Social Media and Sales: Learn 5 tips to “Prime the Pump”

Posted by Ann Evanston in Business, Featured Articles on November 3, 2009 | View Comments

Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You connect, you follow, you friend. But what is next? One of my favorite sales books, “The No BS guide to Wealth Attraction” by Dan Kennedy says “ It’s important to continuously “Prime the Pump.”

As I think more and more about it THAT is what you want to do on these social media sites! How to do that is REALLY the question! The key is to build relationship with people like you do when you network. Ok, I’ll admit most people to not do that well either! But networking requires that you give first without EXPECTING a purchase. That you offer solutions for people, that you listen more than speak. Those same things need to be true for you on social media sites. So using Dan Kennedy’s language, how can you “Prime the Pump” to increase business on your social media sites:

Find a great news article and post it to a relevant group you belong to on LinkedIn. Pose a question about the article for people to answer and engage in the discussion.
Share a tool you use in your business and love on your fan page, maybe even make a video about why you love it.
Read a great blog post or article online- share it with others on Twitter, and do your best to give the author credit by using their Twitter username.
Also stay connected – just take time to comment on their posts without saying anything about your business.
Another great way to prime the pump – give “little pinks spoons” – tips and insights from your knowledge and wisdom that make people see your value!

I think it’s important to share different unique and special things on each site. You increase your value. Also many people ask “I follow you on Twitter, why should I join your fan page?” Well if what you offer is truly unique then there is a reason!

Take a few moments and plan your strategy for each site you’re on. What will you offer that’s unique? How will you “Prime the Pump?”

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Bill Browning

One tool I'm not using is LinkedIn. Thanks for the swift kick to get that started.
RonHori

I saw Zig Zigler on stage literally "priming the pump" with a real pump. He pumped and pumped and pumped and said to keep pumping until the water comes out. Don't stop just because there is no water, or else you'll have to start all over again. Once the water starts flowing, you can ease up and pump with less effort. The key is continuously following the tips above to prime the pump, then the "water" will start flowing.
Dave Saunders

"Little Pink Spoons" is a great analogy. I share a lot of nuts & bots tutorials on YouTube for organic search as well as to directly share with others. It's a great way to build trust and also to give people an easy way to find out what you're all about. Little Pink Spoon, in essence, are the touchstone for a strong personal brand.
Pam Bingham

Hi Ann,

Great post. My main goal for 2010 is to become more engaged in SoMe (love that by the way!). I have a question however re: # 4 you say "... comment on their posts with saying anything about your business." I was taught that you stay away from saying too much about your own business as you want to shy away from agressive marketing. What are your thoughts on this?
Ann Evanston

Nice attention to detail and catching a TYPO Pam! Re-read it - I think it will better fit for you!
Orene Kearn

Great information. Giving "little pink spoons" is also a good tip when networking face to face. We need to "prime the pump" online and in person.
Ann Evanston

So true Orene!
gerryusselman

Great stuff Ann!

I'm an old school marketer that has become very fond of Social Marketing and I do look forward to learning from your wisdom.

Always my Best,

Gerry Usselman

P.S. Happy Holidays!
Ann Evanston

Thanks Gary! How we engage is so important to success, I am glad you find my strategies right for you!
Houseonahillorg

Such valid reminders! Sometimes we get caught up in the fun and forget we have business to conduct as well! {I cant believe we have so much fun doing what we love!!!}
Ann Evanston

I wish more small business owners saw the passion behind it and made it fun!
Candace Davenport

Great tips. People need to realize that social media needs to start at the beginning of the conversation and then proceed!
Ann Evanston

My hope is to reach one person at a time, if that is what it takes to make this click Candace! Glad you are on the journey with me!