Hi All,

I know this is going to sound very naive of me, but I'm getting so confused with the whole social media stuff. I really want to complete the Social Media Marketing course, but am financially stuck at the moment. Facebook, I've been using for years privately and have just posted a business page. I'd like to use some other forms of social media too, twitter etc, but I'm very inexperienced. Should I perhaps just wait til after I've completed the course? Or should I just go for it not really knowing what I'm doing? I want to make a great online presence, but I'm frightened that if I blindly go ahead I'll be making a mistake that can't be rectified later?? Any advice would be most welcome. Thank you.:confu sed:

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Alana Farr :daisy:
Alfa Virtual Business Services

If the accounts you are setting up with Twitter, Facebook, etc are for your business, I would probably recommend you either finish the course first or at least skip to the part of it (if you're able) you are presently working with.

In my own experience, I am a big proponent of preparing first rather than jumping ahead (it's a man's natural flaw. hehe)

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Tony Thomas - Social Media Professional
Social Media of Portland

Alana,
I have found that by reading blogs, this forum and other websites you can learn a lot about social media. If you don't have the money to finish your course, try reading online.
I have benefited a lot from LinkedIn and the groups/forums that are on LinkedIn. That is all free and you will find a lot of help.

The Virtual Assistant Forums you are on now also give a lot of help. Do a search for similar subjects and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

I agree with Hilde- you can gain a lot by reading up online. Maybe you could set up a "test" account to get the feel for all things Twitter. Then when you feel comfortable, create one for your business. Just a thought.

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

Alana, I'm sorry. I glossed right over the "money is tight part."

I absolutely concur with these other ladies. There is a ton of free information online to help you out. Over at Mashable.com, they have a great Twitter guide and anything here will help you along tremendously.

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Tony Thomas - Social Media Professional
Social Media of Portland

Trying out all your advice. Thanks heaps. I'm reading everything I can. Cheers.

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Alana Farr :daisy:
Alfa Virtual Business Services

Alana,

Another thing to try is after setting up a "test" account, follow a few folks that you find influential and see how they are using Twitter. Can be another VA, a business source or a networking buddy. You do not need to invite them, just click on the follow and you are ready to start lurking. Also there are many great resources about social media on the web and right here.

Just remember all social networks are not for everyone. Find what you like, understand and feel comfortable with so you will actively engage on them.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I did a blog post this week on using twitter for business, you may find it helpful http://btstranscripts.com/2010/11/29...iness-success/

plus one from a couple of weeks ago http://btstranscripts.com/2010/11/15...edia-blogging/

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