Proof We are Not Overly Connected

Do you get a response to all of your emails, Tweets, and Facebook posts?

How about 50%.  That is a more accurate estimate, isn't it?  Do I hear 25%?  You know what I'm talking about. As many of us give our perspectives on the high points of 2009, as well as the trends we see shaping up for 2010, a common theme that you are hearing is 'connectivity overload.'  Incidentally, tomorrow I will be wrapping up my three part series on 2010 Trends for Small Businesses when I focus in on sustainable communities. As you may expect, I'll discuss how social media is strongly influencing these trends.

For now, one thing I am emphatic about is that we are far from being 'overly connected.'  My belief is we are overly disconnected – from people.  Hey, I am just as guilty of this from time to time as many of you are.   Yes, I have my face in this computer more than I should.  I will even go so far as to say I am addicted to media, to news, to the next thing.  It's fun to learn, isn't it? 

Nevertheless, if you are a friend of mine, you can bet that I will return your email, your Tweet, and even your Facebook wall post.  That seems like the right thing to do.  This is what builds relationships.  It says you care enough about the sender to respond in kind. 

I've always said that social media will make you a better marketer because it puts a spotlight on your communications, and in the process, places some accountability on those communications.  Yet, this doesn't seem to matter to a lot of people.  Do you agree? 

Take a look at some of the mega social media marketers like Chris Brogan and Seth Godin.  They respond! A friend of mine was surprised that Seth returned his emails.  I'm not.  I cannot say I'm a friend of Chris Brogan, but I follow his blog that gets upwards of 100 comments a day.  And you know what, he responds.  Yes, he even responds to people like me.  I appreciate that.  And I guarantee if you do the same, you will build a larger community of friends, prospects, and customers too.

You would think that people would be over-communicating these days.  Why?  Because the economy sucks.  Why else?  Because social media makes it so easy to do so.  Guess what?  They aren't!  It honestly boggles the mind.

Click!  Light bulb.  That's right, this means there is an open field of opportunity just waiting for you and me.  All we have to do is connect, communicate, and build community through the simple action of being responsive.  O.K., I suppose that is technically a series of actions.  OMG, that sounds like work.  The question then is how badly do you wish to succeed.

You don't have to be a marketing genius like Seth Godin, or a an uber-multi-tasker like Brogan to build a successful business.  You just need to do something reasonably well, and do it consistently.  My belief is this is a vital ingredient in any marketing plan.  Marketing is synonymous with communication, and these days, it's all about personal communication. 

This the undercurrent of new media marketing.

Social media marketing doesn't do a anything for you that you are not already doing well.  What it does give you is the power to do everything better – by connecting you with people who are aligned with your message, your product and service, your personality and character, and your energy and spirit.

That's a big promise. 

Tune in tomorrow and I'll deliver on it.

Did I just make a promise? 

Yes. 

Photo Credit:  Mickal