Monday
10Nov2008
15 Days of Marketing Day Ten: Find Your Awesome Allies
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 2:07AM
I am very grateful to be involved with the campaigns and projects I am currently working on today. But let's get real. There is no way in H-E- double toothpicks I could've accomplished this on my own. What it really comes down to is yes, hard work is required to achieve success. However, I'll venture to say that your level of success directly correlates to the strength of your allies as well.
I've got my "offline" allies: my husband, my family, my friends (even though a lot of them don't really understand what I "do" per se). For today's post in the series however, I am going to talk about your support network online or what I like to call your Awesome Allies.
If you're new to the interwebs scene, you're probably still feeling your way around social media. The good news? Even if some of us have been using social media for a longer time, we're still feeling our way around too. Social media is a channel that is forever changing. If you liken it to game, it's one where rules don't apply to everyone, the strategy to win is never consistent, and some days you're stuck in jail while you watch others pass Go and collect their proverbial $200...over and over again.
This is what I love about marketing and the social media I often use to execute campaigns. It's exciting, it's full of surprises, and it's flexible. It's also freakin' scary. Scary indeed.
This is why we all need to surround ourselves with our own Awesome Allies.
What can Awesome Allies offer eachother?
As you build your alliances, you'll find youself talking to a few of them on the phone, connecting through instant messenger, and likely meeting face to face. I've been fortunate to meet a lot of those people I consider my allies face to face and I can't even begin to tell you how powerful that is.
There are two different types of allies:
I am willing to bet you already have a few Awesome Allies. If you do, what can you do to make them stronger and see more results?
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Find some allies. Look through the comments sections of prior posts in these series and reach out to those that look like they'd click. Or alternatively you could tweet on Twitter that you're looking for an Awesome Ally, your niche, and what kind of ally you need, mentor or peer. Make sure you include "#15days" on your tweet so that you can be found by others looking. Use Summize to search "#15days" to find other people looking for Awesome Allies. If you already have Awesome Allies, take the time to reach out to each other to talk about what you'd like to accomplish and how you can help each other achieve those goals. Please leave a comment here about your experience.
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I've got my "offline" allies: my husband, my family, my friends (even though a lot of them don't really understand what I "do" per se). For today's post in the series however, I am going to talk about your support network online or what I like to call your Awesome Allies.
If you're new to the interwebs scene, you're probably still feeling your way around social media. The good news? Even if some of us have been using social media for a longer time, we're still feeling our way around too. Social media is a channel that is forever changing. If you liken it to game, it's one where rules don't apply to everyone, the strategy to win is never consistent, and some days you're stuck in jail while you watch others pass Go and collect their proverbial $200...over and over again.
This is what I love about marketing and the social media I often use to execute campaigns. It's exciting, it's full of surprises, and it's flexible. It's also freakin' scary. Scary indeed.
This is why we all need to surround ourselves with our own Awesome Allies.
What can Awesome Allies offer eachother?
- Brainstorming sessions, testing out ideas before putting them in front of the general public.
- Venting your frustrations and then regrouping to make a plan of action.
- Promoting each other: Digging, Stumbling, Tweeting, Blogging - Sharing the Love.
- Networking. Making introductions to eachother's contacts, and as a result, strengthening both your networks.
- Asking advice. This goes both ways, your strengths and weaknesses will ideally complement one another.
As you build your alliances, you'll find youself talking to a few of them on the phone, connecting through instant messenger, and likely meeting face to face. I've been fortunate to meet a lot of those people I consider my allies face to face and I can't even begin to tell you how powerful that is.
There are two different types of allies:
- Mentor. This ally is established and successful already and sees your potential. Wants to help you grow and reach your goals. So what can you do to give back? Promote them within your circle. Offer to help them with a project so that you can have a learning experience.
- Peer. This ally is at about the same level as you are in your career. You don't necessarily have to share the same niche with this person but the two niches should be complementary so cross-marketing is seamless. You will bring each other up when the other is down and both get further than you would have ever gotten alone.
I am willing to bet you already have a few Awesome Allies. If you do, what can you do to make them stronger and see more results?
