{"id":6626,"date":"2014-01-21T14:59:01","date_gmt":"2014-01-21T21:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/?p=6626"},"modified":"2015-06-04T14:28:39","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T21:28:39","slug":"the-roi-of-social-media-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/2014\/01\/the-roi-of-social-media-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"The ROI of Social Media: Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once again, we consider the ever thorny question of ROI in social media. \u00a0I wrote about The Power of Give And Take In Social Media in this article<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0 Since writing that post, I have seen a great many articles on ROI\u2014something that can prove incredibly difficult to measure.<\/p>\n

Based on my own personal journey (in which social media plays a pivotal role), I can say that it takes years of hard work and creativity to see the results you want.<\/p>\n

If I could impart some social media wisdom based on my extensive use of multiple platforms, there are a few examples of what works (and what doesn\u2019t).<\/p>\n

We frequently hear the term \u201cengagement\u201d in discussions about social media. \u00a0My Twitter connections are highly skilled at the art of online conversation, and I enjoy talking with them, but all those posts can sometimes clutter my followers\u2019 streams. \u00a0Consequently, I start many interactions on Twitter, but I then try to extend them beyond that platform. \u00a0Continuing those conversations on Instagram, Facebook, and Google+ is a bit more manageable for me.<\/p>\n

Recently, I re-tweeted someone I hadn\u2019t seen on Twitter for a while. \u00a0I have always admired her as a writer, and looked up to her as a thought leader.<\/p>\n

She reached out to me right after I re-tweeted her and asked me if it was okay for her to introduce me to someone. \u00a0 As it turns out, she knew a writer who was working on an article for a major publication, and wanted to include me. \u00a0 I was grateful for the introduction and thrilled to receive the opportunity. \u00a0Her e-mail introduction was so gracious and kind, and I felt grateful we had connected.<\/p>\n

This woman and I saw each other about three years ago at a conference in New York City, and had dinner with a large group of people. \u00a0We’ve followed up with a phone conversation, and have kept in contact through our social media channels and e-mail for the past few years.<\/p>\n

The value in social media is in the contacts you make and the relationships you build. \u00a0Treat people as friends, rather than as a means to an end. \u00a0If you endeavor to build real and lasting relationships, ROI will come.<\/p>\n

Rather than tweeting someone you\u2019ve just connected with to ask a favor, value their time<\/strong><\/a> and build a genuine relationship.<\/p>\n

Before you text, direct message, or e-mail me about your campaign, consider whether what you\u2019re asking might be burdensome, and whether you truly know me well enough to expect favors<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0And don’t assume that someone will share your content, even if you do have a good working relationship: \u00a0it may be the case that a particular piece of content just doesn\u2019t align with their personal brand.<\/p>\n

I have attended many conferences over the past several years, and the key takeaway for me has been the importance of having a one-on-one drink or meal with a small group of people, so you can get to know people on a deeper level.\u00a0 Seek out people who are positive, and support you in pursuing your goals. \u00a0I feel very blessed to have a sizable group of supporters, many of whom I\u2019ve connected with online, and some of whom I\u2019ve had the pleasure of meeting in person.<\/p>\n

The key is treat virtual relationship as you would \u201creal life\u201d relationships: \u00a0send them a quick text over the holidays to say Happy Holidays, or wish people a Happy Birthday via social media. \u00a0At the end of the year, organize a local holiday tweet-up so you can strengthen connections in person.<\/p>\n

Don’t meet up or call people ONLY when you need something from them. \u00a0If that\u2019s how you operate, I guarantee you they will stop responding to you, or might just say they didn\u2019t see that e-mail or text you sent.<\/p>\n

Cultivate a sense of gratitude and a genuine interest in people, as opposed to what people can do for you. \u00a0Then, you\u2019ll see the ROI of social media!<\/p>\n

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Once again, we consider the ever thorny question of ROI in social media. \u00a0I wrote about The Power of Give And Take In Social Media in this article. \u00a0 Since…Posted on<\/span>