Author: Tendenci Open Source Software

New Guy Courtney here! Since joining Schipul, I have learned you can not exist without a brand, well you can, it’s just not as fun. So being the risk-taker that I claim to be, I dove feet first into the wonderful world of social media.

Being a rookie to the world of social media, I found out very fast that your personal brand is just as important as your finger print. Trust me, it’s that serious. My first thought was I should snatch every social media network that crossed my path such as a fat toad to a fly. Unfortunately in this case, I was the fat toad and social media was the fly.

My epiphany finally came the other day when I joined the social network change.org; only adding to my growing list of networks with access to my login information…possibly even my finger print. As much as I respect the amazing people that devote their lives to the cause, I am sad to say I do as much for the cause as I take helicopter rides and play with trolls in my garden; they’re few and far between. I will briefly mention that I did some work with the Make-A-Wish foundation. This was extremely gratifying but I would be lying to myself if I thought joining a non-profit network would be beneficiary or even profitable for the brand I am trying to build.   So that begs the question, how many social networks are too many?

Jack Humphrey is a professional blogger, author of ‘How to Make Money Blogging!,” a contributor to Blog Talk Radio and creator of Blogsuccess.com. I suppose it’s during Jack’s ‘down-time” that he offers his expertise to others by teaching them how to drive traffic to their social sites in order to become a profitable brand on the internet.   In a recent blog post, The New Rules of Social Marketing, Jack offered his insights into whether it is better to be a part of many social sites or just a select few…

‘Putting in more time on fewer sites is absolutely better than trying to be on 100 social sites with no chance of having a meaningful presence on any of them…It is entirely possible for you to have a blog and a Twitter account and become one of the most popular and profitable in your niche.”

It makes complete sense right? I log into Facebook and Twitter to post updates every single day. To me, these two networks would be the obvious choice to create a ‘meaningful presence” and even more so, tell my personal story. In a sense, the time I put forth to these two sites would be the most beneficial. Most likely resulting in a helicopter ride at least once a week. I will continue to hold my breath…wish me luck.

I assume by now you are thinking, ‘Courtney, I am not a poor, little social networking rookie like you are. I have a well- established brand…people know me.” I applaud your success; now let me introduce you to Sarah Lacy (Thanks Dwight for the link to her post!)

Sarah Lacy is a successful blogger, journalist, co-host of Tech Ticker on Yahoo! and author of the book, ‘Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0.” It also doesn’t hurt to say that she has impeccable fashion sense and is probably the most adorable thing in pigtails I have ever seen. Hey, I’m a girl and I notice these things and I am almost positive she would appreciate the endearing compliments.

Now for My Next Trick, I’ll Turn Brand into Cash is a recent blog post in which Sarah Lacy chronicles her quest to promote the ‘Sarah Lacy” brand. Her conviction and energy is almost contagious as she contemplates if synergy really is the best way to make your brand profitable. ..

‘…the synergy and the cross promotion hasn’t been as easy as it would seem on paper. I’ve been pretty aggressive about linking between things, and if you follow me on Twitter, you get a pretty clear day-to-day account of my life. Yes, I’m stunned by how many people read my blog, but never go to TechTicker…or watch TechTicker and have no idea I write a Businessweek column. Or how many people follow me on Twitter, but still think I’m on staff for Businessweek full-time. Or—I swear to God—the number of people who know me from any of those platforms and say, ‘You wrote a book?”

Personally, I think it’s great so many people know the ‘Sarah Lacy” brand despite the platform that enabled their awareness.   I mean let’s be honest, things could be a lot worse. There are only about 5 people familiar with my brand and one is my own mother. Even so, an acclaimed brand on several social networks can still hinder its ability to reach its utmost potential. Sarah Lacy can even realize the pitfalls…

‘On the surface, this sounds great for me. I’m leveraged across several platforms even if they aren’t working together as well as I’d hoped. But doesn’t it also mean that my ‘value” as a brand is diminished if I can’t pull fans and readers across platforms? After all, it’s supposed to be a two-way transaction.”

Networks are supposed to be a two-transaction and even though I occasionally talk to myself, I don’t enjoy it as much as conversing with a friend or colleague. In order to maintain valuable transactions within networks, I believe it’s in your best interest to concentrate on a select few, and since my boss absolutely loves list, here is the top 3 reasons why you should brand for less:

1. Trying to maintain a multitude of social networks can be stressful and time-consuming. Cut back and you might even save some of your hair in the process.
2. If you concentrate on select networks that are geared toward your interest, it will be a more fulfilling experience and your brand will evolve naturally.
3. The main goal of business is to make a profit. Whether your brand creates actual income or you benefit from excellent networking, there is still profit to be made. What would be more ideal…a brand with substance on a few social sites or a mediocre brand within twenty social sites? To me, the answer is simple…and I’m just a rookie.

Thanks to Jeff Bauche._. · ´ ¯) for the awesome Flickr photo!