By Barry Feldman I was at church when I got the idea for this article. It’s not as twisted as it may sound. You see, my wife and I went to hear psychologist, leadership consultant, and best-selling author Dr. Henry Cloud lead a marriage seminar. On day two, at about half past the second cup of coffee, we got into sex. The good doctor told us we need to have intercourse. Then he told us the definition of the word.
in·ter·course [in-ter-kawrs, -kohrs]
noun — interchange of thoughts, feelings, etc.
Dr. Cloud talked about how very important this communication interchange is to a healthy relationship. It’s not a groundbreaking idea. But it’s incontrovertible. And it made me think that this notion, which is so essential to marriage, so essential to intimacy, is just as essential to successful social media marketing.
If, like me, you believe social media is an ongoing exercise in building relationships, which is essential to building your business, you’ll want to indulge my thesis.
So now, with your permission, we’ll get it on. Let’s examine five basic sex tips that you can apply to become a better social media marketer.
TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES
Be authentic. Be transparent. Be genuine. These have become mantras in a world turned interactive. But yick, they’re so damn sterile.
What do you say we nix the euphemistic BS and simply get naked? Are you with me? You might be used to that stiff and starched shirt—and it might look mighty fine—but it covers up the real you.
Yeah, yeah, yeah… you represent a proud company. You’ve got class. Scruples. You have a reputation to protect.Screw that. It’s time to get friendly my friend. No one really wants to do business with your brand, your good name, or that slick logo you wear on your chest. People want to do business with people. The mega-rise of social media makes this an undeniable truth. It’s time to strip.
NOW FOR SOME FOREPLAY
Blushing? I thought so. But let’s be real. Though you may be into social media marketing to consummate the deal, you’ll fail fast if you don’t take your time. However eager you may be for the main course, you’re bound to find the one you pine for finds appetizers more appetizing.
Ease into it. Be attentive to the needs of the one you’re with. Nurture the relationship. If you want to make social media satisfying, it’ll pay to be patient.
HAVE INTERCOURSE
Review that definition now. And for a little more dictionary fun, realize this: to “interchange” is to follow each other. How’s that for the perfect parallel between sex and social media?
The idea is to exchange things, thoughts especially. Nothing shameful is happening here. In fact, what we’re talking about is downright beautiful. Interchange all you can. In the course of all this intercourse, you’re likely to learn what buttons to press. Now that’s marketing!
TRY DIFFERENT POSITIONS
You don’t want to be overly predictable. Or repetitive. It’s boring in the bedroom and it’s boring in social spaces too.
Experiment a bit. Even if you know how to slay ‘em with blog posts, at some point you have to breathe some new life into the relationship. Fire up the camera. Pictures… video… some nice music? I don’t know.
Some people like graphics. Some like podcasts. Some like how-to manuals.
However enthralled you may be with Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, you might find some new thrills on Pinterest or Instagram or YouTube. Variety is a total turn-on. I might have read that in Cosmopolitan. Mix it up, mate.
DO IT AGAIN
That was soooooo great. Are you done?
Hope not. You know what happens to relationships that don’t progress: they die.
Remind yourself when you’ve got something good going on, you need to keep it up. Rewind. Review. Maybe revise. My point: put as much TLC into the relationship as you can.
Relationships are sacred.
“The love you take is equal to the love you make.”
~ Lennon & McCartney
I’m spent. A smoke sounds good right about now.
Do you have a fun analogy for social media? Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments.
SME Paid Under
Digital Editor
Comments are closed.