What is one of the greatest marketing skills you can hone as an entrepreneur?
Whether it's in person or on social media, willingness, and genuine interest in your audience should always shine through.
I first experienced working for a big corporation that tested products. To discover the public response to the products, we had to evaluate our target audiences' reaction. This experience taught me to engage and utilise effective questioning.
In doing so, I found I had a natural aptitude in engaging with people because they have always fascinated me.
It's the ability to be interested instead of trying to be interesting, that is truly valuable.
So I ask people about themselves with questions like: 'Well how did you do that? And then what happened? Oh, how did you get a private jet what happened there? Where did it take you?' I don't speak about me until somebody asks me a question about myself.
Another key to engaging with your audience is listening when they talk to you.
Have you ever noticed that some people are just waiting for a gap in the conversation to talk about themselves?
Instead, find out something about that person that interests you. For example, a friend of mine was telling me about what it is like to live on the edge of Loch Ness, where she sometimes sees strange ripples in the water. I found this tidbit fascinating so that I will remember this information, and then the next time I see her, I'll ask her about it purely because I'm curious.
Stay true to you; be authentic with your questions. Ask people about things they do that interest you.
We all have an innate curiosity that is there from when we're kids; all we have to do is wake it up.
Also, it's honouring people to listen to them. People are genuinely fascinated when they realise you truly are listening to them and are interested in what they have to say.
To find out more how to be social on social media, listen to the Soundcloud clip below:
To find out more about getting social on Facebook Groups check out Creating Facebook Groups that Works! with Becky Vannes!