Follow me up the social media road as I interview Christopher Bell III, founder of ChrisBell3rd & Company, about his journey to social media success.
The Motivation
ChrisBell3rd & Company was founded and successfully launched through the use of social media tools.
Chris: I believe social media is important to business because it has the ability to exponentially accelerate exposure to unique and compelling content, products, and services at a very low cost.
Look… if Pepsi, a Fortune 500 company decides for the first time in 23 years, not to advertise in the Super Bowl, but decides to use a social media campaign instead? Hey, I’m thinkin’ this: if they’re using some of the same free social media tools I have, then I know I’m in the right space, doing the right thing, at the right time.
The Opportunity
The biggest mistake a small business can make in using social media is to see it as a distracting fad, or that it has no business value.
Chris: The way I see it, there are only two types of business that aren’t using social media – Those who are going out of businesses, and fools.
When a competitor doesn’t use social media, I almost want to thank them for subsidizing my mortgage payment, contributing to my kids college education, and paying for my dream vacation. How? Because they’ve decided to give me the opportunity to access their prospects and customers.
The Tools
Knowledge is power… and money.
Chris: I use LinkedIn and Twitter because my target audience uses them and I view them as being complimentary to one another.
LinkedIn as a strategic resource.
Chris: I review personal profiles and company overviews to research, identify, and plan executive-level engagements with potential clients and where possible, I leverage a mutual connection by asking them to facilitate a warm introduction on my behalf. The result: Everyone I’m introduced to via LinkedIn is usually receptive to communicating with me.
Twitter as a tactical resource.
Chris: I “follow” the latest Twitter feed of relevant subject matter that’s important to me or my potential clients (using tools like Tweet Deck for filtering) in preparation for any dialogue or engagement.
Simple objective.
Chris: I’m looking to accelerate the speed of trust and prove out my value as an asset who does his homework and knows as much about his client’s business as he does.
The Results
What kind of results are you getting using social media for business?
Chris: I landed my first consulting project searching through Baltimore-DC Craig’s List. Closed my first deal for them in LESS THAN 30 DAYS. All of this happened as a result of a lead from a referral on Twitter. The net: 1st client = $29,000 in 5 months. LinkedIn and Twitter Investment: $0
I published an article that went viral. The article resonated with a well-respected blogger, Career Makeover Coach, Tai Goodwin. I was invited to participate in her BlogTalk Radio show to share tips on how one can transition into the technology sales profession.
I landed a Canadian client in April 2010 introduced via Twitter. My agreement with this awesome company will represent a six-figure opportunity.
The Prize
Chris: In January 2010, I learned of the Entrepreneur’s Challenge contest sponsored by Author Melinda Emerson, the author of “Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months”and better known on Twitter as “SmallBizLady.” In May 2010 I was announced as one the $25,000 Winners.
Thousands of small business owners just like you don’t get Twitter at all and are exactly where you are right now…looking for answers. Answers to questions you need to start making money with Twitter. Do you want 5 answers to getting greater results using Twitter for business? Grab your complimentary copy of “I Don’t Get Twitter” NOW!”
Copyright © 2011 Rising Star Ideas, LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
