Social Media Goals And Strategies

The new year always seems to come quickly. It is a wonderful time to create new resolutions and new beginnings for your consulting business. Have you thought about your social media goals for the new year? Although you don’t need to make a detailed and permanent plan—it’s smart to define your goals, vision and actions for the year ahead.  Here is my recommended approach for getting the most out of your social media strategy in the coming year.

Consider These Three Questions

1. What worked and did not work for you in the previous year?

• Seems obvious, but people often forget what went “wrong” and repeat it again and again.  Something going “wrong” doesn’t mean that it blew up or cost you money.  It can be as simple as not achieving the results you desired  or that  it took too much of your time.
• On the same note, people often forget what went “right” in the previous year.  Funny, as this is how we succeed. Try not become too content with where you are and what you are capable of achieving. Aim high!  It is a new year!

2. What do you want to accomplish in 2010?

• Something as small as acquiring 10 new qualified Linked-In contacts this year or as ambitious as becoming the #1 in your field.
• Do you want to learn to build deeper relationships through social networking? Keep your goals top of mind in everything you do. Schedule them into your day or week so you have time to achieve your goals.

3. What new Social Media outlets would you like to try (or not) this year?

• Many people are content with the outlets they are using, which is fine.  At the same time I know (first hand) that there are so many social media outlets available, it can become overwhelming.  You either try too many at once to keep up, or avoid using any at all.
• One idea is to consider how you are going to juggle the social media you are currently using. Is there a way to work smarter not harder?  Would it be more convenient to send updates with your  a Blackberry or iPhone? What about pre-writing articles and updates?
• Like many people I have spoken to, you may even decide that in 2010 you are going to stop using some outlets for social media.  Perhaps the return on investment isn’t worth it the effort. Regardless of what you decide, it’s most important that you are thinking things through. Remember that your social media presence is your face on the internet.  Make it true to who you are and how you want to be seen!

What are your social media goals and strategies for 2010? Our readers would appreciate your ideas!