Social Media: Does the one with the biggest following really win?

Have you seen them? If you are on Twitter I know you have.

You know the posts that tell you how to join this site and add 5 Million new followers!!

Are you tempted? Ask yourself why?

Now as an online marketer I understand that “it’s all in the list” and a list can be a list of social media followers, friends and fans.. BUT! Yes there is a big BUT and not the kind you want to shake (as in booty) lol.

and here is BUT # 1. What good is it to have a list of 5 million followers who all just want to sell their products to you? These people have their own agenda, they want to sell you on their product or opportunity they are not usually buyers.

BUT # 2. If you are making real, authentic connections and you are passionate, really passionate about what you do or sell the right poeple will be immediately attracted to you and you will have a list of people who trust you, listen to you and ultimately buy.

BUT # 3. When you give value to your friends and followers they know you are trustworthy, they know you know your stufff and they will follow (yes really, actually follow) your recommendations to them.

BUT # 4. Ask yourself why you need so many followers or friends, if you have no connection with these people, you do not know them or what they are looking for or what they need or want, why do you want them to follow you?

BUT # 5. Ask yourself, what if you could get people to follow you without following them first? What if you waited for them to find you, for them to optin to friending or following you, wouldn’t that mean they have chosen you and therefore have made a decision about you and what you have to offer and wouldn’t that mean that more of those people are ready not just to listen to you, but follow your lead? Wouldn’t this mean that most of those who made a decision to follow or friend you are not just prospects, BUT qualified prospects?

BUT # 6. Don’t you think that joining and recommending these sites makes you look a little desperate?

I am a social media marketer, and not once have I followed more than a few people a week (not a day even), and my followings have always grown more from people opting to follow me than the other way around. I love this, it might seem slower but trust me the type of friend or follower you have is a higher quality, you might even make some really great friends (as I have) make some amazing business JV’s (as I have) and gather new clients (as I have) without all the madness.

Social Media is easy, it is not about “the one with the biggest following wins” it is about “those who create the most connections and have the most real conversations win” and it is a win for all. It is not about having the biggest audience it is about who is willing to listen to you and click on your links.

Nothing can beat being real, giving value and creating relationships – think about it word of mouth is only any good if you trust the source.

Be a trusted source.

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• “Keeping Social Media Human” in Virginia Beach (socialmediaclub.org)

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