Promises, Promises!

Tweet

Just received an email and in it was this declaration: A solid Social Media Strategy can start producing results in 3 months or less.

While anything is possible and this certainly CAN be done, for the most part, it’s a pile of crap. Apologies for being so blunt, however, this is completely unrealistic.  

And guess what?

This guy will get your business. Because YOU want immediate results! And, let's face it, his statement is very compelling.

And I won't promise you results in three months or less. Why? Because  fooling people is just plain wrong and bad business. Liken it to just about every work at home promotion or advertising you’ve ever seen. “I made $1,587 in my first 24 hours” …sure, SOMEONE probably did out of 5 million that fell for it. And it wasn't easy! Sure rip 'em off once and never see them again!

A solid social media strategy WILL produce results. If you’re not committed to social media for the long haul, quit now. Planning successful strategy is hard work and if you’re posting haphazardly then either close down now or hire someone RELIABLE and HONEST.

REAL Social media strategists are not miracle workers. 

What exactly ARE the results that are referenced in that statement? Perhaps the “promise” of 3 months or less merely refers to building up your followers or fans. Sure, anybody can do that, however, are they the people that will actually have an interest in your products or services?

Many years ago I had Lasik eye surgery. Before doing so I spent countless hours finding the right doctor that I felt comfortable with. I immersed myself in learning about the procedure. I kept one eye doctor hostage during a consultation for one full HOUR with rapid fire questions prepared prior to the visit.

He didn’t have any fancy advertising. He didn’t make any promises. He did, through his intelligent responses to my questions, demonstrate his expansive knowledge of how to conduct the surgery. He was upfront about the procedure, the success rate, the long term effects and many other aspects of the surgery. 

Putting my future ability to see in the hands of someone was a big risk. And putting your social media strategy in the hands of someone is just as risky. 

Do your research! Don’t let anyone razzle dazzle you with fancy claims. Is the razzle dazzler the one who will be doing the actual work or are they too busy to work with you once they’ve hire you because they are busy jetting to the next talk they are giving?

What more can I say?

Naked Eyes sang about promises back in the 80’s (see below). For promises that won’t ring falsely, stop by and visit: Klout, the ModlandUSA website, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ ...Thanks!