Three secrets to learning the language of social selling
Social selling can be puzzling for salespeople who are new to it. Are you confused about using social media to help you better connect with your current clients or find new ones? Does it feel as though all your colleagues are using it, but you still don't get how it works? Learning social selling is sort of like learning a new language—challenging, complicated and inconsistent with the rules you've always known.
Our experience has shown us that anyone—no matter their age—can master social selling if they put their mind to it. Much like with a new language, the more you are exposed to social selling, the more fluent you become.
Since we're pros at social selling, we have a few tricks up our sleeves that we'd like to share with you. The following tips will make the learning process easier and more efficient for you.
Determination and your why
Being dropped into a foreign country where you don't understand the language greatly motivates you to learn that language. It's the same with social selling. An empty sales funnel and colleagues leveraging LinkedIn or Twitter all around you give you a real sense of urgency about learning how to use social media for sales.
If, however, you look at social selling as just another tool to add to your other sales methods, you may never become skilled at it. Nagging from your boss or marketing team won't help you learn the ropes, either. You must be dedicated to putting in some time and effort to learn the trade tricks if you want to master this sales technique.
You must have a “why,” a reason that keeps you determined to stick to your goal. Do you have one already?
Immersion is the best path to social selling mastery.
Once you are determined to learn, consistent practice builds fluency. Social selling works the same way. Making yourself present and accountable on social channels will teach you how to use those channels to increase your earnings. The more time you spend on social media, the more likely you will find customers who can make decisions and buy your products. Your consistent presence among them helps you build their trust day by day slowly. It may be a difficult slog at first, but you'll learn shortcuts over time. Trust us. Sticking with it and being determined will yield success. We've seen this happen over and over again.
A willingness to learn is a willingness to make mistakes.
Having learned foreign languages in preparation for trips and business abroad, we have learned this lesson well. It takes guts to start talking in a language you didn't grow up with, and you might not be perfect from the start, but it will get easier. And you will connect with people who want to help you get better.
It's the same with social selling. You may make some mistakes, but others will surely help you if your intentions are good. If you seek to help your customers by giving good advice on social channels with no immediate reward expected, you'll do fine. There is very little to worry about.
When it comes to social media, it pays to know your audience. If you love to communicate with people, social outlets give you a chance to get your ideas in front of many customers and executives. But know the difference between LinkedIn and Twitter! Social selling isn't a uniform language. Posting on different platforms is like switching between dialects. Learn where to don your professionalism and crack a joke or share an amusing anecdote.
Social Selling as a native tongue
Keeping these tips in mind should help you learn the language of social selling quickly, but don't become complacent. Stay attuned to the latest social media trends. Like any language, social selling continues to evolve — and we all need to keep up.
Photos by valerioerrani on pixabay; bogitw on pixabay; and KoalaParkLaundromat on pixabay