Getting EVERYTHING Done – Part 2

Last week we talked about three main pitfalls to getting started with a social media plan http://www.bizmsolutions.com/blog/?p=12.

It can be quite difficult to get started if you’re doing it on your own and can be downright overwhelming when you consider all the avenues available to you!

Have you ever wondered how people who utilize social media for their business manage to do it all and still run their business?  When are you going to find the time to blog, write articles, make a video, take advantage of social bookmarking, participate on Twitter, Facebook, etc, etc, etc?

The answer is that you probably won’t.  And that’s ok!

You don’t have to be everywhere using every tool that’s available in order to take full advantage of all that social networking sites have to offer.  There are, however, two things you must have

Time Management

Before you embark on any social media plan you need to understand that it will take effort on your part.  You can only outsource so much and whether you’ve chosen to hire someone, get a relative to help you or do it all yourself, it’s going to take some time.

Consider how much time you will realistically be able to invest in your social media plan.  Can you spend one hour per day on it? 30 minutes? 20 minutes?  Be realistic about the amount of time you have to invest in your business.  Create a schedule (like the one below) of what you need to do on each of the sites you’ve chosen each day and each week.  It will help keep you on track and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.  Once you’ve determined how much time you can spend growing your business then all you need is a good plan.

A Customized Plan

A customized strategy for your social media efforts is an invaluable tool!  You don’t have the same goals, values, availability or financial status as other business owners so why would you use a generic social media strategy?  Find yourself a good social media strategist and ask them to create a customized plan just for you.  You want something that fits your business goals but you also want something that fits your personality, your budget and your time.

You don’t have to participate in everything in order to make connections and grow your social net worth.  Decide what’s important to you.  Determine what you enjoy doing.  Then just go out and do it!  If you hate to write but love to talk then video should be on the top of your list.  If the very thought of Twitter wears you out then skip it!  Spend the majority of your time blogging and making connections with others on Facebook.  The important thing is that what you’re doing is a good fit for you!  Don’t think of social media as a marketing tool.  Think of it as a communication tool that allows you to reach out and connect with current and potential clients, partners and friends.

As long as you really work the avenues you’ve chosen and have an honest desire to reach out and connect with others then you can easily do “EVERYTHING” too!  Your friends and followers will be seeing you on a regular basis and wondering how you have the ability to do it all.  You’ll be able to engage your audience on a much more meaningful level and truly make your social networking strategy one that works for you!