In this cattle drive of digital marketing it is easy to get trampled amongst the hooves of the masses. The pasture is astronomical in size and you may feel like a speck on a “patty.” Literally hundreds of millions of people are clamoring for space to be outstanding in their field, to have their voice heard; their brand recognized.

Jumping on a soapbox with a megaphone sure sounds like a great idea, but just how can it be accomplished in the stampede?

As you have read, it takes time, painstaking effort and a hell of a lot of energy, every single day, to retain and maintain your online presence. It is time consuming and can also divert your focus away from your core business.

There are dos and don’ts and best practices published every second. Let’s just say it is information overload, enough to make your brain explode.  Your most esteemed colleagues, industry thought leaders, marketing organizations and the like are continually evaluating, suggesting, studying and pushing content on what to do and how to do it best in order to achieve your social media marketing goals and business success.

You sometimes may feel the urgent need to test the suggestions, add new plugins, try the tools but it gets to a point where it is almost impossible to dedicate your time ON your business because you are so entrenched with the current recommendations for a positive, productive online experience, both for you and your customer.

• Step back.
• Take a breath.

Step above the herd:

1. Evaluate some of the tips and tools
2. Implement some – test and measure results
3. Be cognizant of YOUR strategy and goals
4. Realize you can’t try everything and not everything works for everybody
5. Know your real value proposition
6. Educate your followers about your solutions, not your widgets
7. Sell VALUE not cost
8. Be authentic
9. Engage in real-time, one on one conversations
10. Continue to educate yourself
11. Nurture relationships
12. Write QUALITY content
13. Consistency counts
14. Share and syndicate your posts
15. Be passionate about your business and your customers
16. Never make promises you can’t keep
17. Share and retweet others
18. BE social, don’t do social
19. Give without expecting something in return
20. Express your gratitude
21. Join in community discussions, offering valuable insight, not just idle chatter to get noticed
22. People buy from people – let them see you’re human, not just a brand
23. Think: RELATIONSHIP MARKETING

It certainly isn’t easy and some days may feel a bit rougher than others but never, ever give up. You’re an entrepreneur. A business owner with a dream and THAT is worth pursuing.  You’ve come this far just figure out what works best for you and your company. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel by any means but you do have to take action everyday. I am not saying to bury your head in the sand and ignore some of the main premises and practices of digital marketing; that would be social suicide. Try and manage the overwhelm of the influx of data and suggestions. We all have different ideas, strengths, and opportunities to play upon. Pay attention but you don’t need to feel the craze and institute every single post you read.

Let your true passion tell your story and connect with the hearts and minds of your audience. While some others may just be link pushing or talking in the wind, YOU build and cultivate the relationships based upon integrity, value, character, trust, gratitude and of course some of the basics above. Be patient. Be present. Be you.

“When you’re about something that benefits others, you’re more believable and trustworthy. People want to know you’re not just in it for yourself.” Mike Henry Sr.

This all sounds pretty touchy feely but again, people buy from people they know, like and trust. Your reputation will precede you and your brand advocates will share, promote and talk about you. Word of mouth is your most powerful marketing tool.

What makes you stand out from the herd?