Social Media Marketing - "Rule of Thirds"

When it comes to Social Media strategy, many of the businesses I consult with come to me with a common question "What do I talk about?" Their question has been very legitimate and I've come up with a solution to answer this question called "Grant's Rule of Thirds" for Social Media. These are listed in order of importance.

1. "Profitable" : The abundance mentality is key to having a successful social media strategy, and is important in building lasting relationships. What can you offer others in social media that is useful to them? What can you give away? How can you help others? In order to get things from others, you must first be willing to give something first.

2. "Personal" : One of the greatest gifts that Social Media offers is the ability to find and grow useful relationships. You're ability to share specific details about your life that draws others to you is a powerful tool. They take interest, want to know more about you and a relationship is born. Sharing information about yourself is key to finding, keeping and growing with those around you. Don't be shy.

3. "Professional" : I've listed "professional" as the least important of my rule of thirds. In an effort to save you from your ambitious self, don't be greedy and start marketing to everyone you run into. Its irritating, impersonal and ineffective. Sure, every now and then you'll close a deal or make a sale, but, when it comes to your time you may be spending a dollar to make a nickel.

In essence, the rule of thirds can be simplified in this way: You want people to like you, leading them to get to know you and finally, they'll listen to you. The process can seem lengthy, but when building a lasting relationally based network, the efforts are well worth it.

Who You Intend To Be Is Not Who You Are

A short excerpt from Grant's upcoming book "What I've Learned About Real Business, Confessions Of An Entrepreneur."

People of good intention are the most frustrating kind of people. I say this because they are the type of people who live a life full of intention, resulting in little action. Seemingly, the real concern is that regardless of the fact that these individuals don’t actually do anything about what they intend to do, they still give themselves credit for doing it. “I intended on taking out the garbage” or “I was planning on telling you I loved you” or “I really wanted to have that business report to you by Friday” are types of comments that individuals with good intentions commonly make. Of course when you approach them on these types of issues, they tend to stare at you in disbelief for your ungratefulness at their good intentions. They really wanted to but situations “out of their control” prevented it. The victim card then comes into play and you become the bad guy.

I included this chapter in my book because I used to be one of these people and I’ve known many others since.  Don’t force people to base their opinions of you primarily on your intentions because that’s all you’ve got. Become a person that is personally and professionally dependable.

Quick Tips

• Create accountability for yourself.
• If you fail to follow through, be quick to apologize, make it right, and follow through the next time.  Most people are willing to give second chances if it's accompanied by humility.
• Know your limits! You can't do everything so don't try.  When your focus is quality and not quantity, opportunities you really want will become more available over time.