Getting to Know You 

By Pam McDonald

The best part about social media is that you can tell your own story and create that personal connection with your audience. As a real estate broker, I had my picture taken with my black Lab and I received more calls due to people connecting with my dog. They would say, “You must be a good person if you are dog person.”

Well, social media allows you to share those personal moments with your audience and this is the best way to make connections. You no longer need to have a one-on-one conversation to make that connection. You can now share those moments and create those connections through social media.

Everyone has a story. Your story is the connection to create a bond that will generate business. Since social media allows you to stay connected more than ever to past family and friends, society has begun to want to create those connections with the people with whom they do business. Businesses now have the vehicle to do just that.

Don’t get caught up on the word ‘personal.’ Your story can be personal without telling the world your children’s or friends’ names. However, your story will connect you to your customers and create a loyalty that will create added business. Everyone wants loyal customers. Showing your personality is how you will gather customers.

Great examples of this are two of our clients who are helping causes about which they are very passionate. A local real estate broker, Pam McCutcheon, has pledged to contribute part of her commissions to local animal shelters. Another broker, Wallis Bryan, is pledging part of her commission to help find a cure for cancer. Why? Pam’s life revolves around her animals and her heart breaks when she hears of animals that need a home. Wallis has been touched by cancer as a result of her mother’s and sister’s personal battles. Because of her own experiences with family members, she wants to help others cope with the loss of loved ones due to cancer and help find that cure.

Whether an accountant, marketing firm or attorney, many times hiring other professionals is vital to running a successful business. As a business owner you know your business inside and out. You make money by closing sales, not by monitoring every aspect of your business.

So the next time you sit in front of your computer and think about creating posts on the social networks, you might consider answering these questions:

1. What is the history behind your company?
2. Why do you love your job?
3. What solutions have you solved for your customers?
4. What is the strangest solution you have solved for your customers?
5. How do you enjoy spending your free time?
6. If you could take a day off, what would you be doing?
7. Ask questions that your customers can answer:

a. If you could be doing anything today, what would that be?
b. What is the funniest story about your child or favorite pet?
c. What is your favorite book?

When bringing that personal element into your business, the sky's the limit. Social media is just that - a social outlet. You can invite your audience to interact. Invite them to use their imagination and invite them to share with you. Once the interaction is sparked, you might be very surprised what you can learn from your customers and how you might better market to other customers. Listening is just as important as sharing when it comes to social media.

So, although you might be shy and have made the decision not to share your personal story, you might want to reconsider. Your personal story is the key to your success through social media. Your story is the very reason that your next customer might make a purchase from you. Give your customers a reason to take a second look at your product or service by adding your personality to your products or service. Happy Chirp!ing.

About the Author
Pam McDonald is a Montana native and graduated from Montana State University. Pam is a Certified Social Media Strategist with Chirping Cricket Studio. Pam's excitement grows daily as she helps clients of Chirping Cricket Studio find their voice in the social media arena. www.ChirpingCricketStudio.com ~ Pam@chirpingcricketstudio.com. 406.219.7229