Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing

I get the biggest return for my business using social media is when I am completely present with followers; using a platform like Livestream in conjunction with Facebook and Twitter allows for my followers to ask questions, give feedback, and diffuse their opinions of my services instantly across the social graph. The word-of-mouth generated is typically guided completely by my interactions with followers in real-time allowing me to be ahead of the conversation and generate lots of positive commentary.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I show my clients, sometimes you don't need a million dollar budget to compete with Goliath. You just need to step back with an open mind and engage with people yearning to speak with somebody.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I combine my online activity with my offline activity. One of my favorite strategies is to take the business cards I am given at face-to-face events and connect to these people on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. People I have met only once soon become good friends online, as I learn more about their businesses, careers, family and hobbies. The next time I see them, we behave like old friends, asking about all the fun things we've learned about each other on line. This combination of offline and online networking is a terrific way to further relationships. Many of these people then come to me for consulting advice or refer other people my way.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I acted like I am actually in a real social event. Connecting with people by listening to them, sharing valuable information, and entertaining them too. I also let them know that they are more than welcome to come to my place (visit my blog) and hang out more often with me (become a fan in my facebook). Once in a while, I remind them what I do for a living. Guess who is going to get referrals when any of their friends is looking for someone that do exactly what I do?

I get the biggest return for my business using Social media when I am able to combine being social with being able... the new sociable. That is, connecting with others (social) through what I do best (able).

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I:
Prospect by setting up live keyword searches in Twitter that allow targeted messages and connections to merge needs with offerings. I focus on looking, looking, listening, listening, and then speaking, try it, it works.

....when I target my audience, get live feedback, see new trends which create ongoing opportunities, experience viral marketing benefits, and gain new prospects.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I "ask stupid questions". I had asked a question on twitter: What is your favorite sesame street character? It was just a silly random question to stir some conversation. I got all kinds of great answers from followers that I had not yet connected with - one that read my bio, visited my website and now (through my company) is launching a new direct marketing campaign in 2010.

Just start a conversation. Dont over-sell yourself.

I get the biggest return for my business when 1. I ignore all the scams about how to get huge numbers of followers/contacts, 2. when I focus on people as people with diverse lifestyles and interests I can find interesting myself, 3. when I engage in social media because I want to, not when I have to and 4. when I let people see that I am the same person online as if we met over coffee down at the corner.

You can do this if you have to, but I don't think anybody will be very happy or successful, unless they like doing it. I do:)

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I remember to use it as a supplement to traditional communication efforts, not a replacement.

That's good advice

Gary Vaynerchuk: "Social media is the steak not the pepper".

Darn, the pressure. Nice idea by the way. I'll go first, since I was up way too early.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I take dry ideas and turn them into stories people enjoy, comment on, and pass along to others. If I can explain using humor and creativity, people understand.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I am active and consistent on both my blog/home base, and my social media "outposts;" enabling potential clients to really get a feel for my skills & experiences and decide to hire me.

In other words: I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I am answering questions on LinkedIn, writing useful blog posts; tweeting valuable resources to and interacting with people on Twitter, being active on Facebook, and commenting on blogs that my customers might read. When I am consistent and active across my social media footprint, and have those outposts connected to each other, it makes it easy for clients to get to "know me" and to choose my business.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage with the community. Wether it is for my personal blog (www.mamareads.com) or for my job (www.visitsunvalley.com) It is the one-on-one connection that makes people want to read what you right, or want to plan a great vacation.

I do know how to spell, it is early!

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage in honest conversations everyday. And help people grow their dreams.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I come across these opportunities to win great books, to enhance my knowledge.
I then read the books I win (I won 3, so far) and pass the knowledge on to my clients.
Basic school for investing taught me: you make your money when you buy!
Social media allows me to buy (invest in my knowledge) cheep (or free), and sell (for a fee).

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I:
1. Give Generously
2. Am Authentic and Sincere
3. Remain Consistent (the hardest for me personally)

I get the biggest return for my business using social media by keeping my focus on sharing useful and interesting info rather than a hard sell. I implement social media for a nonprofit and use social media to communicate updates about our projects, and engage our supporters in our work, rather than asking for donations.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I listen, then listen, then listen some more before doing anything else.

I'm honest and relevant.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I hear other business's say they wish they knew how to use Social Media. I am one step ahead of taking their customers!

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I add value to my customers' lives.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media by focusing. Rather than trying to be everywhere and getting paralyzed in the process, I focus on blog posts and LinkedIn. My latest blog posts appear on LinkedIn, which keeps my name and business top-of-mind for my professional contacts - who then call when they need marketing help.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I ... conscientiously share rich content that others may find valuable.

