How Not To Lose Credibility On The Social Media Sites
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Have you ever walked up to a complete stranger, asked for their Twitter and Facebook profiles, waited politely for 5 minutes and then started shouting at them? If you ever feel tempted, please give me a call first so I can save you from being detained by the men in white coats :)
Well I don’t know where these men in white coats are hanging out these days but I reckon they could make a killing scooping up abnormally behaved people on the Social Networking sites!
I made a new Facebook friend today and I thought (as we probably have some similar interests) that you might have met him, or one of his friends too…
“Dear Michaele (okay let us pronounce it Mikayla!) happy!!
First of all thanks for your message.
Other than my regular assignment, I am presently focussing on one internet online business right from my Laptop. And that is XYZ Company. I hope u might have heard about it. If not, then hurry, dont waste even a single minute. Just go and check this link of my website
http://www.facebook.com/xyz
Yeah truly speaking it is an amazing business opportunity available as on date. Never seen and never heard such an opportunity. Oh my GOD! when I first time heard about it, I did not take a second to jump on it and grab. Now it is mine, my own business and forever mine.
Hey by the way why dont u just check, take a tour, watch the video presentation and if you have any question, come back to me.
lo!!!!!!!!!!! I forgot to wish u a very happy new year 2010.
May this new year bring you and your family a lot of wealth and good health.
Sincerely Yours”
I know, I know, it must be because my profile says “desperately seeking new opportunity; complete strangers, anti relationship marketers, all welcome to submit ” lol. Maybe not!
Aside from these types of messages being mildly annoying/amusing *sigh*, if you’re in Network Marketing you feel a deeper sense of wanting to educate.
I used to try politely educating via 140 character DM’s on Twitter but there’s nothing like the power of a video.
Have you ever been hanging out on one of your favorite Social Media sites only to be rudely interrupted by someone shouting at you?
If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can bring people up to speed on the power of building relationships online.
Shout/spam me a comment below :)
Michaelé
Hey their M…
This is so true and one of the real annoyances I have with twitter!
I do wonder if WE are not to blame in some part. In our desperate attempt to be popular and get our message out there, we follow everyone and let everyone follow us back. The problem with this is its like being in a huge stadium with an Australia vs South Africa final cricket match on (and we all know South Africa’s going to kick butt!!) and we’re on the one side of the stadium and we’re trying to have a polite conversation with someone on the other end of the stadium!!!
I’m looking into my approach with twitter. I’m thinking of following less people, but interact in a more meaningful way. Engage, learn, teach, etc.
John
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Hey there J,
Lol re the cricket match! I’m a bit clueless in that arena!
You raise a great point re popularity as the proof is not in the numbers for sure, it’s in the engagement.
I know some people will disagree with this, but I like to follow people back no matter what. Sure some of them could be bots (but as I can’t tell) I like to return the courtesy.
What’s breathed new life into Twitter for me is using Hootsuite and listing people.
From there I can add a list for people I appreciate that have valuable information and just stay in touch with those lists.
Honestly before doing this, Twitter was just a lot of noise!
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Hi Michaele
EXCELLENT post and video! I love it and I’m right behind you with this.
Regarding Twitter, just like you, I find the spammy messages very off-putting and at times, very annoying. There was a time when I actually did read some of these messages (which seems like a big waste of time now!), but the more of them I received, the more I just deleted them without bothering to read them (the obvious spam ones, that is). Same with regard to Facebook, although I haven’t had too many spammy ones there (so far!).
Although I use Social Oomph to automatically reply to my new followers (it’s too hard these days to keep up with everything otherwise), I always go through my Direct Messages (DMs)mostly to see whether anybody has sent me a personal message. Some would argue that this is a waste of time (and in fact, I have been told this by 3 people so far!) – I beg to differ.
Those people who take the time to reply to me using my name not only stand out, they get a personal reply back from me. I realise that this takes a bit of extra time to do, however, just as you said, social networking is about building relationships with people, and if you don’t interact with others, how can you build a relationship?!
Having said all that though, in fairness to those people who do spam, most of them probably don’t realise just how off-putting and annoying this is for people. And just like you, I feel sorry for them for not “getting it” with regard to social networking, so I am doing my best to educate others in using social networking in a more appropriate way.
Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got to share with us all next!
~ Kylie ~
Kylie Doak´s last blog ..Do You “Go The Extra Mile” For Others?
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Hey Kylie,
Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Your recent blog post ‘remembering names’ will always stand out for me. I can’t tell you how far ahead you are by the awesome info you’ve written on the power of creating relationships.
I disagree with the people who have told you not to monitor DM’s. It doesn’t take much time to sort through the spam and get to the real ones.
