Dear Small Business Owner
Don’t think we don’t hear you because we do. It might frighten you to know that social media folks listen even more than they talk. The next guy that says your company needs to be on Twitter? Be nice to him, don’t kick him repeatedly in the neck because he means well.
The hype is out there in full force, and it is natural for people to push back. That is alright because I can take it. I will sit and listen to all the reasons you think social media is a fad. I will smile patiently while you talk about all the train wreck scenarios that could come about from the freedom you are giving to the people in the trenches representing your company.
After you have had a chance to lay out your justifiable concerns I will ask you about the goals of your company. Then I will try and understand your current marketing practices. Here is one of the tough things for me in this situation; I am not the smartest guy in the room. I will never be as knowledgeable about your business as you are, that is why I am working so hard to understand your current practices.
After I compile all the information you had enough trust in me to give I am going to get with my business partner Chris and we are going to map out a strategy. Maybe I should apologize right now because the way some people are talking up social media you may think this strategy will be made of gold or comes with a serving of cracked lobster with drawn butter. The strategy is actually a list of actionable items that we create to work with your business. The plan will be simple and effective, taking as much time as you are comfortable with spending per day and per week. You will also get a guide of “best practices” to be sure everyone involved is consistant and empowerwed to act within the best interests of the company. The whole deal is custom tailored to the goals you already have as an organization.
Going forward you are set. I think you will be a little better equipped to cut through the noise of all the “experts” that just talk about social media. “Get a blog” or “get on Twitter” is not the answer to every question. You are about showing your expertise and creating trust. You are about relationship selling. We really appreciate you allowing us to listen in on the inner workings of your company. If there is anything I can do to be of assistance going forward my contact information is below.
Zachary Cobb
816.876.1870
zach@zcphotography.com
P.S. Maybe we can follow up with a BBQ lunch in a few weeks?
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Tags: Hype, Letter, Social Media, Strategy
Apr 22, 2009
Wow. This is powerful. I love it, Zach! And, the best part is that it is truly sincere in every way; including the bbq lunch.