Every business has the opportunity to be their own media network. However, not every business person is qualified to manage a media network.
Ask yourself, would you feel comfortable acting as the writer, editor, producer, director, on-air talent, technical team and spokesperson for ABC, CBS, or NBC?
Every word you type, every photo or video that you post is a representation of you and your business. I know a lot of business owners who are exceptional in the fields of finance, engineering, law, restaurant management, real estate etc., but they are not all great writers and many of them should never be on social media as their true selves as their personal viewpoints would offend significant numbers of clients, employees and prospects.
It’s not a joke, in fact, it’s serious business that may have a material effect on the bottom line. I’m sure you have seen some of your peers’ posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter and thought to yourself, why would he or she post that? Don’t they know that social media is public and they are going to turn off half of their potential customers. Having a marketing expert on call can save you a lot of money even if it is just to have another set of eyes review something that you are planning to post.
Here is a well-known fable that explains the value of hiring a professional social media marketing, media and advertising agency. A woman approached Pablo Picasso in a restaurant, asked him to scribble something on a napkin, and said she would be happy to pay whatever he felt it was worth. Picasso complied and then said,
“That will be $10,000.” “But you did that in thirty seconds,” the astonished woman replied. “No,” Picasso said. “It has taken me forty years to do that.”
Not all marketing companies are the same. Before you hire someone to help with your next social media marketing, advertising or public relations campaign ask the company principals the following questions:
– Have you ever led an organization’s social media efforts? Which one(s)?
– What experience do you have in leading public relations initiatives?
– Do you have any experience in managing crisis or leadership communications?
These three questions will greatly inform you about the level and quality of experience your agency and its leadership has with regard to managing social media, marketing and advertising campaigns.
If you are not in a position to hire a professional, here are three (3) tips for all brands and businesses to live by:
– Do NOT post anything about politics, religion or sex. (Note: positive holiday wishes are the exception to the rule)
– Never respond to a negative comment with a negative reply.
– During a crisis, gather all necessary information before responding.
Paying for professional marketing experience is a wise investment that will empower you to focus on what you do best. Contact me, Matt Gentile at My BFF Social and let’s develop a marketing plan for your brand, business, or organization.
Visit www.mybffsocial.com or call 412-477-3349,