Michelle Explains Why Social Media is a MUST for Entrepreneurs

Interviewer’s Note:  Perspective is so important for entrepreurs- we often have so much going on, and forget to examine alternatives, that advisers, mentors, and coaches can become incredibly important allies to reaching your goal.  Today’s interview, which is with Michelle Mahoney of KickAssBusinessNews.com, talks about her work with entrepreneurs and how social media has played a crucial part in her success.
Hello Michelle!  Welcome to the Pluggio Blog.  In a nutshell, how do you describe your work?   What is that you do for clients?

I help small business owners who struggle to find clients and feel overwhelmed in their business attract clients and make more money so they can serve their bigger purpose in the World – without burning out.

On your website, you describe yourself as a working with “holistic entrepreneurs.”  What is that?

By “holistic,” I mean that there is a larger purpose behind being in business. I work with people who want to make the World a better place, to help change lives, and to heal our planet. If you’re in it just to make a buck, move along. I am not the coach for you. But if you want to bring your gifts and make a positive difference and get paid really, really well for it, you’ve found your home. I also encourage people to celebrate their uniqueness, their “weirdness,” and their woo-woo, because that is what makes us truly special.

I like it!  How did you get started?

I have almost always owned my own business. When I was 12 years old I got tired of handing over hundreds and then thousands of dollars to the school, to scouts, and to others. That summer I went door-to-door selling “Googly-Eyed Critters,” which I made with a friend of mine. We made a couple hundred bucks, and we made a lot of people happy, and I was hooked.

What role does Twitter play in your business?

Twitter has become a great place for me to network and share with others. I love to meet other entrepreneurs, do radio shows, and participate in events such as Telesummits and giveaways. Hashtags are a quick and easy way to expand your reach and learn about new people and ideas.

What impact or change have you seen due to Twitter/social marketing?

Twitter forces you to say what you need to say in a very short amount of space. It really makes you think about every word you write and its impact. This has been great for a lot of people’s marketing copy, headlines, and blog post titles! Things are less fluffy and frilly, and people are really getting their points across more directly. For someone like me who has 2 Master’s Degrees and a PhD, this has been a lifesaver!

How do Twitter/social media help you achieve your goals?

I have clients from all over the world, and that really makes me happy. I live in a small college town right now, and there really aren’t a lot of people around here who are my clients. Using social media and the internet has opened up whole worlds of possibility. Plus I get to say I’m an international speaker!

How did you build your following?  What kinds of people/businesses are they?

The people who follow me have extraordinary gifts and talents, and they have the same values I do. They want to make the world a better place.   I continue to build my following every day by providing great content and valuable information that is clear and easy to follow. On July 2nd we released the first edition of the free Kick-Ass Business News Magazine: the Freedom Edition. I wanted to put out a magazine that is full of great content, not just one sales pitch after another. I also offer high affiliate commission rates at a minimum of 27% so that I can reward others who already love our programs and services.

How will you choose who you will follow?  What do you look for in a follower?

I like to follow people I see others recommend as good business resources. Sometimes I will search #business or #success to see who is out there. I stay away from people who send auto-replies trying to get you to buy their stuff or people who shout about buying from them constantly. You have to provide great content, no matter what platform you are on.

If you could go back to when you first began using social media, what is one thing you would have done differently?

If I could go back and do social media, I wouldn’t do anything differently. Every thing I have done, every mistake or success I have made has contributed to my success. It’s all a learning process, and I wouldn’t change any of it.

What does Twitter do for you that nothing else can do?

TwitterChats are great fun, and you can’t do them anywhere else. They go quickly, you can learn tons of great information, do amazing fast marketing research, and really get a feel for the people you serve.

What lessons have you learned about Twitter and online marketing?
You have to put a LOT out on Twitter. It’s okay to repeat yourself because it’s a 24/7 platform and people don’t see you the first time anyway. Scheduling Tweets is important because you can’t stay up and post on Twitter around the clock. Bitly and other link-shortening sites get more click-throughs and really do make people curious.It sounds like you also put a major emphasis on giving good content, too, is that right?  

The biggest thing I have learned is that marketing and making money really is about giving. You have to give to people and be concerned about them if you ever want them to listen to you. That’s part of the reason I created the new Tweetables! Series of books. The first one is full of inspirational business quotes that you can post directly to Twitter by clicking in the book. You can find it on Amazon here. I use it all the time.Zig Ziglar said it best: “You will get all you want out of life if you help other people get what they want,” and helping people really is the goal.
Follow Michelle on Twitter here.
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