We’ve reached a critical point in the social networking realm. Some “experts” will be facing their preverbal death very quickly as they realize the rules of traditional marketing do not translate into social marketing.
I am constantly “hiding” and “unfriending” so-called (often self-proclaimed) experts because they just don’t get it. They don’t understand marketing to a social network. They see Twitter as an untapped resource to sell their goods – that is exactly what Twitter is not. They follow suit on Facebook, and again, miss the mark. Social networking is about relationships. Social relationships.
Social networking was never, and will never be, about selling. It was about building relationships with friends, associates, co-workers, and interesting people.
That brings me to ask, “how much is too much?” How many self-indulging, self-promoting, miss-the-mark, peacocking posts from “experts” does it take to discredit them? Do they violate your trust after daily sales pitches? What if they promote other “things” (products, services, people, experts, etc) in a 2:1 ratio? 10:1?
In my opinion, in terms of social networking, it is hardly my job to promote myself. I promote others 5:1, I recommend other resources, answer questions, and – only when “necessary” – promote a product or service.
What do you think?
Shaun has helped hundreds of people around the globe grow their business. His passion is helping small- and medium-sized companies expand their brand online.
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