Free Social Non-Media

I began micro-blogging on Twitter when I started my business full-time. At the time I was ghost writing for other blogs and didn't have a lot of time for my own blog. Plus, I really wanted to get paid for what I wrote.

Now that I'm a little further along in my business journey, I have been able to reflect on how Twitter, face-to-face networking, and just providing information for free has increased my sales.

It's what Michael Banofsky said: "your brand is what you give away for free". This statement has had a great impact on me since I'm very focused on sales and so are my clients. It was actually very shocking to hear since I thought my true brand value was only available to (paying) clients.

Blogging and social media is a free activity where everyone puts forth their "brand" even if it's not "for business". It's hard to make money because it is the type of branding that Michael describes - free. Sometimes a name, reputation, essense, opinion is priceless, depending on the person who reads it.

The best salesperson I've ever encountered was in the park this week. She was another mom who has a spa in her home and does all-natural treatments. She listened, she asked for the business and closed a sale. It was tangible, solved a real need. She was likeable and trustworthy, honest and straightforward. I'm pretty sure she doesn't have a blog, but being social for business doesn't have to exist only on media.

But how many people can she reach?

The ability to reach an incredible number of people is how businesses are really transformed online and this is how money is made. But first you must free your brand to start gaining this kind of exposure and attracting sales.

Start thinking about the kinds of things you offer for free or the things you do naturally to help others. Even if you don't have an online presence, or need it for your business, you may be just as surprised as I was.