Social Media is like Dating. Get it?

I read this article by Ruud Hein and have, at my own risk, repeated part of it in a couple of workshops because it made sense to me. Now I share it with you.


Conversations without a Plan


I don't like hearing social media gurus telling people to go start and engage in conversations. There's nothing wrong with talking. But talking without a purpose or a goal could be a waste of time. Do my conversations have a hidden agenda? No, it's not hidden. The goal is to help the client make more money. Sell more stuff!

I don't think we should go out and "engage" people without a plan and a goal…. unless you're doing customer service. Talking to existing customers to create a deeper relationship and increase repeat business is a good idea. But wouldn't adding to your plan some kind of incentive/offer for the repeat business increase your chances of getting the conversion?
I'm starting to feel like I'm being too much of a "guy" about Social Media. Is the ROI focus from Mars and Social Media from Venus?

Let's compare social media marketing to dating; before you get any action, you have to:

1. Get the girl on a date
2. Find something in common (or see a movie to create a commonality)
3. Talk about the commonality over dinner
4. Ask questions, listen, listen, listen
5. Make a move at just the right time

Maybe my emphasis on direct response is too one-night-standish? Or maybe some of you are too afraid to ask for a sale… or a date.

But regardless of what you do you have to ask the following questions:

1. Why should they pay attention?
2. Why should they friend you?
3. Why should they respond?
4. Why should they buy?

Think about it. Plan it. Then do it.