Light a match and walk with it. Walk too slowly and the matchstick burns quickly. You will end up with burnt fingers. Walk too fast and you will extinguish the flame. The key is to keep an eye on the environment around you and walk at a steady enough pace to keep it burning long enough to light a second match. One good gust of air, or a drop of water, and your flame is a goner.
Social media is very much the same – especially for small businesses. It is a necessary ingredient in the marketing mix, but too much too fast can make or break your business.
I have been reading a lot of Jay Baer’s Convince and Convert posts. The following two come to mind:
How to Integrate Social Media Into Your Marketing
Social Media Makes Everything Marketing
In addition, I’ve been reading a lot of IttyBiz posts. Specifically:
How to stop being an information product slut and start creating the business you want
101+1 Small Business Marketing Questions For People Who Don’t Speak Marketing
It all makes me think that striking the match to ignite the flame in the first place might be the hardest step. Walking at a slow and steady pace while keeping a keen eye on your environment is the second hardest thing to do. And the final step is having enough courage to decide if your second matchstick should be cardboard, or perhaps wood this time.
Going for the propane stick lighter? Probably not a good idea.
Love the analogy. I might have to use that lit match concept at some point. Thanks for the link. I appreciate it.
j
Glad you liked it. A lot of marketing folks are struggling with how to make an entrance into social media. They’re afraid and think it’s going to get out of control fast. I think they’re right to be timid – but at some point you have to strike the match.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Best, Naomi