One of the topics I regularly speak about as I tour the country helping small business owners is how to build a social media brand. I am often inspired by questions I’m asked to write blog posts to further answer business questions. In this case, I realized that I have already written many articles on virtues of social media and how to get started. I decided to use today’s blog post to recap my favorite posts for getting started with building an online brand. The first step in building a social media brand is starting with a marketing plan. Then you need to figure out where your customers spend time online. From there, start slowly and figure out if LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook are the right social media network to launch your online footprint. Plus, if you think blogging should be a part of your strategy, I threw in a three part series on blogging for business.
How to Develop a Marketing Plan
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2010/how-develop-a-marketing-plan-for-your-small-business/
Getting Started With LinkedIn
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/06/2010/getting-started-on-linkedin/
Getting Started With Twitter
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/06/2009/getting-started-on-twitter/
Using Facebook to Promote Your Small Business
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/10/2010/using-facebook-to-promote-your-small-business/
Blogging for Business Three Part Series
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2009/how-to-build-a-small-business-blog/
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2009/strategy-developing-a-blog-vs-website/
https://succeedasyourownboss.com/10/2009/10-ways-to-get-your-blog-to-shine/
I want to know — what’s your formula to build social media brand?
Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as Small Biz Lady (or on Twitter as @SmallBizLady) is one of America’s leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine recently named her one of the Top 20 women for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs. She also publishes a resource blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Melinda is also the author of the national bestseller Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. (Adams Media 2010)
Melinda,
It was very nice to meet you at the PA Governor’s Conference for Women two weeks ago. You were wonderful and so inspiring! I am very direct and I say what I mean and I meant that. I am so glad that you liked my concept of Contain It With Ms. Marie. Honestly, the business just developed itself but I am working hard to put myself out there in the social media.
As “Ms Marie” I felt so empowered by hearing you say that you loved my concept. I went home and developed the majority of my current sites that evening.
I have given a lot of thought to the “pitch” you helped me develop. I have 40 followers so far and will just keep on plugging away as you did. I have been thinking about how I can take my ideas, thoughts, and concept and put together a published piece. I have been toying around with the idea a “Tidbit” book. In it I would concentrate on all the ideas that I have written out or stored in my head. It is winter and time to curl up with a warm book however this winter, I may be curling up with a warm computer. Of course I would keep up my blog and website also. I was hoping that you would share your thoughts going through with this venture? I know that you will be honest and objective with me and like that in people. So far, I have been tweeting daily and linking it to either my website or blog. I make it a point as you so admittedly put it to do it on a daily basis.
One more thing, I would like to ask if you would become part of my “kitchen cabinet.” It would be an honor.
Thank you for the inspiration —
“Ms Marie” Ruddock
www.containit.vpweb.com
containitwithmsmarie@gmail.com