Be The Giraffe With Social Media

“It’s a jungle out there!”

No matter what business you’re in or what your purpose in social media you already understand that it’s increasingly hard to stand out from the crowd.

So if it is “a jungle out there” why not be the giraffe? And literally stand head, neck and shoulders above the rest of the ecosystem?

Here’s how to stand out by using social media:

Be “everywhere”: Not literally. But to the casual observer it should seem as though they encounter your name (and possibly your avatar) everywhere they go in social media.

Start a list today on the places people can find you: From social networking to your blog to your personal website to your business card (yes, your business card). Be sure all those places link or point to each other.

Now Google your name: Are you dominating the first pages of results? If not, you need more online (probably social) presences.

Be “all things”: You never want to be in social media for one purpose. And you especially don’t want to be there just to “take” or “sell.”

Review how you’re likely to be perceived in social media. Are you helpful? Are you a connector? Do you share freely? In the “Giver vs. Taker” equation would you be perceived as more of the former or the latter? If you can’t answer these questions have a disinterested outsider tell you (and return the favor for them).

Now that you know how you are being received decide if that is how you want to be seen or whether you need to make changes.

Be “the best”: Set a goal of being the best at something in social media. Achieving the goal is less important than having it and continually striving for it.

For example, you might want the reputation for being one of the smartest people in personal finance. Now ask yourself: Does most of what I say and do in social media align with that goal? If not, why not?

By having the goal and sticking to it your time in social media will be more focused and one day, just maybe, you will be seen as the best.

Be “the most …”: Can you literally be the “best” at something in the social world? You can. But it will take a little luck and one more thing: A concerted effort to work harder, be more reliable, be more of a connector or be more of something than most everyone else in your area.

Ultimately what will set you apart is your willingness to put in more effort than others.

Can you “be the giraffe” by using social media? Absolutely. The question is, will you?

Possibly related posts:
7 Ways to Tell How You’re Doing in Social Media
10 Ideas to Help Business Navigate Social Media