Social Media: That First Date is Important

I almost hate to use the words social media on a first date with a prospect. They have a hollow ring now that the bandwagon overflows with newbies, wannabes, could-have-beens and once-weres. I don’t blame anyone for looking with suspicion on those who yap incessantly about this being their ‘sweet spot’ and having a ‘deep and thorough understanding’ of this ‘cutting edge technology’, being able to find ‘thousands and thousands’ of followers, or who ‘are native’ to the ‘digital language’.

Pfffft. That’s what I think of it. None of that means anything. Not. A. Thing.

If I were you, what would I want to ask on a first date with a prospective marketing partner? Well, surprise, the same things we’ve always wanted to know. I want to see sound planning and strategy. I want to see real results for real clients. No, no…not the ubiquitous ‘buzz’, but real results that track back to the business objectives.

Does this sound familiar? It should. Good processes, good planning and sound strategy have been the hallmarks of great marketing and advertising since the first wooly mammoth steak was marketed to the tribe. Ask your date how much she knows about your business, your industry and how your business objectives can be achieved in measurable ways using new media – in conjunction with your overall strategy and your other channels.

If you don’t get a good answer, I hope you didn’t pay for the dinner. Move on.