5 Social Media Lies Holding You and Your Business Back

Guest blog post by Deb Colitas, Founder & CEO, Digital Network Superstar

Do you hear the term ‘social media presence’ as a business owner and just cringe? Know that you are not alone! Google ‘social media stress’ and you will find over 610 MILLION articles ready to confirm that your anxiety is not going unnoticed. Allow me to give you permission to relax, take a deep breath, and be reassured that you can break through your social media stress diagnosis!
 
Lie #1: If I own a business, my business must be on ALL social media platforms
If we were to look at the age of social media, it has only been 14 years since the birth of My Space (it still exists!) and Facebook. This means that the maturity level of all social media can be compared to a moody and sarcastic teenager. SO MUCH has changed during this time! The truth is you do not need to be everywhere, only where your ultimate customers spend their time.
 
Lie #2: My business is just fine, I do not need to be on social media
Do you know 66% of all purchasing decisions START online? Congratulations if you are capturing the 34% that did not need to learn something about you before making a purchase decision…. Your choice to be offline means you are missing 66% of the marketplace opportunity.
 
Lie #3: I do not need a personal brand
Wake up and smell the digital coffee - we ALL have a digital brand attached to us. If you have bought or sold a home, filed a public suit, or had your name printed in a newspaper, the internet has caught you in her grasp. Google your name, and you will find something. The power is in how you can take control of it all! Have a completed LinkedIn profile with quality connections, submit press releases when you and your business does something awesome, and seek opportunities to show your hard work and effort to the world.
 
Lie #4: I do not have the budget to invest in a social media marketing firm
There is a time and a place for everything, but if you are only just beginning to enter into the world of personal branding and social selling online, this is NOT the time to spend mega-bucks. Dive into what makes you and your business offering great. Research similar businesses to yours that are across the country to find examples of what they are doing correctly to connect with customers. Start where you are most comfortable and focus where your value can be increased the most.
 
Lie #5: Social media takes so much TIME, time that I do not have!
Each day that passes when not online is a missed opportunity to make a new connection, praise someone else for a job well done, and post how you could have the product or service that would make someone else’s life so much better! Social media can suck time away, don’t click on the cute kitten videos, delay catching up on ‘Game of Thrones’, and have a social media branding and selling plan. Not sure where to start? Reach out and let’s connect! I am happy to help.
 
Deb Colitas is Founder and CEO of Digital Network Superstar (www.DigitalNetworkSuperstar) and owner of three other Lehigh Valley businesses (The Gyro Company at Coca-Cola Park, Valley Fruits & Veggies, and Country Corn Maze at Seiple Farms). Deb works with businesses and individuals, teaching how to maximize in-person and online networks to increase sales, influence and opportunities. Connect with Deb to learn how to better maximize your digital footprint through personal branding and social selling.