If you’ve ever tossed and turned at night thinking, ‘I hate social media marketing with every fiber of my being’, then I wrote this just for you.
Warning: This is not your typical social media marketing post.
I call this Social Media Done Differently.
If you’re not a fan of getting on social media, creating a ton of marketing content to get more business, or maybe you just want to take a break, I’ve got you.
I’ve noticed many of us midlife entrepreneurs struggle with social media marketing. We didn’t grow up with these tools and a lot of it feels fake and self-focused.
But here’s the thing…
Social media is where most people are. Don’t fight the current of the ocean. You won’t win.
It’s always easier to go where people are already hanging out.
To make any of these tactics work, create a system. A system is a set of repeated steps (with a feedback loop) to get you to a desired result. Without a system, you’ll flail around, get discouraged, and give up. If you need help with this, skip to the end of this post.
Steps to make this work:
Step one: Pick one or two of these options.
Step two: Create your system.
Step three: Focus for the next 6 months and then adjust as needed.
Now, let’s get on with it!
I also recorded a video on this topic if you’d rather watch than read:
‘I hate social media marketing’ option #1
Collaborations
Collaborations are when you connect with one or more entrepreneurs (s) whom you share an audience with and do something together.
Some common examples:
→ A video interview
→ A written interview
→ A podcast (be a guest on someone’s show)
→ An article/blog post (write for someone else’s blog/website)
→ Co-host a webinar
→ Co-host a summit
→ Create a joint freebie/opt-in or bundle
Why collaborations work:
You get in front of another person’s audience.
Other benefits:
The other entrepreneur also gains more exposure. Both audiences benefit as you’ve introduced them to new concepts/insights.
A few things that increase the chance of collaboration success:
→ Consider your audience size. How many people do you have on your email list, social media, or in your community? If you’re in the early stages, try to collaborate with other entrepreneurs who are also in the early stages (or don’t have large numbers). If you try to approach an entrepreneur with a large audience, they will likely turn you down (or just ignore you. More on that coming up).
→ It’s typically better if the person shares your audience but you two do not do the same thing. For example, I help midlife women entrepreneurs with systems and support. I have a collaborative interview coming up with a life coach, Human Design expert who coaches entrepreneurs. I’m sure there are many women entrepreneurs in her audience who use my help. Likewise, there are many people in my audience who’d like practical help and guidance with Human Design.
Here’s an added benefit: collaborations are often fun!
‘I hate social media marketing’ option #2
Ongoing connection nurturing
Your connections are gold. Treat them as such.
Entrepreneurial Connections are other entrepreneurs you’re connected to in some way (that sounds so obvious, but people tend to overcomplicate this).
Connections can be:
*Prospective clients
*Previous clients
*Other entrepreneurs in your niche/industry
*Other entrepreneurs who are also in front of your audience
*People you’d like to collaborate with someday or who you’ve already collaborated with
*Other entrepreneurs who are NOT in your niche/industry
This post would be too long if I went into how and why each person is gold for your business (and well-being). The wider your network of connections, the more opportunities you have for new business, repeat business, and referrals.
I used to have feast or famine in my business for years. I didn’t have a system for reaching out and nurturing the connections I already had. I regret this. So many years of wasted opportunities. Don’t. Be. Like Me.
Here’s what happens when you nurture your connections:
→ They refer people to you
→ Some of them become repeat clients (because you’re top of mind when they decide they need help)
→ They send resources/relevant information to you
→ Business is more fun because we’re not supposed to do this alone (okay, this last one doesn’t sound related, but hear me out. We cannot exclude the emotional aspect of running a business. It isn’t only about making money. If we feel alone, we don’t feel good about ourselves and our businesses).
‘I hate social media marketing’ option #3
Use groups
Do not sleep on Facebook groups. Yes, they’re still a thing and yes, they’re alive and kicking.
You have to know your target market for this step. Which Facebook groups are they in (if any)? Interacting in groups can feel less intimidating than creating general social media posts that can be seen by anyone.
Groups are also a goldmine for research. You can learn what your potential clients are struggling with, what they want, and what they’re responding to. You cannot create solutions in a bubble. If people aren’t buying what you’re selling, one of the (many) reasons why may be because they don’t want it. Groups can be a great way to learn more about what your clients want and also to make connections with them.
But, please be genuine. If you go into groups with a spammy approach, you’ll get poor results (or you’ll just get kicked out). Follow the rules and be genuine. People can smell desperation and pushiness form afar. Don’t be that person.
‘I hate social media marketing’ option #4
Create your own group
I have a Facebook group. For now, I haven’t posted a selfie or a Reel in there. That may change. The point is I set the rules. When you create your group, you use the group to get in front of people but under YOUR terms. You set the rules and do as much or as little as you can.
Also, a group may feel exciting to you because you’re directly engaging with people all on your topic of choice. You’re nurturing a community of people with a shared interest.
You need to know this:
Prepare to be ignored
Regardless of which of these options you choose, there’ll be people who’ll ignore you. For example, you may reach out to potential collaborations or accountability buddies or DM potential prospects and some will ignore you. Scratch that…many will ignore you. M-A-N-Y.
Prepare yourself mentally. This is why you must have a system. When you have a system for showing up and doing the work, you won’t have unrealistic expectations that cause disappointment. Instead, you’ll know, ‘I have to reach out to x number of people x times a day/week’. When things aren’t happening, it will be a matter of asking yourself the hard questions (am I doing the steps? Am I following the system)?
If you’re anything like me, with a tendency to get sensitive about these types of things, I really need you to understand this. You need systems.
When you have a system to rely on, it takes a lot of the ‘ick’ out of the early stages. You’re crossing things off a list. You don’t get stuck in overthinking. You’re simply moving down a list of tasks.
After you’ve made solid connections with people and you’re building relationships, then it’s about nurturing the relationships. But in the beginning, use a system.
If you need help creating a system, let’s jump on a Power Hour call. We’ll brainstorm and strategize together. Plus I’ll send you the tracker I use to keep on top of my online connections. It helps me establish repeated habits so I don’t just talk about collaborating and connecting, I show up and do the things to make it happen.
Power Hour Price: $100 this month. Click here to find out more.
P.S. I want you to win, with or without my help. If you don’t get my help to create your customized system, take the time to do so for yourself. Don’t be like most other people who struggle to get consistent benefits from connections and collaborations.
