Make It Last: 15 Tips For Building Stable Social Media Connections - Forbes | Canada News Media
Connect with us

Media

Make It Last: 15 Tips For Building Stable Social Media Connections – Forbes

Published

5 years ago

 on


Whether you’re looking to hire, gain new clients or just meet like-minded business leaders, social media is a highly effective way to find new connections. While it can seem intimidating or impersonal to reach out online, social media often gives you access to rich, relevant information about a person’s professional background that can help you forge a strong relationship. 

Many members of Forbes Business Council understand the art of making business connections through social media. We asked 15 of them to share the most important thing small business leaders should remember when seeking to make connections via social media. Their responses are below. 

Photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Aim To Start A Conversation 

A rule of thumb to remember when making any internet connection is that people are generally jaded from making multitudes of introductions with strangers that never amount to anything. Go beyond the copy/paste message or click of the accept button. Make an effort to start a conversation or begin a target-specific interaction with a party you are truly interested in doing business with. – Adelheid Waumboldt, ISET Agency 

2. Demonstrate Value Upfront 

Build relationships and demonstrate value for your social media connections without demanding something in return or being solicitous. Demonstrate your thought leadership, knowledge and credibility first and foremost. People will feel compelled to share your content and be more likely to see you as a key resource for meeting their needs and building a strong community of trust. – David Crean, Objective Capital Partners, LLC 

3. Practice Empathy 

Be forgiving. People will often portray themselves differently through social media and other forms of digital communication. If you get a response that sounds off-putting, take a moment before you respond. Try to have a bit of empathy to understand where they’re coming from. You’ll make more friends than enemies, and you’ll close more deals in the long run. – Corey Lewis, 1AND1 Life 

4. Be Your Authentic Self 

As a small business leader, you represent both your personal brand and your company’s brand. Be as authentic as possible is key. A year ago, we were certified by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as a diversity-owned business. While it doesn’t define who we are and what we offer clients, it does define our relationships with clients as open and authentic. – Andy Seibert, Imprint 

5. Make It Heartfelt 

People have a greater propensity for connecting when it has to do with vulnerability rather than a transaction. Heartfelt messages tend to invite a real, impactful response, whereas a comment that portrays assertiveness and aggression can be off-putting. As small business leaders, we have the opportunity to state a case with optimism, realism and passion while offering a connection to collaborate. – Shamini Dhana, Dhana Inc. 

6. Do Your Research First 

When you change your title to CEO, you immediately get bombarded with spam and people asking for something without providing you with anything. We only engage people on social media that we’ve researched beforehand so that we can really engage them in a meaningful way that provides them with value. It’s extra work, but that extra work makes you stand out. – Maurice Harary, The Bid Lab 

7. Explore Audience Behavior 

Understanding your audience’s behavior is key to driving your business’ growth using social networks. In other words, increase the usage of social media as a tool for engagement and communication rather than merely as an active promotional platform. Observe how your audience interacts with you and what their interests are. – Beth Worthy, GMR Transcription Services, Inc 

8. Seek Common Goals Or Interests 

When reaching out on social media, do your research to find a commonality and similar goals before giving your elevator pitch. When you do engage, be real and connect genuinely. – Emily Erkel, LePrix 

9. Keep Up Your Own Social Presence

Make sure your social media presence is up-to-date. This includes having recent posts, a decent number of followers and a bio and banner that clearly speak about what services/products you provide. If someone reaches out to me via Facebook and their company page is outdated or with low activity, my first thought is that they are not serious about their company. – Meghan Gardner, Guard Up, Inc. 

10. Get To Know Them 

It is very important to understand that everyone doing business with you is a person with a story. Get to know them personally and try to establish a respectful, meaningful relationship with them. Business should always come naturally. If they can relate with you better as a person, you have more chances to have a lasting business relationship with them. – Syed Gilani, Safr Technologies Inc 

11. Stay True To Your Business Culture 

Authenticity is felt, even through your social media. You want to stay on brand and true to your business culture and vibe. It’s important to not flip-flop your stance for anything just to appeal to the masses. When you’re authentic, you appeal to your true demographic and those customers and clients will advocate for you. Just do you, be unapologetic about it and proud! – Hoda Mahmoodzadegan, BAḴT Global 

12. Approach It Based On Their Values 

Remember, they don’t care about what you offer or how well you offer it. They care about their problems, profit, comfort, company, family and what they get. Remember to focus on the value they get and not on the super-duper functionality/capabilities you, your product and your organization provide. – Sid Mohasseb, Anabasis, Inc / Venture Farm 

13. Be Multidimensional And Real 

Although we are experts within discrete industry sectors, we also have a more diverse and broad-based knowledge beyond one single area of concentration. Being able to discuss and share information on a variety of topics allows our existing followers and potential new online friends to get a sense of our personalities, interests and values. This is a more natural approach to building connections. – Denise Caron-Quinn, In Order to Succeed® 

14. Listen To Their Needs 

As small business owners, we are many times so concerned with getting our message out or selling our business to others that we fail to take the time to listen to our potential clients and colleagues. We have to remember that when we have a service or product to provide, it’s all about how we can do something for someone else. If we listen to their needs and wants, we will be more successful. – Edward Alvarez, Edward A Alvarez, DDS, PC/NYCLaserDentist 

15. Send A Personalized Message

First of all, make sure your message is in their interest–not yours. To this end, you should do your research and know the basics about the people you are reaching out to. Communicate the value of being connected. Show them what’s in it for them and personalize your message. – Jason Richmond, Ideal Outcomes, Inc.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Media

What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

Published

2 days ago

 on

September 13, 2024

By

 

Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

— Lou Kesten

Source link

Continue Reading

Media

Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

Published

3 weeks ago

 on

August 23, 2024

By

Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

Source link

Continue Reading

Media

Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

Published

3 weeks ago

 on

August 23, 2024

By

Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version