They are the gems :)
You are so right re people not realizing the impact of their spam messages. That’s why I did the video and I was hoping I wasn’t too harsh.
My intention was education!
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Hi Michaele,
I agree totally with you
it is so annoying when they continue
to do this,
thanks for the tip
I am sure it will be of value to many others
jean´s last blog ..‘How To Retweet’
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Wow! Now I just have to get every spammy, antisocial, dimwit on my facebook friends list to read/watch this! The world would be SUCH a better place if everyone would remember this!
I HATE HATE HATE spammers! I’m one of the few that actively exercises my report button! I know that makes me a non-favorite in some circles but I REFUSE to sit back and allow these guys to continue to make ME and YOU look bad. Its not even ONLY about the rules, its about the harm they do to the industry! Networking has been the red headed stepchild of marketing for too long and it doesn’t need any assistance in finding nay sayers.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping educate the public!
Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..Facebook Groups Not-So-Hot For Leveraging Time
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Michaele,
ROTFLMAO!!!!! I love the opening question you posted!!! I actually had that happen from a Tribe member the other night
!! I was shocked. Not more than 10 minutes after meeting them they spammed me their money making idea. It is sooooooooo rude!
By the way… since we just met…:)
Great post.
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I love your post! I could almost see myself on the other end of the same friend request. Blah Blah Blah… Great job of bringing me in to this very real scenario. I wrote a blog post very early on that was a rant on how some people just sit and wait to prey on others to tell them that their “opportunity” is a scam and go check out mine but I’ve never published it yet. Maybe one day.
I saw your video earlier today and when I started reading I wondered if you added the video to the post and sure enough…there it was.
Keep the lighter side coming. It’s a breath of fresh air!
Don Enck´s last blog ..Tribe Syndication…The Numbers Tell The Story
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Michaele,
ROTFLMAO!!!!! I love the opening question you posted!!! I actually had that happen from a Tribe member the other night
!! I was shocked. Not more than 10 minutes after meeting them they spammed me their money making idea. It is sooooooooo rude!
By the way… since we just met…:)
Great post.
Susan Davis´s last blog ..To Wordpress or Not…. That is the Question?!
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Michaele, you are sooooo right on the money with this blog, many are very unaware of social media do’s and don’t and sad to say I think many just don’t care!
Your humor on this matter is stellar & appreciated!
I very much look forward to read more of your content as it is rich in knowledge and laughs!
Tracey Keefer´s last blog ..Tell Yourself to …”GET OUT OF YOUR WAY!”
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Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Thanks Tracey!
If I managed to make you laugh, then that makes my day :)
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Hi Michaele,
It’s interesting how the law of attraction works. I received a note from one of your readers that if my post to her on Facebook had to start out with a disclaimer then it was most likely SPAM, I would like to have your comments. I’ll post it below, but more on the law of attraction. We have personally over 5,000 distributors in our business and I would say that at least 80% of them are from Australia. We’ve been to your country many times and have fallen in love with it. May even move there at some point. In any case the post below was totally intended to attract interest to our documentaries which are very powerful and give back to the community in many ways. Directing people to our website is the only way to get the trailers shown. Here is my post.
Hi First Name,
Thank you for accepting my friendship. This is NOT an attempt to promote our business opportunity. We only promote to those that have explicitly expressed an interest in a business. We’re with the Polaris Media Group and one of the ways we give back to the community is to provide positive, empowering, and enlightening documentaries with profits going back to charities that are involved in those issues. We believe that there is enough negative media out there and it’s time to make a difference. We just completed two documentaries. One about dealing with autistic kids “Kids with Cameras” the other “Unbeaten” about paraplegics that overcome incredible odds to become successful and many others. I want to share this with everyone and especially those who are dealing with similar issues or who might know someone who is. For example, “Kids with Cameras” not only assist those parents with kids that are autistic but any parent dealing with an unruly (I really don’t like that word; who’s rules are they breaking OURS) child and “Unbeaten” will assist anyone going through difficult times.
If you would like to view or share these documentaries with anyone you can go to: http://www.polarismediagroup.com/tooursuccess/ and Click on Check Out Our Documentary Films and view the trailers. Make a difference in the World, pass it on.
Thanks again for your friendship,
Michael Berry
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
January 20th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Hey Michael,
Thanks for taking the time to write. It sounds like you have a great reason to come and visit Australia with such a strong team over here.
The Law Of Attraction works in so many wonderful ways and I can see you’ve attracted some amazing connections in Oz.
