We’re a society of want-it-nowers, always looking for instant results. We love our credit cards, microwaves and drive-thrus too much for this mentality not to creep into our online marketing activities.
It takes time to build a list, to put out good content, to be seen as an expert in your niche. Conversion of the leads you capture through social media is almost never immediate.
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from small business owners looking to get more clients and customers by building an online presence is that it “takes too much time.”
“Oh, yeah, that would be nice but I just don’t have the time.”
Many of these people have an existing offline business and are either struggling to attract more business, or are burning themselves out dealing with day to day responsibilities, endless networking meetings, seeing one-on-one clients and generally putting out fires. Therefore, adding online marketing into the mix sounds like one more “thing” they just can’t imagine juggling.
The irony is that the internet can provide the leverage that would allow these small business owners and solopreneurs some of the relief they are so desperate for. It’s not a magic pill and it does take time. (I know, they don’t want to hear that.)
The other group are those who are trying to build an online business and grow impatient with not seeing those quick results. Sorry, but it’s not going to happen that way. In my experience, success comes as the result of consistently doing small, sometimes boring tasks day in and day out.
You might not see any fruit from your labor for weeks or months on end. But it is a result of those consistent actions that momentum will build and progress will be made. This is especially true with social media.
“But I have 5,768 followers and 2,987 friends! No one is buying from me!”
“I’ve been on Twitter for 2 months and I’m not making any money!”
In this case, it’s not only time, but what you are spending your time doing there. Are you providing value, having conversations, driving traffic outside of these sites?
Yes, there is a lot to learn—but most of it is free out there. Online marketing an social media can be absolutely amazing for your business IF you are willing to learn how to do it right and make the investment of time.
What are you spending your time on?
Speaking of learning about social media marketing: If you’re overwhelmed and confused about how to use Facebook to market your business then you’ll want to be on my free teleseminar on June 16th at 8pm EST: “The 3 Biggest Myths About Marketing on Facebook—and the Strategies that DO Work for Growing Your Small Business.” It’s just an hour of your time. 
Click here to register now.
Photo Credit: npslibrarian
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, there must always be a way for you to make time and put the effort into your work.
(In an advanced state, however, there is a Catch-22 where you get busy enough so that you forget the online presence.)
> IF you are willing to learn how to do it right
Well put. What’s the best map you’ve seen?
J.D.’s last blog post..Influencer – The Power to Change Anything
@Anthony–Right, that’s a big issue for a lot of small business owners. The marketing is getting done, then the biz starts booming…and then they slack off on the marketing. It’s tempting to do that but it’s a big mistake. The marketing needs to be cranking 24/7.
@J.D.–The best map I have personally seen would be the one my mentor Alicia Forest lays out in her 21 Steps program. I just love when someone can give you step 1, step 2, etc. in an easy to understand and follow blueprint. That’s Alicia’s course.