In a time of selfies and TMI posting, a lot of entrepreneurs are still shying away from showing themselves on social media.
I get it.
I hate being on camera. In my head I’m still 23 but when I’m on camera I can’t deny I’m in my 50s.Grey hair, wrinkles, extra pounds and all.
I confess I still feel a little stupid and self involved taking selfies or talking on camera when I’m out in public.
Plus when I post, I want to be professional, talk about business.
And I know you’ve heard stories and even seen photos of kids posting photos of themselves drinking, doing things you’d never do in public never mind post on the internet.
You want to keep it professional.
But the truth is, business is about relationships. People still prefer buying from people they know, like and trust.
How do you talk to clients?
Forget about the internet for a minute. How do you talk to potential clients?
Imagine you walk into a Chamber of Commerce event and start up a conversation with someone you just met.
Do you jump right in with a sales pitch? Do you tell them all about your products and services and how they can save them time, money and make them lose weight?
No! (At least I hope not)
Start the conversation
You talk about the weather. Who won last night’s hockey game. What you did with your kids on the weekend.
When you’ve broken the ice you ask about their business and what they do.
At this point you tell them a little about your business and what you do. You don’t try to close the deal right now. You’re just starting the relationship.
Later you’ll friend them on Facebook, invite them to connect on LinkedIn or follow them on Instagram.
And you’ll follow up. Maybe invite them for coffee. Send them an article about something they’re interested in. Congratulate them on their kid winning a Foosball tournament.
You keep building the relationship until it’s time to have that sales conversation.
Because people need to look you in the eye, get to know you. Become comfortable around you. And when they know, like and trust you THEN you try to sell.
So why do you think it should be any different online?
You need to build a relationship online, even more than in person.
And while having an online business (or marketing your offline business online) means people can’t shake your hand and look you in the eye, if you’re putting yourself into your social media they can do it virtually.
If you post photos of yourself, show your workspace, get on video and talk to your audience, they get the chance to know who you are. What you stand for. See that you’re a real person just like them.
They get to know, like and trust you.
And I promise you … no one will buy from an online business without trust.
My challenge to you:
Take a look at your social media and your website. Are you there? Are you giving people a chance to know who you are?
If the answer is “no” start today.
Put your photo on your “About” page on your website. Post a selfie with an introduction on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Bonus marks if you tag me in the post so I can check it out.
Stop hiding! You will be amazing.
