My daughter transitioned from Montessori to public school in 4th grade and her first day was harrowing. My little cherub with a head full of blonde curls ran up to a potential classmate on the swing set and asked if she would be her friend. To my daughter’s dismay, the other child gave an emphatic NO and ran away. Of course my heart broke when she got off the bus in tears, telling me she didn’t want to go back to school and no one liked her. She had no friends.
She did survive, unscathed. She graduated college in May with a degree in Forensic Science and starts training in Tampa, FL next month for her new position as a Forensic Science Technician. Yes, I am a VERY proud mom!!
Whether on the playground, at a party, a networking event or online, the rules of engagement and relationship marketing all rely on some straightforward human principles.
Create a meaningful, personalized experience and you will be remembered when it is THE time to do business. Business results come from fostering and enriching your online connections within your community.
“When you try to get close to people you build trust. Staying consistent with that strategy will not only build your influence and authority, but it will also help you make true connections! In order to create a personality that people will trust online, you have to learn how to make time to be personal.” Wade Harman
No one likes a spammy self-serving salesman. Forget the schmoozing and big talk. Focus on creating long-term relationships based upon trust, not broadcasting content to your community. Just because someone liked or followed you does not mean you have relationship.
RELATE!
It is pretty simple. Nurturing a relationship of any kind requires you to relate to another individual. To engage in dialog, share ideas and have rich conversations without an ulterior motive as your frontline purpose.
- Listen and learn about them
- Visit and READ their profile and business pages
- Engage in online conversations
- Generate a personalized experience with you and your brand
- Use their first name
- Comment on their blog posts
- Reshare their content
- Ask questions and express REAL interest
- DEVELOP the connection
SERVE!
You can’t run around wondering what everyone can do for you. Think about how you can serve others. What value do you bring to the table? Social media isn’t ME ME ME! If you aren’t serving and offering value then you are taking. Be a giver instead.
- How can you solve their problems?
- Are you able to educate or inspire?
- How can you offer support?
- If you happen to see an industry related article they might enjoy, pass it on
- Make introductions to other like-minded colleagues and followers
- Serve others as you want to be served
“Relationships are the new currency.” Ted Rubin
Relationship Marketing: You and your brand are the face of your company, the connector to deliver service, value and meaningful relationships.
YOU are the CRO: Chief Relationship Officer.
Now get out on the playground and push that swing like you mean it.
Thanks for the mention Suzie. Relationships are like muscle tissue… the more they are engaged, the stronger and more valuable they become.
Thank you Ted. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I truly loved your quote and it resonated so deeply with this post. Without relationship building we lose the opportunity to connect and forge authentic communities and partnerships. It is all about the conversation and foundation building.
Fabulous day to you Ted.
I love that CRO job – chief relationship officer. Social media and IT may sound technological, but their essence still lies on the human, the people. That’s why building relationship is really pivotal. Aside from creating relationship, we also need to maintain that relationship, and put trust on it.
Thank you Victorino!! I appreciate it.
It is all about the human touch and connections we make online to nurture the relationships. It is the same as being in person if you want to build authentic communities and partnerships.
Hey Suzie,
When I first started using social media and used it for online marketing, I had no clue as how to really use it. It has taken me almost 4 years for it to really sink in. Now I have a great group of friends on specifically Facebook where we share great information as well as building great relationships. When you do it this way, you become more aligned with yourself and what you deemed as your purpose! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sherman,
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post.
I experienced the same thoughts when I first established an online presence. I was clueless. It does take time, research and understanding to truly learn the value of SMM and the great opportunities to build an online network. Some thing it is about pushing widgets and self-promotion, but social media and ROI is built upon a foundation of authentic relationships.
Best to you Sherman.
I agree that relationship building is important online and offline. Our relationship capital is increased by serving others and not by self promotion. Whoever coined the term ‘Chief Relationship Officer’ is someone I’d like to meet.
Chici,
You are absolutely correct. The digital landscape lends itself to relationship building just as in any other type of networking environment and generating strong community ties. It is the first step toward real business partnerships. Know. Like. Trust.