I see far too many instances where thoughtless (though often well intentioned) messages are published, with little or no consideration of a specific objective.

Prior to each post, I try to ask myself: 'Why am I doing this? ... What do I hope to accomplish? ... Is there a compelling reason for my audience to engage with me on this post?"

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I pay it forward. Networking is all about building up the people around you without expecting something in return. When you act in that fashion, it all comes around.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I am connecting to people when they are at greatest need. Contacting them with information first and services next if that is what they require. Following up with them and following them through the process. Being the person they can turn to for quality information.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I have FUN, listen, learn, contribute and (using Twitter) retweet empowering tweets. Most importantly to my business, I get the biggest return from acting on the needs of those I am listening to.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I provide relevent information to those who have taken the time to read my posts.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I find interesting ways to collaborate with others in a way that helps all involved.

I get the biggest return for my business using Social media when I am able to combine being social with being able... the new sociable. That is, connecting with others (social) through what I do best (able).

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I remember the 'social' part and consistently interact and pay attention to what others are saying. Some are not saying much; others have great pearls of wisdom. I've made very happy contacts through social media...many are virtual and we will never see one another. Yet, the learning has flowed both directions and I value them as friends as well as associates. Social Media makes my day!!

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I highlight the ideas of well-regarded thought leaders in our space (small business) on our blog, and then tweet the blog link. The last time I did that it got retweeted more than a dozen times (huge for us), and resulted in a spike in Twitter followers as well as offline inquiries from already-vested folks.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I have real conversations with real people and really care about it. I take it seriously, but remember to have fun at the same time.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I smile.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage with my audience and customers the way I do in real life.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage with my audience and customers the way I do in real life.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I am looking to give value first before expecting a return. When I'm thinking about what I can get before realizing what I can give, I've got the cart before the horse.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I give my targeted audience what they are looking for!

am myself.

am myself.

When I care. I mean really care about the people I am working with and use social media to show them that I care about them, not just professionally but as a person.

I was tempted to say: "I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I fill in the blank." But I'd rather say:

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I put the OTHER person in the conversation first.

...when I couple it with good ol' fashion "meet and greet". When I meet people in person it is much easier to create a relationship and a trust. I spend most of my time asking questions about them, their company, their business needs and concerns.

In short it's about building relationships, knowing your target audience and providing them with relevant, helpful and interesting information.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I remember that it's all about them, not about me.

Such awesome comments folks - I didn't really envision it this way but what a refreshing bunch of testimonials for those not sure about the value of engaging the platform.

Agreed - in the music biz we called this a "happy accident". Great work everybody!

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I make things personal and engage my customers

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when my prospects and clients know first and foremost that I am genuinely interested in really knowing them, not just in making a profit from them.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I listen, learn, respond, rinse and repeat.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage in a conversation. Can't talk "to" the clients. Gotta talk "with."

I get the biggest return using social media when i share and respond to things that really affect life. Whether it be passing on relevant info, sharing thoughts/ ideas or just encouragement.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I use all possible forms of marketing, provide great content, and link everything together.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I am certain that I care more about the outcome than the return.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I care about what my costumers want and how they feel. Not just talking about business but about life.

That's how we build real long term relationships.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I can answer a question or help a person having a problem with service in the organization. If my goal as an employee of my organization is to listen and respond to our patients and the public about our organization, then it is at it's best when we can put the machine into action for the good of that customer, no matter what the channel in person, on the phone or through social media channels.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I just be me. However goofy, angry, happy, sad, or helpful I'm feeling...THAT is the best return on investment. Honesty.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I don't talk about my business. I engage individuals who have expressed interested in the projects I'm working on by sharing with them relevant news stories from resources that are influencing my business strategy.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media is when I am completely present with followers; using a platform like Livestream in conjunction with Facebook and Twitter allows for my followers to ask questions, give feedback, and diffuse their opinions of my services instantly across the social graph. The word-of-mouth generated is typically guided completely by my interactions with followers in real-time allowing me to be ahead of the conversation and generate lots of positive commentary.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I ...

... listen.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I ...

... listen.

