all — you’re you. And most of you are decent, hard-working people who aspire to excellence in your craft, and honorable relations with your clients. Relate to people on FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., as your genuine self — remarking on other’s posts, paying forward helpful tips, and building your strengths — and you will find success on Social Media sites over time.
I could go on and on with do’s and don’ts, trends, methods, and “best practices”, but it boils down to being interactive and social. Those of you who are not particularly social, well…these sites allow you to fake it better than if you were in person at the water cooler engaging in awkward shoe-shuffling conversations.
A complete audio copy of the session can be found — probably sometime late Thursday or early Friday — on the Edge Studio website HERE.
For those of you who were on the call…thanks for being good listeners and supportive.
Let me know if I can be of further help in any way. Don’t hesitate to visit the site http://www.SocialMediaVO.com for further information.
CourVO
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I missed the call, but am looking forward to hearing the download… especially following on from your’s and Terry’s excellent presentation (and subsequent http://www.SocialMediaVO.com).
One example of the benefits of using Social Media is the simple fact that arriving at VOICE 2010 having fully crossed two continents, I didn’t have to waste time making preliminary introductions, or sit around nervously hoping to find someone to talk to. At this event I was able to connect with my professional peers as if they were old friends, even though we’d never had any face to face contact previously. This was invaluable, and relationships will continue to grow in spite of the fact that the event has long finished because we continue to be easily connected through using Social Media.
This isn’t just a cosy way of having great mates either. These contacts share a wealth of experience, motivate and support (important in the freelance world where life has its ups and downs), and yes, if all you are interested in is the money… they provide (and one should give – this is a mutual benefit) referrals. Bring it on!
Thanks, Dave… all the best, Andy
Hi Dave: Hope all is well! Sorry I missed the call…have a great excuse though – was on a Skype video call with Dan Lenard so I can get my home recording situation squared away and can get back into the game again!! Am glad I can download the session and listen now. Will have to add you to my Skype contacts! Thanks always for your great advice!! Regards, Karen