How does one begin to build authentic social media relationships?

That’s a question I’ve been grappling with since I first joined LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media communities. Each network is so different. Every time you start to feel comfortable with one platform, there’s another new and more exciting venue chasing it down.

You can find me on several of the most popular social media platforms:

• LinkedIn: Profile
• EtsyStore:  Shop Online
• Facebook: Nonpareil, Ltd.
• Facebook: Lot:21 Design
• Instagram: NONPAREIL_LTD
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/nonpareilaj

What I have learned is that each one requires you to reach out to an audience that you must build. Virtually.

Use Social Media Relationships to Offer Value.

It’s not that easy. It takes a lot of time. But you must get involved. You must provide value.

You don’t want to appear spammy when reaching out to new people. You don’t want to open with a hard sell. There’s a happy medium between being valuable and just being annoying that we all must find.

Do Your Research.

I’ve read all kinds of books and blog posts that advise to do this and for sure don’t do that. I’ve figured out that there’s no one, solution-that-fits-all, magic formula that works for every business. I’m working on my own unique formula and … well, it takes a great deal of patience.

All I really want is to find the people who need me.

Today.

Show the Love.

One way to make a connection is to let your audience see and feel how much you love what you’re doing.

I love what I’m doing. I love bringing a brand-specific persona to your business and hearing the pleasure in your voice when I deliver a quality product. When I’ve captured your vision. I’m a visual communications consultant – that means I write the words and create the graphics that make you and your business look great in print and online media. It’s so much fun for me because it’s what I love to do, but most importantly, I hope it’s of so much more benefit to you.

Thank you to the many who have signed up to follow me thus far on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,  Google+, and Twitter!

In the meantime, I’m still working on how best to use social media relationships to continue to build my clientele and community. It’s a process that never ends. I want to know what it feels like to have more engagement than I can handle! I’m inviting you to join me on this path.

So there it is. I’ve said it out loud. Social media relationships. That’s my biggest challenge – is it yours? In the comments below, please share your challenge with me – I’m here to help. And if your challenge is out of my area of expertise, I’ll gladly refer you if a solution may exist for you in my network.

There may be others reading this just waiting for someone to put the same challenge you’re facing into words.

Reach Out.

You have to put yourself out there. You have to let people see who you are and the value you have to offer. The days of build-it-and-they-will-come are long gone. It’s a pretty crowded place online, lots of noise and perhaps lots of competition, but also an amazing source of potential for great social engagement. If you’re not reaching out, the ones who would love your work may never find you.

So while you’re at it, reach out to me! I look forward to getting to know you.

Hope you’re having an awesome week!

Note:  Thinking Out Loud is a new category I’m adding to my blog. I’ll be using it share thoughts, trials, dilemmas, breakthroughs, and motivational messages. I hope you’ll enjoy and benefit from these posts.