The Power of Social Media Consistency on Building Your Brand

July 22, 2013 by Frederika Angus Leave a Comment

The Power of Social Media Consistency on Building Your Brand

by Frederika Angus

“He’s there every morning,” I thought as a drove by the familiar white house with the large porch. “I wonder where he is. Is he ok?” I further wondered as I continued down the street.

He is the older guy that sits on his porch every morning, sometimes alone but often with friends, and waves to the cars and their passengers on their way about their daily travels. During the summer, I look forward to taking the (quiet) drive back home from dropping my boys off at summer camp. Not only because of the quiet, but also because this gentleman gives me something to look forward to.

You could certainly say that his wave to each passerby everyday is not such a big deal. Why would that be a highlight of my morning routine? I don’t even know his name!

Today our method of connection is a little different from that of generations before us. Instead of waiting for letters to be delivered from the postal service, we send emails. Text messages have replaced my personal favorite way to communicate with other kids in class, passing intricately folded notes containing instructions for the recipient to check a box “yes, no or maybe so.” Facebook and Twitter and other social media platforms have moved in front of sitting down on the front porch or gathering in the backyard to talk with our neighbors and friends.

The world we live in today has fostered our digital connections and that isn’t a bad thing. I sometimes hear the complaints of those who wish that things would go back to the days where things were simple and people actually talked and developed “real connection.”

Brene’ Brown states in her book Daring Greatly that “connection is why we’re here. We are hard-wired to connect to others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

I propose to you that our social connections help foster the meaning and purpose that we bring to others and also to our own lives. Connecting online through email, social media and via our smartphones expands the number of people that our businesses and brands are able to reach.

But what does social media have to do with the missing guy sitting on the porch that waves everyday?

Everything.

This gentleman has impacted my day by his consistency. And if he can do it with just a simple wave, how much more can your brand use social platforms to impact many more by showing up daily?

Your consistency is key when it comes to using social media to help your brand to be found, be heard and be profitable. Engaging with your fans is not a sometime thing but an everyday activity. Just like the man on the porch, when you show up consistently those that follow you come to expect you and a deeper connection is built. People begin to stop paying attention if you do not maintain a consistent presence. With all of the distractions social media, consistency helps your brand to break through the clutter.

Take some time every day to check your social media profiles, respond to fans, ask questions, and start conversations. You’ll build a brand that people can connect to and trust!

I believe in you!

Is it Better to Use Your Business Logo or a Picture of Yourself on Social Media?

February 6, 2012 by Frederika Angus 3 Comments

Is it Better to Use Your Business Logo or a Picture of Yourself on Social Media?

by Frederika Angus

Last week, I met one of my new twitter followers by accident.

On social media, I am determined to be authentic and to be my best me all the time. I make sure that I share valuable information about business and always sprinkle my personality in. I even share personable details about myself and my life without crossing the line to being way too personal.

Most, if not all, of my followers know from my tweets I am a HUGE sports enthusiast. Our kids have played sports since they were big enough to walk. We also have season tickets to both our local NFL and NBA teams While out at a Charlotte Bobcats game with the family, apparently I was really into the music they were playing. (Music is another of my loves!) The cameraman thought that it would a great opportunity to put me on the big screen for the enjoyment of thousands. You know to hype up the rest of the crowd!

[Bobcat player Reggie Williams signing autographs before the game]

I didn’t think much of it then but as we were preparing to head out with the rest of the crowd, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“I would recognize you anywhere. You’re Frederika, from twitter,” she said. “Seeing at you on the JumbTron is just like seeing your picture when you tweet!”

She continued to share how she appreciated the content I shared on Twitter and was glad that she could meet me in person. It was as if we already knew each other just from our interaction on social media.

If you desire expert branding, being the face of your business and connecting with your clients (and your potential customers) in a memorable way, your profile picture needs to be of you. Steve Jobs was masterful at being the face of Apple and by doing so not only created loyal brand enthusiast but built a significant legacy for years to come.

Achieving the same is possible for you and made easy through social media. Using social media to brand and position yourself puts you on the same playing field as the big guys, quickly with minimal cost. That is where your customers hang out, search and digest the majority of their information. Putting a clear, professional headshot up as your profile picture makes a big difference in the level of connection and relationship you develop with your clients. Unless you are already have household brand recognition through your logo, becoming the face your brand is the best way to elevate your brand and expand your business to the next level.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.

Talk to you soon,

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: branding, entrepreneurship, expert branding, logo, small business, social media, twitter, twitter for business

Mistakes Small Business Owners Make With Social Media

December 27, 2011 by Frederika Angus Leave a Comment

Mistakes Small Business Owners Make With Social Media

by Frederika Angus

Social media is an effective way to connect with people quickly, develop new relationships and have nearly instant access to potential customers and business partners alike. While most small businesses understand the importance of using social media as a way to build and expand their brand, there are some critical mistakes that are made than can harm instead of enhance your business.

Not having a social media plan

There is a big difference in how you utilize social media personally and how to leverage it’s power to present and provide valuable information to the world. It is important to know what you want to achieve through the use of social media. Without having a plan, it will be more difficult to measure if your efforts are providing your desired results.

Updates that are too personal

Simply put, be personable without being too personal. Avoid talking about relationship troubles or issues with colleagues, or clients. Strive to be a positive source of information and provide valuable information while cultivating relationships. Doing so will develop a culture of followers that will be loyal to your brand and business as they learn more about you as an entrepreneur and how you can serve their needs.

Promoting without participation

Have you ever been at a party talking to someone who believes the best topic of conversation is themselves? Make sure not to do the same on social media. It will be a real turn off to your ideal clients. Social media networks are a wonderful place to give as well as receive. Avoid just talking about your business without engaging your followers by responding.

What other social media errors have you seen businesses make? Share additional mistakes below.

Talk to you soon!