A SOCIAL MEDIA SURVEY was taken in November 2009 and the results published on Dec 1st 2009 here on the site.

In summary of the first 8 points of the survey it was noted that people have a problem getting started. They find a site that they like and then sign up with a username and password and hopefully upload a photo to show other members their smiling face or associated logo and again hopefully complete the bio area of their profile sheet telling others about themselves and then, well “wait for something to happen”.

The next step of the social media environment eludes them and they are ‘stuck’ with what to do next.

As I have mentioned in other posts, if the attitude of being at a cocktail party or loosely organized after work social gathering, and where the purpose of the meeting was to ‘meet and greet’ others then that would be a great place to start.

With that thought in mind – how would you introduce and continue a conversation and remember all the people at the gathering? Your name and where you were from and what you do seem like a logical starting point. If you search the groups with your state or country you will find on the site all the members belonging to that group. Also within that group are links to geographical visual aids to allow you to say I work or live here and my area of expertise is here, so that others know your location and can identify and associate in their mind a location for you. This association of your name and a location in the world is what you are attempting to reinforce as you go forward with your time spent on the site.

The next talking point would then be – what you do. If in real estate associated activities – are you in residential or commercial. Do you sell or invest in real estate? Is your service ancillary to a transaction of real estate? Being that we are a worldwide network some background on how you do business in your area and what your target audience is here on the site would enhance what you do and the purpose for being on the site.

Have you had success in the social media environment? This part of the ‘telling about yourself’ would show your expertise in the media. This can serve as a testimonial to your approach to this media as well as for the site. Others will want to connect with others who have shown knowledge and success with this media. As soon as you have a successful experience with other members – write about it and share what worked and what didn’t and any tips for others to be as successful as you.

The next stage is to post consistently so that others will be on the look for your posts. This is where you begin to build a following, whether they tell you or not, assume that your posts are being read and enjoyed by others. Write about why you live in a certain area, make it personal and positive. If you have a product, try to weave it into the post and not make the post about the product. Engage the reader with details about you, not the product as this will probably turn members off. They did not come to the gathering to be sold, and asked to give to your favorite charity ( you ). They came to the gathering to meet others with similar interests and establish contacts to further their network of professionals and increase their sphere of influence.

Once this sphere of influence is built and strengthened, and others begin to know you and like you, then you can begin the campaign of what you have and how you want to share with them your inventory, or product or service. People will be more receptive to someone they have bonded with than with someone who runs right up to them and asks for money.

The phase of ‘putting yourself out there’ for others to know and love is the most important and the most overlooked. If you spend your time in the beginning just telling others about your passions, and your successes and not looking for some type of immediate reward I feel in the long run you will be the member others would choose to connect with when your service is needed.

If you show your area with video or photos this will only enhance your presentation and help to reinforce the association between you and the area you service.

If you have a listing or products then post the information about them in a separate post. Continue to post information about you and what you do and others will come to know you. Then when they like you, and see that you have nicely presented listings or products, then they will connect with you and want more information.

Keep in mind this is a marathon not a sprint and your patience will be kept in check.

When a service is needed by a member – then that member will search for a member who has shown the best knowledge and best presentation and who has also become a known face or personality on the site and will in most instances be in contact with the more active member than an unknown member.

Topics for posts: Why do you live the area? Moved there – Grew up there?

Do you participate in sports or recreation in your area?

Do you volunteer in your area?

Keep the personal posts upbeat and telling about you so others can relate to you.

Keep the business posts professional and informative and educational for other members.

Remember to keep this media fluid, warm and dynamic and less cold like a business flyer. This media gives the opportunity to show who you are and that you have the expertise and trust building necessary for others to work with you and to expect a positive and rewarding experience by associating with you.

Best wishes to you and for your business!