Comments on: Social Media and Professional Services

By: Charlene Burke

Charlene Burke — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:00:26 +0000

@Rhona: So glad you referred to your post Facing off Facebook. I recall reading it and having it begin my process of thinking about professionals and their inability to use online marketing efforts effectively. And your reference to the reality check is appropriate – it is why I offer blogging services as part of a full-service online marketing agency. As for future exploration of the topic, I look forward to reading your posts and gaining inspiration for additional posts. Thanks!

By: Rhona Bronson

Rhona Bronson — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:22:52 +0000

I’m a huge fan of blogs for service professionals, but here’s a reality check — most cannot write or maintain the consistency. And, I agree, professionals should consider blogs before Tweets or Facebook. See my Dec. 20 post on Facing off Against Facebook.
http://www.thebloggersbulletin.org/2009/12/20/facing-off-facebook/

Similar to firm marketing, professionals look to ad agencies, social media pros and freelancers to help them with copy. The best firms hire staff, frequently trained professionals in the field who would prefer to market lawyers rather than go to court and argue a case. But, most, aren’t yet willing to make the financial commitment for non-billable time staff.

I love blogs for professionals, and there are ways to approach it correctly. This is a great topic for future exploration.

By: Charlene Burke

Charlene Burke — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:33:54 +0000

@Shari – you’re absolutely correct that ‘lurking’ and ‘listening’ on social media channels is a very good way to get tuned into the marketplace. Without being tuned in, no professional can be the thought leader.

@Nils – my thoughts exactly. If the tweets are not directing someone to do something, go somewhere, act on a request…then what good is the tweet? Thanks for your response.

By: Nils Montan

Nils Montan — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:28:45 +0000

Thanks Charlene, very good point. Without a good blog, and I would underline good here, I am not sure what all the twittering is directing the potential clients to?

By: Shari Weiss

Shari Weiss — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:24:27 +0000

I second the recommendation that these professionals find a way to become Thought Leaders and Influencers through blogging.

But I also have other suggestions for them, which I listed in my own favorite article to date: Ten Mistakes Made by Social Media Newbies.

One of the key strategies is to “Lurk” and “Listen” for awhile, so they can study protocols and strategies.

Because I’m still learning all about How To Do Social Media Marketing, and I’ve been at it pretty much 24/7 for most of this year, it’s easy for me to recognize how difficult it is to get to a place where you “Know Everything.” Hmmm– My prediction for 2010: More and More people will realize Knowing Everything is, of course, impossible, but “Learning the Ropes” is possible and ought to be done.