Social Media Engagement (Part 4)

What’s the difference between engagement face to face or via social media (Google +, Facebook, Twitter)? Nothing! Wait, what do I mean by nothing. Exactly that nothing!

The steps are the same, the process the same. There are some key differences though. You can’t just randomly look up people to engage. That might be creepy. So, what then?

Communities, blogs, videos, all have this marvelous button called comment! Use it to your advantage. Join a community you're interested in ask a question and engage accordingly. Make sure to know the rules before posting.

For this step you need to have a game plan! Having a game plan for engagement doesn’t mean trying to control the conversation on social media. It’s steps to take to maximize growth potential and engagement opportunity.

First we start with what I like to call my four steps to engagement success!

• First find an article or blog that peaks your interest. Read it, take notes to use later if it’s something you can use to enhance your life!
• Second step like/plus the post if you actually like it! I can’t express this enough you want to be organic don’t just start randomly liking 1000 people’s post! That doesn’t help the community grow and it only shows self interest!
• Third, share the post if you feel others you interact with will like the content, also make sure others know who originally posted it and why you like the piece! Again, if you don’t tell others why you like this piece you haven’t done your job as trying to be a true engager!
• Now the last step, is to comment on the article through whatever social media you are using, thanking them for sharing and what ever else you deem to comment on. I normally tend to say I look forward to their next article on this subject or something along those lines. I keep it semi-professional.

Remember social media etiquette look at the person’s profile, they may have certain guidelines they want followed when sharing. Afterwards it’s time to rinse and repeat, this gives you plenty of opportunity to have all sorts of engagement chances.  It also give you the chance to ask someone more experienced questions, thoughts, insights on how to improve. Be sincere, be thoughtful, be honest and give back. This is a give and take relationship. Not take and take.

Last not not least be patient with yourself. This process is the longest but most rewarding, you have the chance to improve your life and others if you take the time to take a step back and let your hard work actually get to work.