Famous last words of a stuck mentality:
I never did it that way before. I don’t know how to navigate the social media sites. I don’t have a platform. I don’t know how to self-publish. I just don’t understand all that high tech stuff.
Whatever famous last words you use an excuse doesn’t matter — as long as you allow them to stop you they are working.
All Social Media Should Lead to Your Brand Website or Blog
My Grandpa Kelley was a hero to me. One time he came to visit us in Germany. I was excited to show him the Alps. I remember beaming with pride as we drove through the winding roads.
My bubble was busted when I heard my beloved Grandfather mumble, “You can’t see anything with all these mountains in the way.”
What?! How could it be that he didn’t share my love for the Alps? He was from North Dakota and flat lands were familiar to him. The towering Alps were disturbing to him. Many people feel the same way about Internet based businesses and promotion.
We are all guilty of not recognizing the beauty in the unfamiliar. We can step away from the present and our very own futures out of fear. Reed B. Markham said, “If you are standing still, you are also going backwards. It takes great effort to maintain forward movement.” This is a great reminder that we can’t settle in for the ride. We must constantly be growing, learning, expanding and gaining new talents.
For many small business owners we are our own brand. Are you using your brand online?
No matter what kind of company you own the internet should play an important role in building your company.
It is time to put these two basics to work for you.
- Blog/Website
- Avenues on Social media that lead to your Blog/Website.
Social networking is the new word of mouth form of advertising. Look at it as a road to your business. Don’t be overwhelmed and intimidated by social media. Avoiding the power of social media will cause your company to suffer. Harness it to allow your company to bloom.
Are you online? Are you blogging and Tweeting? Do you have a Facebook Page? Are you LinkedIn? Are you using a Square or PayPal to take instant credit card payments on location?
Even if you have a traditional brick and mortar company, it is time to join the conversation and direct traffic to your website or blog via social media.
You are never finished changing. Benjamin Franklin said, “When you are finished changing, you’re finished.”
I am neck deep in the second edition of How to Self-Publish: The Author-preneur’s Guide to Self-Publishing in my attempt to keep up with all the changes that have happened in the past two years since I published the first edition. Stay tuned for the release date.
Great post, Kayla! Branding is so much more than colors and fonts and styles. And I’m here to tell you it’s hard work. You made a few points that I’ve let down on in recent months. Thanks for the reminders.
Yes! It is so much more than colors, fonts and styles. Branding is blood, sweat, tears and a being vulnerable.
This is a great reminder that the only thing constant in our lives (and businesses) is change.
Exactly!
Very nice reminder on some things & new areas I need to look @ thank you
You bet! Thanks for visiting.
I love Ben Franklin. That’s a great quote. I look forward to the new edition of your book.
Thanks – I’m getting down to the final details.
Thanks for the great post, Kayla! I’ve always used social media and just recently realized how important it is to my business. Now I’m using it more purposefully. I’m looking forward to more of your posts!
Using social media more purposefully is a very wise business move.
I laughed when I read about what your Grandpa Kelley said about the Alps. It is so true what you are saying about change and embracing social media. My dad bought his first computer at 80 years old and learned how to use it and email. He even started a blog at 90 years old. He always challenged himself to be current with the present times and yet did not forget the past when there were no computers.
Wow! Your dad sounds so cool and young at heart.
Yes, forward movement DOES require great effort!! But it’s so very worthwhile and fulfilling. I’m looking forward to your new edition. I know it is something I need to read 🙂
Exactly – it does take effort but is so worthwhile.
Great article! I was talking to a friend today who is in business but really struggling to get customers. I asked her about her social media, thinking that I might give her some tips. Her response, “what social media?”
Oh my! Just think of the doors she can open if she adds social media.