Part 2 of a 5 part series on how to get started at the start of a new year. Today - Social Listening. Next - Internet Video - or Part 1 - CRM It is time to stop talking and start listening. Not because it's a new approach or slick marketing strategy, but because your prospects have stopped listening. We have talked so long, so loud, so frequently that no one wants to hear us or from us. I was right there with you on the hunt for Social Networking Nirvana. Like you, I published everything, everywhere. Last year I stalked both my followers and those I follow. What I learned is that everyone is connected everywhere. My carefully crafted social promotion echoed across multiple social platforms. Instead of sending a clear signal, it was nothing but noise. My hope for you this year is that you'll have the courage to turn down the noise and start listening, social listening. I'd like you to consider trying a new social networking strategy. It's time to focus your time, energy and message on one platform.

Success Through Social Focus

We've got too many social plates spinning in the air.  Consider adopting a new approach this New Year.

• Identify your audience. Go there, listen. If your market is B2C, Facebook is your destination. If it is B2B, hangout at LinkedIn.
• When you post, don't lecture or whine, ask questions.
• Answer questions to create value and frustrate your competition.
• Network online as you would in person. Just say no to self-promotion (nobody is listening anyway).
• Participate in group discussions with prospects, instead of peers.
• Invest in a social listening platform that allows you to capture the essence of social discussions, interactions and prospect intelligence. (I use Nimble.com, I'm just saying.)
• Show respect, be polite, build relationships.

 Insight

Everybody is visible so stop shouting. Start listening to create engagement.

Resources for Social Listening

• Nimble.com - follow the social streams of your prospects
• HootSuite.com - Listen to the heartbeat of your Twitter community
• SocialMediaToday.com - Review of 50 tools for social listening and reputation management