Two weeks ago in my B2B networking group, the topic about asking for help was brought up. A member asked, “Why is it so hard for business owners to ask for help?” He went on to point out the fact that entrepreneurs got started because they wanted to be independent – it’s a mindset that stems from helping oneself; not getting help. If you don’t mind getting a little heart-to-heart here, let’s address this question as it relates to business owners and marketing. [Read more…] about You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself
Big Bad Business Apples
This week, with the elections upon us, I’ve decided to post a little personal rant. Before you get all bent out of shape and assume I’m going to endorse a candidate or local issue, take a deep breath and relax. I want to talk about the general negativity I hear floating about for business. On one hand, everyone wants a thriving business in their community creating jobs. On the other hand, they want to “stick-it-to-the-man” that runs the business. I want to briefly tackle this dichotomy – the Big Bad Business we can’t live without. [Read more…] about Big Bad Business Apples
Let’s Start, Toledo!
This week I decided to bring things a little closer to home with a trip to the pre-Startup Toledo Weekend mixer. According to the website, the Startup “is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures”. Budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to their peers. The top few (by popular vote) are selected and groups form around those ideas. These groups then have a weekend or 54 hours to develop and build that idea to present to their peers once again. [Read more…] about Let’s Start, Toledo!
5 Social Media Myths Businesses Believe
Alright. Am I allowed to vent? If you’re into social media marketing, maybe you’ll be able to commiserate. In my little world, social media is alive and vibrant, teeming with news, ideas, valuable information and even money. Like the Internet, it has its bad parts, but the good far outweighs the negative side effects a platform for 15 minutes of fame brings. Every now and then, I run into some social media myths that burst my little idealistic bubble, and reminds me again the need to educate businesses on the benefits of social media for business.
1. If we build it, they will come!
No engagement. No friend invites. No marketing. No content. And yet you think that potential clients will rain from heaven like manna to your Facebook page and immediately turn around and become your customer? Um, no. With a bazillion different websites, businesses and ads all vying for attention you better get your A-game on and engage.
2. I want a million followers/fans!
Ah! The age old quality versus quantity debate! Of course I can get you a million followers, but 95% of them will be spammers from here to Malaysia. And so what if they can’t take advantage of your restaurant’s special this Friday? It’ll only make it look like social media doesn’t work so you can say “I tried” and give up.
3. It’s just a fad.
Really? At the time of this writing, B2B social network, LinkedIn, is about to release its IPO at $45 a share to 
potentially make a sweet $350 million with a capital M and social media is just a fad? Politicians who are not engaging the populace on Facebook might as well give their concession speech now. Social media simply allows for word of mouth (WOM) marketing to happen in the digital space. Word of mouth marketing is not a fad. It works.
4. That’s for B2C companies.
Since when does working at a B2B company mean that you’re not on any social networks? HubSpot, a B2B marketing solutions company, has pretty much built their entire business through online marketing efforts. And they help other B2B companies do the same for themselves and their clients. Enough said.
5. I’m doing alright already. I don’t need social media.
What is this deep love affair with mediocrity and the status quo? How relevant do you think your current marketing mix is to the next generation? The housing bubble literally killed the careers of some real estate agents. Others dug their heels in and came up with innovative ways to market and stay in business. Newspaper after newspaper outlet shut down because of their inability to adapt to the new ways people were consuming news. The question has become not if but how long a company, sans social media marketing, will last before it dies.
These are just a few excuses (Let’s be honest), that I hear floating around when it comes to businesses getting into social media.
If you’re a marketer, share what myths you have heard – either in your experience or from others.