Want Success in Social Media? Give What You Want to Receive

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For the last 5 years, whatever success I have had in social media – retweets, +1s, likes, shares, or even endorsements and contracts – comes from being an authentic giver. So I completely agree with Jeanette Jenkins' statement below.

I set aside time to help social media newbies because so many did that for me when I was new to Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin in 2009. I didn't even know how to tweet for 6 months. No kidding. 2009 was a truly interesting year for me behind the scenes. I did the necessary reading and analysis, and I practiced until I found a style of my own, but trust me, I had lots of help. 

Whenever I speak at conferences or attend informal tweet-ups, I get asked about what it takes to do well in the social space. My answer is the same: generosity. But its not enough to simply be a giver; you have to surround yourself with them. Seriously. Always look forward to making their acquaintance. Those who are genuinely happy for others' success, and those who believe (and demonstrate) that character and integrity are what you do one hundred percent of the time.

In Summer 2009, I had a conversation with a close friend who has tremendously impacted my career. She said to me: "Sean, social media is powerful. So don't misuse it by doing something that defeats the purpose of the medium. Have close friends, people who you know are in your corner, but always value the growth that comes with effective and consistent networking and outreach. Always see the wisdom of being a connector, and a giver." 

Her words ring true today as they did when she first uttered them.

So what I am saying here is not a secret strategy or an unknown tip. Giving works. I like to retweet the words of Paul Steele and Christel Quek to constantly remind myself of what's important: that whether online or off, you give what you want to receive. Generosity is a quality that always pays well.

A Few Thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In”

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The cover of Sheryl Sanberg's thought-provoking,
blockbuster book Lean In.

I love great books, especially the ones that challenge conventional thinking, propose practical solutions, and offer an expansive vision for the future. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In, achieves this in spectacular fashion.

Remember her awesome, crowd-pleasing TED Talk in 2010? With the help of stats and studies, she builds on that. You'll be impressed by her humor and honesty, and wowed by her great storytelling. This woman knows how to tell a story that strengthens the connectivity with the reader. Take how she ends Chapter Three:

Less than six months after I started Facebook, Mark (Zuckerberg) and I sat down for my first formal review. One of the things he told me was that my desire to be liked by everyone would hold me back. He said that when you want to change things, you can't please everyone. If you do please everyone, you aren't making enough progress. Mark was right.

This passage is notable because she is giving you a glimpse into what her and so many others (myself included) have struggled with, and – though probably not deliberately – sharing just how Mark Zuckerberg makes business decisions. Good stuff. And just one of many things that will keep you engaged.

It would be a mistake to write off Lean In as simply a book for women. It is not. And its not just for social media watchers or the professional crowd. If you value personal growth and great relationships, this book is for you. Buy it. Read it. Share it.

5 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Know

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This is a post that I orginally wrote for Microsoft Small Business.

To be an entrepreneur…challenging, exciting, life-affirming, adventurous. It's all of these experiences and more. You learn so much about yourself, and gain a clearer understanding of what you're made of. If the old saying is true, that we birth our future with every act of kindness, then the same can be said for acts of economically constructive business. Entrepreneurs step up to this plate everyday: inspiring, conceptualizing and educating the next generation.

Though the role of small businesses remains strong, it is natural to have concerns about the evolution of twenty-first century commerce. What will it look like 10 years, 20, 50 years from now, and how can you prepare for those changes? A valid concern, to be sure. With so much happening on the world stage, I decided to talk with some entrepreneurs about what they felt everyone in their profession should know. They gave me great tips – accented with historical wisdom, but configured and updated for the beginning of what will surely be a dynamic millennium.

Image Courtesy of RevUp UNC 

Network Without Borders – Never let artificial barriers prevent you from connecting with people from different backgrounds and regions. As marketer Porter Gale points out, you never know if the person next to you on a plane or in a grocery store or at function can be the one to connect you to your next big project. Wherever you are, always have your "network" cap on. Organize events, and attend functions related to what you're passionate about.

Be Patient – The statement "slow and steady wins the race" is always applicable. We live in a culture that wants it now, right now! An immediate return on investment. But business requires you to be measured and thoughtful about where you are going and what it will take to get there. To the serious, action-oriented small business owner – interested in longevity, success and relevance – a healthy degree of patience is a necessity.

Listen, More Than Talking – We learn so much more about customers and their preferences if we listen. There is no glory is creating a business with great intentions and making assumptions about what customers want. That's a recipe for disaster. Listening more means your business gains insight, eventual respect, and something every successful business is built on: loyal customers.

Collaboration Is Good – There is nothing wrong with looking good individually. Look good, and do good! But whenever possible, partner with another business on an online campaign, a community event, or perhaps on a cooperative advertising venture. Partnering with other businesses has been one of the biggest trends over the last decade, and I expect that to continue well into the future. It gets people talking.

Pay Close Attention to Disruption – Industry watchers and small business supporters will tell you: be on the constant lookout for "disruption". What is disruption? It creates a new market, and often goes on to absorb and replace an existing market. This takes place a great deal in the tech industry. And because technology is an integral part of small business, disruption can tremendously impact your bottom line. Follow the trends as closely as you can (through publications like GigaOm and ReadWriteWeb) because you never know, there could be a great opportunity with your name on it.

Entrepreneurs shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. Fail your way to success! Learn more, elevate your brand, make a difference, connect with the right people, and invest in your dreams. To be dynamic is to be an entrepreneur. Let's go!