Burma Shave Sign
Social profiles should not be used as digital billboards to shout a message at people over and over and over and over.
There, I’ve said it.
It’s not that shouting at people is ineffectual. In fact, it very effectively encourages people to un-follow, un-fan and de-friend.
May I be so bold as to suggest there may be a better way?
Engage your community. Invite them to participate. Give them a reason to listen to your message. Think Burma Shave.
Burma Shave signs are still fun to read. Back in the day, they went beyond static billboard delivery with a concept that encouraged people to not only read their message, but to seek it out. The attention of an entire nation was captured by a personality. Personally, I want the people I follow, friend and fan to capture me . . . with personality, not a pitch.
Introduce yourself, share a joke, pass along a link to something unrelated to business, ask your community questions. Get to know them. There may come a time, through the course of conversation, when they express a need for what you have to offer – for themselves or for a friend. Then, by all means, shoot them an “I see you are looking for letter press business cards & think I can help. Please check out my website” message.
People like to do business with people they know and, if you’ve taken the time to let them get to know you, the chance of them doing business with you is very much in your favor.
What do you think? Better?
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Great minds do think alike Lisa!
Great one liner:
Personally, I want the people I follow, friend and fan to capture me . . . with personality, not a pitch.
Keep it up!
-jen
@jenharris09
Joanne,
I am so glad you stopped by! I think the important thing to remember is that social media works when it engages people – I don’t know of anyone who is engaged by being talked AT instead of WITH. Stay with your instincts, I believe them to be right on!
It’s great to see you on ETSY (a particular favorite of mine). I’ll drop by your store every so often. Enjoy your day – Lisa
Thank you for saying this! As a new small business person I have been both undeniably attracted and rather disturbed by the free use of group social networks to advertise deals and specials with little or no other content. I think it is fine when a business adds an engaging blog to its website but not when a social visit ends up hard selling your friends. You have helped me go with my gut and avoid the pressure to keep up with this trend especially since my niche market is a thoughtful group. I was questioning my instincts since I am old enough ( barely) to remember those Burma Shave ads going past the car window! Nice to hear that sincerity is still in vogue.