Regarding marketing and public relations...
An Independent Distributor told me that it seems like the market gets flooded - especially with less serious reps - and then the public tends not to see those that take their business seriously.
It is a legitimate concern.
I've been an Independent Distributor, and I've not taken some seriously.
This unique set of professionals are also known as Independent Sales Consultants, Sales Representatives, and other similar titles.
Often they will promote:
- Beauty Products.
- Health & Wellness Supplements.
- Foods.
- Jewelry.
- Home Decor.
- Kitchen Items.
- Craft Supplies.
- Educational Materials.
- Insurance.
So, how can Independent Sales Reps of nationally known products use social media to be taken seriously?
Establish Expertise & Credibility
Blog.
Make it the focal center of your website, own your domain, and consistently create informational content that sets you above your competition.
Post tips, new industry information, and find industry experts for guest posts and interviews.
Send Consistent Reminders
Email Newsletters.
Find a frequency that works, and utilize the largest social network to keep yourself in front of your valued customers.
Make it professional, short and sweet, and filled with information that continues to solidify why you're their contact for what you do. Include snippits from your blog posts!
I send out bi-weekly Media Muffins: Sweet social media treats meant to inform & inspire. I use this email marketing platform and get great response! You can contact me to learn how to try it free for 30 days.
Social Networking
Chances are you'll end up on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
But there are thousands of social networks -- search for the key platforms that will be conducive to your industry, and reaching your target demographic.
Find out where your target audience is hanging out, and be there. On their terms.
Think your customers aren't on social media? Think again! The largest group of consumers using social media are 35-44 years old. The largest growth group is 45-64!
Here's a good reference for you:
Study Reveals The Reason Independent Consultants Must Master Social Media Skills
Participating in LinkedIn Groups for professionals will help you further establish credibility within your industry. Using the Question & Answers area will help you engage with those curious about what you already know!
Be Visible
Use video.
- YouTube is the second largest search engine.
- There are 86 million daily viewers looking at video.
- Video is 53x more likely to appear on the first page of a Google search (Forrester).
- Adding video to email boosts customer interaction 200-300%!! (Brightcove)
So, set up a video channel and link it with your social networks. 48% of video referral growth is from Facebook!
Hint: Video is great embedded in blog posts!
Engage
Create your community with your followers in mind.
Ask them what their interests are, and remember to listen. Make it interesting with pictures, video, fun questions, as well as links to juicy stuff!
Social media is about them - not about you. It's a two-way communication.
Really, the steps above are not so different than successful social media strategies recommended for other industries.
Do What They're Not
I know I used a dirty word up there - blog. Most people aren't thrilled about writing regularly and are afraid to start.
Secret: It's a Nike thing. Just do it.
By following the steps above, you'll become the go-to source, and attract people to yourself. The not-so-professional will fade away as you set a new standard.
Vary your content and aim for short, sweet, and informational.
You might even find it so fun your fingers smile! :)
Need help making your blog your social hub?
Have questions about any of the items on the list above?
Leave your comments or questions below...
Disclosure: I am a user and re-seller of Ace of Sales.
9 Replies
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Keri, aloha. Terrific post on a very important for independent reps/sales reps/consultants/distributors or whatever they may be called. As it happens, to connect with more people is the very reason I started using social media. Keri, business aside, social media connections, like you, have enriched my life tremendously. Youtube is huge and, I must admit, I am not using it to its fulll advantage. That being said, I have an entire ‘line up” of clips soon to be released. Paul Wolfe who is in one of my tribes is HUGE on youtube. His clips have had over a million views this Prior to deciding to “get out there” with social media, I had never given any thought to writing a blog. When I first started writing, I invoked the Nike slogan quite frequently. Now, however, I find that I both enjoy it and look forward to connecting with the commenters. Checking out Ace of Sales is on my “to do” list because I read Jeff’s “Social Boom” on my recent trip. Will connect with you “off blog” on this topic. Folks, follow Keri’s advice. She is absolutely on the mark! Until next time, Keri, aloha. Janet
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Janet, Nice to see you again! Thank you for your kind words and excellent insight on getting started with a blog and how things can evolve. Yes – video! I too could do more with it. But there are only so many hours in the day… 😉 We all have to find our happy medium to get to all things. Though video is surging and will only escalate in relevance. Ace of Sales is terrific – whenever you’re ready. For those that haven’t visited Janet’s blog, find the Natural Networker — she knows her stuff too!! 🙂 ~Keri
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Wow! What a powerful post, Keri! This is my first time visiting your blog and I’m thoroughly impressed with all the surprising facts and solid tips you share! I had absolutely no idea that YouTube was the second largest search engine. I really need to use it more to my advantage! My blog is definitely the focal point of my business, but I blog more about Peru and don’t use it to directly promote my freelancing business. What’s your take on this? Keri, I’m so glad to be part of the same Triberr group. =) Hugs!
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Samantha, Thanks for flashing your smile here. 🙂 I appreciate your compliment about this post. YouTube is indeed that popular! I’d image that your living in Peru as you are, video would be quite easy for you to gather and plug in to your blog. After visiting your site, it is my opinion that you are writing about your life, and blogging about what you do. Things you would write about as a freelancer. Your delicious content will attract people to you, and thus your business. That’s my take. Samantha, I too am glad that we are Triberr peeps together!! 🙂 Hugs back to you… ~Keri
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On target as usual, great blog post. I worked 5 years as an independent distributor in Scandinavia and I did plenty with damage here and I love sales. If you work as an independent distributor today you need to find role models to follow, it could be hard because that industry produce a lot of spam online today. But you can also follow other great influencers like Keri, because this blog rocks!! Start your blog and your own personal brand journey today. It’s a Nike thing. Just do it!
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Mattias, You are so complimentary, and I do appreciate your words! 🙂 It is correct that spam can be very attached to Independent Distributors online. But it is possible to cut through the noise and find real thought leaders and professionals to connect with and follow. I imagine you did do some “damage” in sales, Mattias — You have so much energy and enthusiasm and that translates back with those you work with. Those resourceful should be encouraged to visit your blog as well. Blogging does attract people together. Prime example: We became acquainted at a blogging summit. And you are correct… Like Nike: Just do it!! Mattias, I dare ya to blog about your Nikes this Friday. What could we do with that one?? 😉 ~Keri
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Thank you for the great ideas! Yes, blog has been a dirty word for me. I have been “thinking” about it for a while now, even have some drafts written. I need to “Just do it”. I guess it is time to dive in!
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Hello Terri, Great to see you here – Thanks for visiting! Glad you liked the ideas in the post – Hope the list is helpful. If you’ve been thinking of blogging, there is not a better time to start! Tons of resources available, and WordPress is very simple. Just be sure to get hosting, own your domain, and ask for help when you need it. If you’ve got text ready to go, this will be simple for you. 🙂 Good luck, and keep me posted. I’ll want to read and support!! ~Keri
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