You sound very passionate about what Polaris Media Group has to offer the community, which is fantastic as it means you share the vision that is written on your ‘Financial Opportunities’ page:–>
“The best home business opportunities are ones where the distributors can feel passionate about the products and services. The Polaris Network Marketing opportunity offers life-changing educational products and events that help people increase their self confidence, and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit”.
So I’m gathering from this that you are a distributor for this opportunity and you earn commissions should anyone purchase through the link you posted…?
If this is the case and you sent the link to me, then I would definitely consider it to be spam.
The fact that your company has a vision of ‘helping’ people doesn’t change the fact that you have a vested interest (other than charity) of promoting this to people.
Almost every MLM company I know has a product or service that ‘helps’ people and many also donate to charity and give back to communities.
Even if your link didn’t lead to an opportunity and was purely a link to a charitable organization, people might still view it as spam. Why?
a) Because they didn’t ask you to send it to them. b) You haven’t yet taken the time to find out if charity is of interest to them.
The trick with the Social Networking sites is to be providing value and building relationships. Once the person ‘knows, likes and trusts’ you, and has shared some of their interests, then you might have an opportunity to share what you’re passionate about.
I hope this helps and I wish you every success with your company.
Michaelé
[Reply]
Great post Michaele! It seems that people still haven’t shifted from the paradigm of selling into one of connecting & building relationships. So many still see people as dollar signs and do not understand that social media is a completely different way of doing business. I am so glad for your video and hope lots of people get to watch it and understand what it’s all about.
Awesome!
Jennifer Hart´s last blog ..Vibrational Nutrition
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This is SOOOO TRUE. I had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago with a new contact. I was trying so hard to build the relationship, learn about the person and develop rapport and with every email they were just giving one or two word answers then pitching their affiliate products. It didn’t take long for me to loose interest. I was like – “wow, he doesn’t get it”. Thanks for sharing!
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Social media is like a huge frat party. you would not go in the front door, back door or side window and just start jumping up and down and telling everyone that walks by your awesome business that has products that will change your life and the lives of all your friends and family… you will find yourself hanging from the flag pole outside in a hot second with your underpants on fire… come on people… get a clue here..
Loved the post and just had to add to it…
Mike
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for adding to my post Mike.
Your comment had me ROFLMAO!
Nice work :)
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I despise those spammers! I actually send a thank you comment to the ‘friends’ who don’t spam the bejeebers out of me the minute we meet! After all it is always going to be about relationships first, life itself is.
I think I’ll go have a look at Don Enks blog post. See what his feelings were, too!
Robin Lynn Brooks´s last blog ..Voices In My Mind
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Hi Robin,
Yeah sometimes I feel sad when people send me spam first up because I think mostly people don’t realize they are losing credibility.
Thats a great idea you have re the thank you note.
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Great video Michaele. I love the fact that you are introducing people to the “no friends left list”.
You should make a video dedicated to that list and put it on facebook. That way when people spam you, you can tag them in the video.
I think it will work. :)
Thanks for contributing!
Warmest Regards,
Justin
Justin Glover´s last blog ..How To Update All Of Your Facebook Fans At The Same Time
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Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
That’s hilarious Justin!
Yep I think the humiliation of being tagged in a video would work for sure.
I have sent the video via private direct message on FB and had a pretty nasty reply. Ho hum :)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, others are thankful for the information as they really just didn’t realize that it wasn’t kosher to do that on the Social sites.
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I have found this new website called http://www.twitterwurks.com and it is for geared towards NON twitter users + twitter users.
NO LOGGING IN required.
Just go to the site and be entertained or informed by comedians, celebs, actors, famous people,Bands, and news.
It features over 180 twitters you can see, side by side in categorized pages with 15-25 twitters simultaneously per page.
[Reply]
Hi Michaele,
I came across your site via Jason/Better Networker, I like what you have to say and can really relate to you. It’s true, spam is so annoying when you just want to find out something interesting about people, and what makes them tick. I am just getting started in social networking, and finding my way about, I found your site and videos very refreshing and genuine and I look forward to hearing more from you. I will be retweeting your article.
Thanks
Denise Gray (UK) :)
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Hey Denise,
Nice that you have popped all the way over to Oz from the UK :)
I’m glad you found the videos to be refreshing as I’m pretty new to video.
Since you are just starting out in Social Networking, why not connect on Twitter so that you can send me a private message if you need any help.
Take care.
[Reply]
Oh, I love it Michaele! Mahalo (thank you) for this incredible post! I love the example you give also. You make it very clear for the person new to social media how people feel when they post things like to example you give.
Thank you also, for extending your hand on Twitter. I really appreciate it and I am looking forward to getting to know you better.
I have always been fascinated with Australia! Hope to visit one day.