We, The Children's Medical Center of Dayton, plan to continue to build our following on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and our blog but really tap in to, and find, the "influencers" (moms, mommy bloggers/groups, community leaders, political leaders, health-related organizations and other non-profits) that will verbally support us and help us create those "conversations" about why Dayton Children's is such an asset to our community in caring for children and teens. Ohio has 6 children's hospitals (which is a lot - most states only have 1 or 2) so many people don't realize how crucial it is for children's hospitals to stay strong and thrive despite the economy and low reimbursement from Medicaid. We would like to incorporate "Tweet ups" and live video/twitter chats on a variety of topics to increase fundraising, support and two-way communication.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage those venues honestly and sincerely. I try to make my engagements interesting and insightful, but I don't try to hide behind marketing ploys or gimmicks. Sincerity seems to work best for me. "Look, I'd like to sell this to you. Here's what I'm doing. Here's why."

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I stop thinking I know everything and start to listen to my costumers!

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I tell stories people like.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I tell stories people like.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I focus primarily on ideas that can help those I'm connected with to improve their business.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I place the majority of my focus on providing content that is of value to my connections and content that will help them improve and grow their business.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I realize the conversation's happening with or without me. I need to be part of it.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I remember it's mostly all about "them" and hardly at all about me.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I can establish authentic relationships with people online that crossover into the offline-real world; relationships that transcend traditional cultural, geographical and political boundaries.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I listen.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media by pointing prospective client's and candidates to articles that I have written on my blog, as well as on other blogs and websites where I'm a columnist, that show how transparent and focused I am.

It allows people to get an honest feel for me, my values, and even my style, when I do this.

If they like what they have read, it's fine. If they don't, I have found that it's a nice opening. An opening for an honest conversation about my experience in franchising, and how I may be able to help them with whatever they need.

The Franchise King®
Joel Libava

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I shut up and listen. That's how I learned that people were using Twitter to ask questions that we had answer to.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I...well. that's right, the sentece says it all. I get the bigest return for my business, when I use social media - period.

Ever since I was a kid playing on my dad's MS-DOS computer, I've been fascinated and intrigued by the power of computers and technology to change the world we live in. When I started with social media in 2005 as a high school student, I was immediately impressed by the potential social networking had to change interpersonal communication and social dynamics. Since that time, I've been constantly working to merge this passion with my other great love- politics.

In my junior year at college, I wrote a paper about the use of new media in presidential elections since 1996 with a focus on the 2008 race- this paper won a Gold Pollie award at the American Association of Political Consultants for best use of social media research. Ultimately the biggest award to come from that paper was the job I have now- working with new media consulting at a brand-new company in Northern Virginia- RaiseDigital. My current boss found me through that paper, and used LinkedIn to get in touch with me. I was very fortunate to get a job right out of college- I literally finished my last few classes this summer. I feel I owe my job now, as well as innumerable other opportunities I have had, to the power of social media.

While I feel I have a pretty strong understanding of social networking and its background and functionality, I truly feel I have a lot to learn still. I believe these books will help round out my understanding of the best uses of social media and help me be most effective for my company's clients. Moreover, it will help me shape my understanding of how to merge my understanding of the political world with the benefits a successful online strategy can bring to our clients. Ultimately, the more candidates and organizations leverage this critical medium, the more competition and growth there will be, and the better experience we will all have online.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I show a genuine interest in others comments and by keeping it fun and interesting. By knowing my market I gear my comments toward identifying with potential clients and showing them how "The Right Bite" can fill their need, not trying to convince them they need it.

I get the biggest return for my business (organization) using social media when I ensure the value and usefulneess of each tweet or posting. This provides me with the best viral effect therefore increasing our exposure.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I tell the truth, write about relevant topics, clearly convey the subjects, be responsive to questions and comments - all in active, fun and easy to read language that the reader can skate through; not plunder past.

I get the biggest payback from social media participation when I give far more than I receive from others. Helping others has resulted in a number of valuable contacts. This approach has built credibility and established expertise without a strong-arm approach or asking anything in return.

Thanks John for asking and offering such a cool compelling prize.
thoughg I already have half of those books, all 7 signed to me would be pretty sweet.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when i apply my system founded on what I call the " Mom and Pop mindset" and when I keep a strong sense of Generosity in mind. I made you a short video to hopefully more effectively and creatively explain exactly what i mean.
Please check out :
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or (if the embed code doesent work) see same vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg243oj_Wcc

thanks and take care
Bryan

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I as a small business reach out in an authentic way and take the time to listen and respond.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I combine CSR activities and giving promotional materials to social media users. Secondly, using bloggers to discuss a new product on web.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I start doing and stop planning..

(just saying companies should not plan to the ridiculous, but step in & learn by doing)

Pretty simple. I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I provide valuable, actionable information that is pertinent to my target audience. (And for me, value = hits on my website.)

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I get one step closer to meeting my objectives.

