Francine Bishop................................................. Embrace the Internet for all the Exposure you Need...........
Technology is changing so fast these days.
Almost daily we wake up to an improvement, an innovation or a development of some kind. The challenge for many of
us is to embrace the change. If we can see the opportunity in these embellishments we can be ready to learn and
rather than feel overwhelmed we can feel excited. The upside of a digital world is - it levels the playing field and gives
every business access to the same tools.
So how will you embrace opportunity in 2014?
It’s time to claim your space online. It’s time to stand out, be recognised and attract all the clients you need. Here are
five things you can do to ensure you’re standing out online.
- Be Clear: You are an expert. You must know exactly what you want to be known for, what problems you solve and
you have to give yourself permission to expose your knowledge. You have to believe you are “the” expert your
prospects are looking for then embrace it, live it and speak it with complete clarity. - Speak with Authority: Every time you say something – verbally or in written form – you must say it with
conviction, authenticity and confidence. Your prospects are searching on the internet for the right person to solve
their problem. They have endless options and need your assistance to make a decision whether you’re the right
person to work with them. Don’t be afraid to stand out for them. - Focus on Rapport: Consumers make buying decisions in a very different way
today. However there is one thing that hasn’t changed and probably never will- people buy people. Buyers have to know, like and trust the person selling.
That means we have to establish rapport and work towards a relationship.
In the offline world we build rapport naturally. Eye contact, shaking hands,
exchanging smiles and friendly gestures – we use these physical interactions to
establish connection and mutual understanding.
Building rapport online can be more difficult. However the principles remain
the same. When we communicate with openness, respect, understanding and
attentiveness, regularly, in a mutually beneficial and positive manner – rapport builds.
- people buy people. Buyers have to know, like and trust the person selling.
- Appear Everywhere: Use social media to get to know your prospects. Spend time in their circles and engage in
the conversations they’re having. Not only can you use social media to create your profiles and build exposure for
your brand and your products or services, but you can also learn about your prospects. You can converse with
them – rather than speaking at them or to them. “Pop up” everywhere. When people are exposed to you and
enjoy your input, curiosity will get the better of them and they’ll come looking for more information. - Be LIKEable: Don’t be too professional. You must be congruent with your brand but bear in mind that consumers
want to get to know you – as a person. Network as though you’re offline. If you would chat about a topic or event
in general conversation then it’s okay to bring it up online too. Be conversational and always responsive.
Encourage visitors to stay in touch – rather than subscribe to your newsletter!
Embrace the internet and be empowered knowing you have access to everything you need to reach your
prospects.
Francine Bishop is the author of Social Media Evolution and head trainer at Mayvin
Training. Her focus is on helping businesses to use the internet to attract leads and
convert to customers. Visit http://www.socialmediaevolution.com.au to download Chapter 1
of Social Media Evolution, a no nonsense strategy to attract customers to your regional
business. Francine can be reached via email [email protected] |
http://www.mayvintraining.com.au