Inbound Marketing: Social Media and Building Community with Chris Brogan

In the words of Chris Brogan, Social Media is not just about tools, it’s about building relationships.

I’m always amazed when I talk to business owners and realize that they are still in a very platform/media oriented mindset about marketing. In the minds of many, it’s still about “Which platform or media channel will give me the best bang for my buck or ROI?” But the rules have changed and while channels and ROI are still very important, we need to approach marketing from an entirely new perspective.

And sure, we talk a lot about “community” and “relationships”…but only because not everyone gets it yet. Those who work in the Social Media and digital realm might, but many small business owners (and marketers at agencies and larger companies) don’t really understand.

In this class from Hubspot‘s Inbound Marketing University (the third in our weekly IMU series), Brogan provides some great advice and lessons about the mindset needed when you approach the world of Social Media.

A few key lessons you’ll learn in this class include:

• It’s all about them (not you)
• Community is a gift
• Humility is important
• It’s important to listen and acknowledge
• The people in the community are more important than the “neighborhood” or platform
• We need to equip, rather than sell
• ROI is your “Return on Influence”

Brogan also gives practical advice about how to start a community andwhat resources are needed to build and run a community.

Brogan is a wealth of information, and his book, Trust Agents is required reading for those working in the new media and marketing fields.

You can watch Brogan’s class here, or visit our free Educational Resources page and attend all of IMU’s seminars in order to become an Inbound Marketing Certified Professional. The courses are free and will help prepare you to become better at helping others find your business online.

Social Media and Building Community (GF201)

And if you are interested in learning more, you can contact us for hands on educational help or to speak to your business or group.

Tagged as: chris brogan, hubspot, IMU, Inbound Marketing University, Internet Marketing, Marketing, Marketing and Advertising, small business, Social Media, Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence Improve Reputation and Earn Trust