Social Media and that Horrible ‘P’ Word

Developing a powerful presence in the social media space is not an event, it’s not even a campaign. It’s a process, it’s long term. It’s not a matter of launching a Facebook fan page as much as it is about developing a mindset and cultivating a following, and building a tribe and other boring things that will require the Horrible ‘P word’.

Before I talk about the word, you should know this;

MOST (97% of) people who like a page, will never return to that page. So there’s a big difference between getting someone to click the follow button and actually gaining a real follower.

Believe it or not, this is good news.

It means that if you can reorganize your organization big or small to ‘think social’ not simply pretend social for a week or two, you’re going to have a massive advantage, even over those with bigger budgets and flashier advertising.

But it’s going to take Patience, with a capital P.

Patience is a real barrier to entry for most entrepreneurs and businesses.

No one wants to hear that horrible P word ( Patience ), but if you’re going to maximize the opportunity that social media is creating in Zimbabwe and world-wide, you’re going to have to accept it.

Social media marketing is about developing influence (also knows as leadership,) and it takes time. You’re going to have to do some learning. You’re going to have to be consistent. You’re going to have to seduce and lure, not simply announce.

You’re not going to get the instant gratification of instant buyers, like you would in more traditional broadcast, especially not when you’re just starting out.

I like how John Maxwell puts it

Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day

Becoming a leader is a lot like investing successfully in the stock market. If your hope is to make a fortune in a day, you’re not going to be successful.

And like I said, the fact that it’s not easy…that’s the good news!