My Indie Business Radio Show interview features Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business.Here's a short video featuring the book and a written summary for those who prefer that.
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On the show, Erik shared some fantastic tips that all small business owners can use to successfully use social media to reach out to customers and other stakeholders.
- Don't Try To Boil The Ocean. You may have heard that before, but it's especially applicable when it comes to social media and small business. When you look around and see all the great tools other people are using, don't be fooled into thinking you can jump in and put them all to work at once. Incorporate them one at a time, in order of which ones you think will be most useful to you, and go from there.
- Social Media Makes It Personal. One super point in Erik's book is that social media can help everyone excel in many ways, and not just in business. For example, social media encourages a kind of “bragadocian behavor” that encourages all of us to be better. Sharing life's most exhilarating moments, and watching other people do the same, means that we can act as one another's coaches in a sense. Watching others enjoy positive strokes for doing exciting things gives all of us an extra kick in the pants to maximize our potential as well.
- Dale Carnegie vs. David Ogilvy. Dale Carnegie, a self-improvement guru, and David Ogilvy, an advertising guru (and creator of the “Dove is 1/4 cleansing cream” mantra), were in essence two sides of the same coin that must be employed by small business owners when using social media. Carnegie emphasized listening while Ogilvy emphasized selling. In fact, a business must do both, but with social media, Erik says it's more important to listen to the conversation before starting to participate in it. As you contribute, as long as you are adding value, then the conversation will continue and you will be a part of it.
Listen to the Show
You can learn more of Erik's insights about how social media is changing the way we live and do business by listening to my interview with him wherever it's convenient for you. You can download it on iTunes. You can also stream it or download it at my radio show website. If you like where you are right now, simply click on the link at the bottom of this post to listen right now!
Companion Newsletter
Click here to enjoy the companion newsletter for this show. Sponsored by Monave Mineral Makeup, the newsletter features the story of how Indie Beauty Network member Joan Morais owns and manages a successful company teaching others how to start profitable companies in the beauty industry.
Coming Up Next Week!
Coming up on October 5 at 1:00pm EST on Indie Business Radio, my guest will be Mike Michalowicz, author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
See you then!