I write here about my belief businesses will increase outsourcing of social media marketing. Much of what I’ve written here is how I’m attempting to show small retail / service businesses the value of Twitter and Facebook.
The sell hasn’t been that tough. Car dealers and big retailers are still going to purchase newspaper advertising, at least for the Sunday paper. I’m happily shocked at how many independent contractors and successful small businesses don’t use free platforms to define their brand, show customers services they can provide, etc.
Evidently my schtick is working. I’ve met with a few clients in the last few days. They are open and excited about my suggestions of how to use Twitter and Facebook more effectively and want my services.
This is great for me, right? I have a skill set companies need. Then we get to talking about compensation and we both get stumped.
What is my fee? Honestly, I don’t know the best answer yet. I’m too new in this business to have found a fair pricing model.
I worked on spec today, which doesn’t help me solve the problem. I read some less than perfect web copy. I’m a perfectionist so I rewrote it for fun. The website and Facebook page were also organized a little wonky for my taste. I made reorganization notes. I sent an email to the business owner. Her operating budget is small, small, small. She has an excellent product, superior to anyone in town. Her home business will grow to provide a storefront and online shipping in the next two years. I’m certain of it. I’m willing to work for nothing now in advance of what I perceive as a growth opportunity, as trial for what I do well and need to learn.
But my rent it due. My car just got hit by an uninsured motorist. I just got a dog.
I must be crazy to work without a retainer of some sort, but the benefits of social media marketing are mostly present in the cost of NOT using. I agreed to work with another client without a contract. Again, there is huge growth potential. I’m willing to forego a little cash now to prove I can work fast, effectively, and provide value.
Social media can help businesses retain customers, find new customers, define their brand, and create a network to launch business-to-business contacts it presently discovers only from trade shows and cocktail parties. Both companies I mentioned above will benefit from all these intangibles, eventually.
Better said: if a company does not make a strong effort into using Twitter and Facebook for business-to-customer interaction it’s giving away an opportunity. The questions become: What is a Twitter follower worth? What is a Facebook friend worth? How long will it take to see results?
I feel like an actor. With both companies I love the script. I want to be a player in the story so much I’ll take a percentage instead of a flat fee. If business spikes, I win. Time is the killer, though.
If you found this useful, I’d love to read your experiences with internet business and marketing. Shoot a small comment or find me on Facebook and Twitter.
Discovery of the Inspired Self
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I can relate to your willingness to work for little or no pay in your excitement to show what using social media correctly can do for a small business. But as my long-time clients remind me when my exhuberance for a project causes me to cut them a deal: don’t sell yourself short. If you don’t value your own services, why should someone else?
We walk a fine line between helping a struggling business owner out, and realizing that we do have responsibilites that cost money. (You have a new dog, I have three kids.) I volunteer a lot of time for my community, so I’ve gotten better at not volunteering to do my paying job for free. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who optimistically hope that our generosity will all come back around to us.
-natalie
Comment by Natalie C. — May 28, 2010 @ 1:44 AM
Thanks, Natalie. There is a balance between accepting risk and wasting one’s time. I am overly excited to work with others who are passionate about their work, to feel part of a team AND to profit mutually. There’s still a feeling that social media is not really marketing-it’s chatter and silliness. In the same respect online classes are looked at as half-school, and anyone who’s taken an online class can tell you–they’re way more involved but build more skills than a normal class. We’re in a changing environment.
Comment by bgattozzi — May 28, 2010 @ 2:58 PM