Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
  • SmallBizLady University
  • Free Tools
  • Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • We’re Hiring!
You are here: Home / Q & A Interview / How to Transform Your Small Business with Your Social Media Program

How to Transform Your Small Business with Your Social Media Program

September 29, 2016 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

JenniferAbernathyEvery week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with Jennifer Abernethy. Jennifer is America’s Sales and Social Marketing Stylist. After serving as an award winning executive with The Washington Post Company, Jennifer continued with a successful career in technology sales. In 2006, she joined the entrepreneur world and founded The Sales LoungeÔ. She is the author of the now ever-popular Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing. For more information, visit: www.SociallyDelivered.com.

SmallBizLady: IS SOCIAL MEDIA JUST AS POPULAR TODAY AS IT WAS BACK IN 2009?

Jennifer Abernethy: Yes absolutely in fact today many millennials use social media as the way to not only communicate, but to decide where to shop, eat, learn and whom to work for. Gen X and boomers are using social much more today professionally to work on their social brand.

SmallBizLady: WHERE DOES ONE START TO BEGIN BUILDING A STRONG BRAND ON SOCIAL?

Jennifer Abernethy: I believe it begins with the headshot. Get one that exudes your personality of not only where you are today but where you are going. We are in a visual social media space so it’s important to be seen.

SmallBizLady: SOCIAL CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR A SMALL BUSINESS. WHERE DOES ONE START?

Jennifer Abernethy: A small business owner can begin by doing an informal survey. Begin asking prospects and customers what social media sites they are on and begin there. Also it is important to remember that your employees are your brand ambassadors. Make sure your teams social media profiles best describe your business too.

SmallBizLady: THERE ARE SO MANY PLATFORMS ARE THEY REALLY THAT DIFFERENT?

Jennifer Abernethy: They really are. YouTube for example, is the place to be – especially if you are targeting Gen Z or Gen X.  They use this site as their search engine for information. LinkedIn is great for branding yourself to companies as an expert or talking to other companies to sell your products or services.

SmallBizLady: WHAT IS ONE THING THAT A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO CHECK OUT THEIR BRAND ONLINE?

Jennifer Abernethy: I would recommend Googling yourself. Google your name and/or your business name and see what pops up. If nothing? It’s time to get to work. If something is there look to see where it came from and ask does that reflect well on me and my business.

SmallBizLady: IS TRADITIONAL MARKETING STILL IMPORTANT TO A SMALL BUSINESS?

Jennifer Abernethy: One of the most traditional forms of marketing that is so important to a small business owner is networking. Yes, networking is marketing. By networking you are placing yourself out there in front of people. Then they will also begin to connect with you afterward on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook.

SmallBizLady: WHAT ELSE?

Jennifer Abernethy: I also like to see press releases go out. I think press releases are still great for SEO and online credibility. One time I spoke at a conference with a celebrity and I hired a PR firm to do a press release. Not only did it land in online newspapers around the country, it gave my social footprint a nice boost. So when people searched for me this article came up and it led to more speaking engagements.

SmallBizLady: SO IS SPEAKING GREAT FOR A SMALL BUSINESS BRAND?

Jennifer Abernethy: Yes, absolutely. Get out there and get on panels and speak. This is great content to share on social too. It tells the world you are serious about your business and you can be seen by not only people at the event you are speaking at but the information will most likely be shared online by attendees and by you talking about it on social.

SmallBizLady: WHAT ABOUT VIDEO?

Jennifer Abernethy: Social video is growing each day. As a modern business owner you cannot be afraid of getting in front of a camera. Whether it’s your iPhone, laptop, tablet or a hand held camera. Share tips, share your journey and post the videos on social. People will get to know you and that is what you want.

SmallBizLady: IS YOUTUBE THE ONLY VIDEO OUTLET THAT REALLY WORKS?

Jennifer Abernethy: No, other platforms like Facebook now offer live video. Instagram offers video and LinkedIn just launched video. Video will eventually take over, that is my prediction.

SmallBizLady: WHAT IS ANOTHER TIP THAT YOU AN SHARE FOR SMALL BUSINESS TODAY?

Jennifer Abernethy: Care. Don’t make your social marketing always about you. Talk about your business comrades. Share tips that will make people’s lives better. Offer good energy online. Follow up with new connections ask how you can help. I’m telling you if you do that, you will really stand out in a crowd of millions.

SmallBizLady: LAST QUESTION. TO AUTOMATE OR NOT TO AUTOMATE YOUR SOCIAL? WE HEAR SO MUCH ABOUT PROGRAMS LIKE HOOTSUITE AND BUFFER.

Jennifer Abernethy: If you think about it, automating social isn’t really social. I really don’t like automation at all. In fact, I never automate my social. I’m online when I’m online. I connect. I listen. I share. I acknowledge. I interact. I engage. You can do this too. Again, those that are truly “social” will stand out in today’s crowded social space and it will do amazing things for your business and brand over time.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9 pm ET; follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter.

Here’s how to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/1hZeIlz

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

Filed Under: Featured Post, Featured SmallBizChat, Q & A Interview, SmallBizChat, Social Media Tagged With: @WeDeliverSocial, social media

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing consulting firm serves Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Clients include Amazon, Adobe, Verizon, VISA, Google, FedEx, Chase, American Express, The Hartford, and Pitney Bowes. She also has an online school, www.smallbizladyuniversity.com, that teaches people online marketing and how to start and grow a successful small business and publishes a blog SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Her advice is widely read, reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She hosts The Smallbizchat Podcast and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner

Sign up for the SmallBizLady BUZZ Newsletter and be the first to receive updates and details about upcoming events:

We’re proud to be part of the Mediaplanet Empowering Small Business campaign! The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship and ruin on the nation’s small businesses, but there’s now reason for hope. Learn about the resources, support, and tools available to help your small business bounce back and grow stronger than ever by picking up a copy of the campaign in USA Today and reading it online here.

Get a FREE Chapter of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded"!

Become Your Own Boss

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

Bloomberg News Interview
How to Support Small Businesses During the Holidays

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference

Fox 29 Philadelphia
'Small Biz Lady' gives best advice for starting a new business in the New Year

Fox Business
Starting a Business

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Testimonials

Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

Latest #SmallBizChat

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to License and Sell Your Content with Mitch Axelrod

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Mitch Axelrod to discuss the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) licensing for small businesses. Mitch shares his personal journey in the licensing field, offering insights into identifying and protecting IP effectively. They explore common pitfalls in licensing negotiations and provide practical tips to navigate these challenges. Mitch Axelrod is […]

Fix Your Business Q&A Video

Recent Posts

  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to License and Sell Your Content with Mitch Axelrod
  • What KPIs Should You Track In Your Small Business?
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: If I Had to Do It All Over Again with Melinda Emerson
  • How to Develop a Business Launch Timeline, Part II
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with LaTanya White, Dov Gordon, and Anisha Robinson Keeys

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

Products

Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2025
Quintessence Entertainment, Inc
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner