BAIPA board member Shari Weiss will be speaking in the afternoon at the BAIPA meeting on August 13 about social media for authors. Here are some tips and topics to think about.
Every new enterprise — whether it’s a new project, new class, new relationship, or a new business — begins with some degree of confusion. The key to getting past the initial uncertainties is to (a) silence your “fear” [false expectations appearing real], (b) focus on one objective, and (c) put in effort.
My social media students have so many questions that most don’t even know where to start.
Below is a list of the FAQ’s . . . and some answers; they are in no way complete, but they may provide a foundation of knowledge to build on.
1. Where can and will social media take me?
Social media is a set of technologies, strategies, and tactics that will help build your business by increasing both your understanding of your customers/clients/community and their knowledge of how your products and services can help them.
2. What makes social media so important?
The world has changed. There is a new “normal” and the old techniques of marketing and communication will no longer work in the same ways as they have in the past — because everyone can become a publisher and everyone can gather information on their own [without depending on traditional media].
3. How much time do people need to spend online?
Among peoples’ greatest online fears is that they must be continually updating their statuses on dozens of social media platforms. Most social media consultants suggest that short periods of time, e.g. 15-30 minutes, two or three times a day, can accomplish a number of objectives for entrepreneurs, as well as managers and executives in firms of all sizes — if you have a strategy set in place.
4. What is a blog?
The word “blog,” which is a silly-sounding word to many, is just a shortened term for a Web Log. Very simply, a blog is a website with recurring content. Bloggers can write whatever they want whenever they want. This is an example of everyone having the opportunity to become a publisher. Are all blogs “equal”? Of course not. Of the hundreds of thousands of blogs and bloggers, most might be termed “frivolous,” i.e. trivial, inconsistent, unresearched, etc. But the fact of the matter is that many bloggers who write about important and interesting topics in unique styles are fast becoming highly influential throughout the world.
5. How safe are social media sites for private, confidential information?
Not “safe” at all. The best practice is not to write anything on a social media platform that you wouldn’t want the world to read. There is a difference between publishing “personal” and “private” information. Personal information about yourself can be wonderful for building trusting relationships. Private information does not belong on the global whiteboard.
6. How many social media platforms do you really need to know and use?
Answers to this question vary depending on WHY an individual or a business communicates online. To effectively build an online presence as the go-to source for information on a certain subject, these five venues offer great rewards: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogging, and YouTube.
This was a blog post from Shari at sharisax.com/simple-answers-to-6-basic-social-media-questions where you can find links to other resources.
Contact Shari at sharisax@aol.com.
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One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.
I am brand new to BAIPA and learning as I go. And as I read. Thank you for the ‘tips’.