In case you missed my post on Friday I offered one signed copy of One these seven books: Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, New Community Rules by Tamar Weinberg, Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel, Web Analytics 2.0 by Avinash Kaushik, Duct Tape Marketing by well, me, Whuffle Factor by Tara Hunt and CrushIt by Gary Vaynerchuk to the person that most creatively answers the following: I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I [fill in the blank] – Here’s the original post if you missed it
Between the blog comments, emails and tweets over 100 people responded, so picking one best answer was a bit on the ridiculous side.
It was awesome to see so much positive response to the use of social media. Go back to the post and read the comments, they read like a list of testimonials for the power of social media in small business.
To me, the most significant theme that came across was the realization of the power of combining offline and online to create even more impact. I am just finishing the rewrites for next book and this is a central theme of the book.
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I combine my online activity with my offline activity”
“…when I couple it with good ol’ fashion “meet and greet”.”
“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.”
There were a couple other popular threads as well:
Engagement
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media is when I am completely present with followers”
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage with the community.”
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I engage in honest conversations everyday.”
Give first
“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.”
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I: Give Generously”
“I get the biggest return for my business using social media when I pay it forward.”
“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.”
Listen
“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 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 for my business using social media when I stop thinking I know everything and start to listen to my costumers!”
Oh, and who won? The winner is:
“I have been working on building my personal brand and by doing so I have utilized 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 Favreau
I have to admit that as a dad of kids doing the same right now, I had a soft spot for Jamie’s plea. There were so many great responses, thanks all for playing.