Aloha,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..THE LAW OF ATTRACTION & QUANTUM PHYSICS
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Aloha Kellie!
It looks like I’m managing to get my point across (although I can be a little blunt at times).
I’m looking forward to having loads of fun with you on Twitter, now that we are connected.
I hope you visit Oz one day too :)
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Thank you for this, I found it very informative, and I appreciate you sharing your insight!
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I love this message because I am sooo tired of being pitched on something even before I’ve met someone. I had a guy last night who sent me a message even before he had sent me a friend request, and it was a very blatant pitch of his business. I replied that it would be nice if he would actually say hello before spamming me with his link, and his response was “it’s not spam.”
So maybe it’s a lack of knowledge or simply a lack of manners, but either way it’s annoying. My favorite part of social networking is actually meeting new people. It is called “social” networking afterall!
Thanks for the great post Michaele, and I look forward to coming back for more in the future :)
~Angel
Angel Taylor´s last blog ..Moving From Blogger to Wordpress the Easy Way
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Michaele Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Hey Angel,
I agree and it can be amusing to watch.
Often when I check my Facebook inbox, I notice that there were only minutes between the actual friend request and the spam.
Funny that you’ve had someone tell you it wasn’t spam as I’ve had that too. When I dug a little deeper, the guy honestly still thought that because his MLM business helps people, that it couldn’t be considered spam lol.
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All I have to say is, Amen Sister! :)
Beth Allen´s last blog ..The Importance of Balance for Truly Radiant Health
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You can tell from all your comments that you hit a sensitive subject, Michaele.
And an important one since we are all out here doing “business” (let’s face it). Yet, we are OUT HERE in the Social Media, not the business media. So we have to learn to walk the tightrope. Sometimes we get tripped up, so I really like your predisposition toward leniency and mercy on those who are probably not understanding where they tripped up. For those who are relentless, they will not thrive out here, and that’s the hard lesson they’ll learn.
You, on the other hand, certainly will. Your heart and your head are in the right place, and, your videos get better all the time! Thanks Michaele.
David Merrill´s last blog ..Combining Your Online Marketing with Your Personal Branding
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
February 12th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Hi David,
Yes this post has hit a bit of a sensitive spot for some. Although I’ve had some interesting replies, I know that most people honestly just didn’t realize what spamming does to their credibility.
I know its hard to believe, but some people just don’t like being shouted at lol.
Oh and thanks for your comment on my video :)
[Reply]
Michaele you are so right! I get so many of those type emails it is crazy. However, some people are just mis-informed because there leaders are mis-informed. It’s like the blind leading the blind. It’s not until people start digging deeper that they realize it takes more than spam mail to build a business. That’s why it is important to definently educate.
Thanks for the informtion. Love it!
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Tasha,
I couldn’t agree more that often times it’s just a case of being misinformed.
I too have done some pretty silly things when I was starting out online so I guess it just boils down to being coachable, or not being!
Michaelé
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Hi Michaele, This is such an important message. Just 4 or 5 years ago, I was that guy, The Myspace-MadMan..lol and until I learned the correct social media etiquette for networking, it just seemed like the right thing to do because I didn’t care whether or not they would say no and I did it in a way I thought was appropriate but I wasn’t trying to build a relationship. I was just looking for the people that would go and check it out. I can say from experience of being on both sides of the fence you definitely attract more bee’s with Honey. Thanks for sharing, this is a great message that needs to be heard.
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Hey Christian,
Love your honesty and authenticity! Years ago, I too was that girl. I cringe when I think back!
Social Media wasn’t a big thing back then but forums were.
I learnt a lot from the feedback people gave me and so it makes sense to want to help other people avoid the pain :)
Michaelé
[Reply]
Hi Michaele,
This is so frustrating, I just wish these people knew what it looks like at the other end. Surely they can’t be making money in their ventures. I recently wrote a similar post about this too, it really annoys me when others just expect you to follow them and join their ‘opportunity’. I suppose the only way to stop this is to be a little harsh and unfollow or remove from friends lists.
It’s all about making quality relationships and connecting with others in a genuine way. Great to hear you’re spreading the word!
Cheers, Lynn.
Lynn Glaser´s last blog ..How To Add A Featured Content Gallery To Your Blog
[Reply]
Michaele Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Hi Lynn,
I hear your frustration! My hope is to educate people but for the record, I’ve had some pretty nasty replies on Facebook when I’ve tried to enlighten people.
I figure that just as one of the main qualities in MLM is to be coachable, the same applies to Social Media….
You are either willing to learn or you are not.
Thankfully you and I chose the former :)
Michaelé
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