Any small business or entrepreneur anywhere near an Internet connection these days, will have heard about the importance of using social media as a marketing tool. Many will not know the ins and outs of how to go about getting started or keeping up with their social media efforts. What’s more is that small business owners and entrepreneurs are VERY BUSY and they just do not have time to learn and maintain everything that goes with social media. This is where I come in as a Social Media Virtual Assistant.
I help small business owners figure out the what and the how for using social media for their business. We identify what their goals are and how to work towards achieving those goals and some measurable outcomes in using social media for business. I can take care of the initial set up, including all the technical aspects along with my recommendations or shortcuts for how to fully optimize a their presence on different social media platforms. I will give suggestions for how to help syndicate their content throughout their networks and I can help set up systems for helping to manage or automate where it seems feasible.
My efforts work best and get the best results with clients when there is good, open communication and when the client clearly understands and participates where needed with the different social media platforms and networks. The biggest mistake I encounter in working as a Social Media Virtual Assistant, is that some clients come to the table with a “set it and forget it” mentality despite my best efforts to advise them otherwise. Hiring a Virtual Assistant to help you with your social media and online visibility but thinking that it will not require any participation from you is a mistake.
I am happy to be a partner in my client’s social media and online efforts. I love the rush of seeing how making connections, networking and creating relationships can really help small business owners and entrepreneurs thrive. What I’ve decided I won’t do, is run a client’s social media on auto pilot. It’s not right for social media and it’s not right for me.
The “social” part of “social networking” means BEING ENGAGED. Hiring a Virtual Assistant to help out with tasks related to social media doesn’t make you social and I guarantee that you will be disappointed with the outcome if you choose not to also participate.
I can help streamline your social media efforts and I can keep on top of what needs a response from you. But, in the end the words and voice need to be yours.
Would love to hear your thoughts or comments on this!
Yes. This needs to be said over and over. It’s a new idea – that marketing means participating generously and personally in the world every day. This is a big stretch for many people.
Thanks for an excellent post.
Thanks, Mary. I can imagine that you understand and relate quite a bit to this as you’ve probably run across it a number of times yourself as well. I think it’s worth saying so people know my personal philosophy and can better understand how I prefer to work.
I fully agree with you Mary. As Social Media Virtual Assistants, we can do all the research, set-up, connection and maintenance but the clients has to do the engaging. If they don’t participate, it will all be to no avail. We can only do so much for their Social Media efforts and they have to come to the table and participate to ensure ongoing relationships with their followers.