Networking Successfully in Social Media

Jamberry has a core principle to "give more than you take."  This is a valuable mantra for everyday life too!  It is even more valuable when you are trying to grow your business on social media.

I've been in direct sales for 15 years.  When I first started, there was no Facebook, Myspace or Twitter.  Just knocking on doors and calling people.  I suppose that helped lay a groundwork for being more successful on social media.  I would never knock on someone's door and then as soon as they answered say "BUY THREE GET ONE FREE - HURRY!  Here's my card, here's my website - do you want to buy it right now?"  I wouldn't call them on the phone and the minute they picked up say "Do you want free XYX products?  Book a party with me today!"

Yet that is exactly what I see everyday on social media!  If you want people to be interested in what you have to offer, you have to be interesting.  If you want people to like you, you have to be likable.  Think about the people that annoy you the most.  Go ahead, do it right now.  Close your eyes, feel the disgust.  Imagine what you'd like to type out to them but are too nice to say.  Now, apply that to your own marketing efforts!

The best way to use social media is to be social.

¹so·cial
: relating to or involving activities in which people spend time talking to each other or doing enjoyable things with each other
: liking to be with and talk to people : happy to be with people
: of or relating to people or society in general

 adjective \ˈsō-shəl\

Talk TO people, not AT them.

When you join a business networking group, get in and network, share resources and good ideas. This establishes you as more than just someone who wants their business. It also "trains" them to look at and read your posts, not skim over your pitch when they see your name.

Then, when you do make a pitch, tell a story (briefly!) about how Jamberry gets so much attention and they can use that to open conversations for their business. Offer to find a few good suggestions for them if they'll post their business name on your post. (this also helps keep your post bumped up to the top and gets it more visibility!)

In your local groups (mom groups, garage sale swaps, etc.) it's a little harder to get noticed. Most people on those groups are looking for bargains, and not excited to see posts from direct sellers. So, you make yourself useful in those groups. Commenting, asking questions, participating, answering questions (where's the best place to get Mexican food, etc!) again, this "trains" people to look at what you post.

Then, when you have a hostess who doesn't want to use her half-off items because they got soo much Jamberry for free (even if this is yourself ) you can post "I've got 2 half-price items left on an order going in tonight - is anyone interested in trying Jamberry for half-off?" They will go nuts. I promise. Those who miss out on the half-off items just became prospects for booking a party. You now know they like what you've got and want it for a discount!