I think the key words in your questions are "for my business", so I am really answering it from a business perspective.

I think that from a business point of view, every social media strategy should include some objectives, such as finding new talented employees or contractors, testing new products/services, increasing the number of subscribers to the company eNewsletter, etc.

Once you have a clear strategy, you should have some key performance indicators to track your progress. These could be the number of followers and how many subscribe to your eNewsletter. That is how you would know if you are getting a big return using social media.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I show my contacts that I am genuinely interested in them as a person and care about their happiness and well-being.

I am a City Forester involved on a national level with my professional group and because of the high visibility of my new work... I need to learn a new way to reach people. I am the first forester anywhere starting a new program using trees as environmental tools to help cities manage their environmental impact and while this sounds like common sense... all cities think of trees as something to prune or clean out of the street after a storm... first... then second on what they can use them for in terms of quality of life or climate change. So... A lot of people are watching but I can only fly to so many conferences or write articles. I need another way to reach people.
I recently attended a National Arbor Day event where we had to sign pledge cards and promise to advance our jobs in some way by nexts years event. I signed up and said I would learn to social networking. Over the last few days... I bought an android phone, signed up for twitter, three different e-mail accounts, and created a word press blog. Now I need to figure out how to use all this stuff! Help me! I want to be the best at what I do and I am in the perfect position to advance my job, my profession, and hopefully engage as many new people as possible. I wont make more money but maybe more trees will get planted and that makes it all worth while!

I have been working on building my personal brand and by doing so I have utilizied social networks. I am a recent graduate (2008) and have been volunteering at many social media conferences in hopes to land a position in the field.

I think these books would help me center myself as a better freelancer until I land my full time gig or to help me become a better person in business.

Jamie, There were so many great answers to this post that it's ridiculous that I'm picking just one. But, since I really didn't have any hard and fast criteria for this I'm falling on the fact that I'm a sucker for young folks wanting to continue their education in this stuff. I have four daughters (2 in college, 2 just out) that are doing the same.

So, I'll be in touch, but you win!

Thank you.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I don't think of the returns and give unconditionally.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I make a new friend.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I focus on being interested (in what others have to say & like) vs. interesting (trying to promote my own stuff). [cliche', I know - but it's true].
---
It's a real conversation - listen. Treat people with respect. Basically, do everything Dale Carnegie said and forget that you are online.

Like old Mother Hubbard, I went to the cupboard, to get my company a book.

Social Media, social networking, the tools of the day, I searched in every cranny and crook.

But, alas, to my eyes, it was quite a surprise,
social media? nary a book.

Socrates, Hemingway, Shakespeare I found, McNab, Forrest, & Kallmaker were there,
social media? nary a book.

I'm lost, so I thought! my gosh, what a fright! Kanter, Brogan, & Solis are missing,
social media? nary a book.

Help me, I cried, as I searched high and low, my work calls out,
demanding I grow,
social media? nary a book.

Our clients are increasing, our tools are outdated, our staff are non-techies,
social media? nary a book.

"Reach out," clients cry, "to cyberspace," they say, "find us online and give us some time,"
social media? nary a book.

Their cries in my sleep, which n'er was so deep, as when we engage, on our own Facebook page.
"What can you tell us, about that which affects us, it won't cost a dime, to drop us a line."

social media? nary a book.

I get the biggest return for business using social media when i flaped wings a bit faster. Then i realized it can cause a tornado
as triggering a chain reaction. So i get the biggest return when i understood and started the "butterfly effect"...

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I post fresh content on a daily basis helping the people of my community with questions or problems that they might have. I build a relationship with these people in hopes that whenever they need my services or know of any one who might they will refer them to me. Thus minimizing the cost of my advertising expenses and helping me establish myself as a professional in my field.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I steal the best ideas of others, tweak them and make them my own. No need to reinvent the wheel, that's expensive. Doing what works, but doing it smarter, makes for a happy client.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I remember to use LinkedIn as my prospect meeting, Facebook as my water cooler conversation and Twitter as a social networking cocktail party. I put on my hand-out-my-business card persona with LinkedIn; let my guard down a bit on Facebook with casual conversations about everything; and meet new, interesting people at the Twitter cocktail party...taking part in engaging conversations and putting my business cards away unless I'm asked for more information about what I do.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I quit caring about the return and just give, give, give.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I show everyone a piece of myself even when it may seem a bit goofy or outlandish.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when connecting to targeted people and updating my profile frequently.

I get the biggest return for my business using social media when connecting to targeted people and updating my profile frequently.