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Find some allies. Look through the comments sections of prior posts in these series and reach out to those that look like they'd click. Or alternatively you could tweet on Twitter that you're looking for an Awesome Ally, your niche, and what kind of ally you need, mentor or peer. Make sure you include "#15days" on your tweet so that you can be found by others looking. Use Summize to search "#15days" to find other people looking for Awesome Allies. If you already have Awesome Allies, take the time to reach out to each other to talk about what you'd like to accomplish and how you can help each other achieve those goals. Please leave a comment here about your experience.
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Reader Comments (10)
I love this post Jessica! Because I am ALL about helping other people and reaching out to my mentors to advice and helping my peers to reach their goals.
That was the whole reason I wanted to start my own little "club" Ladybug Landings - to help people to network and find those allies we all need. Also, I just joined Collective-E at http://collective-e.com/ to find more local allies .
If there is anything I can help you to do with - don't hesitate to contact me.
PS. I have been so busy this morning helping people that I didn't have time to read this blog post... but was reminded of #15days by people who wanted me to be their mentors. YES is my answer- I want to be a mentor to anyone I can help.
PS2. I would have never gotten many opportunities like being one of Eleven Moms or seeing Jared from Subway yesterday without my allies. Thank you for amazing friends and allies, you know who you are - you're my people.
Katja Presnals last blog post..http://www.ladybuglandings.com/2008/11/tele-class-for-bloggers-make-money-with-holiday-gift-guides/" rel="nofollow">Tele Class for Bloggers: Make Money with Holiday Gift Guides
My husband who is a totally different field does this "Masterminds" concept (from James Malinchak) seems like everyone needs to have this! From public speaker to dog trainer to mom blogger!
Vanessas last blog post..http://inevergrewup.net/sharing-is-caring-project/" rel="nofollow">Sharing is Caring Project
Ok, so I am spilling tonight! Its 2:30 in the morning and I just sent out an email to some of my writers pouring out the need for allies, support. My family, friends totally are not into online ANYTHING, so totally do not understand what I do. Yes Hubby supports me but lately I am pushing too far and need to get the balance. I have put sooooo many hours into both sites. I need someone to slap me when I keep throwing new ideas out there! Someone to say, finish this idea first. My head is ALWAYS full of ideas. Its an ongoing thing in our home. I told them I was going to open a website called- 'Take My Idea'
I just dont have time to put them all into action. And I LOVE helping others by giving them ideas when they want them. So I am a bit overwhelmed this past month. Need to hook up with someone who can 'tame' me some and keep the focus at hand.
For sure would like more allies! Who doesn't! I know I always say Christian Women, thats because that is where my sites focus on. I have met some awesome women period! Of course, and men.
Awesome post Jessica!
@TakeRoot
Noelles last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TakeRootAndWrite/~3/450325811/i-was-once-blind-but-now-i-see.html" rel="nofollow">I WAS, Once Blind But Now I See......
New blogger searching for Awesome Allies… Mentors as well as Peers. Check out my Day 10 assignment and if you feel a connection, tweet me @MicroBlogginMom or leave me a comment.
Thanks,
Gail
Gail - MicroBlogginMoms last blog post..http://microblogginmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/15-days-of-marketing-with-jessica-knows_10.html" rel="nofollow">15 Days of Marketing with Jessica Knows - Day 10
i'm off to go build my allies and friends. once again even more stellar advice. you wow me over and over again jessicaknows!
classymommys last blog post..http://www.classymommy.com/blog/2008/11/classy-mommy-giveaway-vtech-phone-prize.html" rel="nofollow">Classy Mommy Giveaway: Vtech Phone Prize
I know I've created one new Awesome Ally and looking forward to finding more!
Thanks Jessica!
This Military Mamas last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThisMilitaryMama/~3/450334388/i-am-birth-mother.html" rel="nofollow">I Am A Birth Mother
I sat down with some of my closest friends last night and bared my soul on what I really am hoping to move toward with my blog and CMO goals. They aren't as active online, but a huge support network. My best online bud and I talked about it on a Skype call last week, too. I think talking about what you want to do helps you think it through.
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Homes last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyHomeSweetHome/~3/456718718/" rel="nofollow">Mobistories virtual books: a giveaway where EVERY reader wins!
I'd love some awesome allies, too. I'm an older mom (47) enjoying a life with children who feed themselves (not just use a spoon - cook, too!). I'd love to have allies who like to live life to the fullest like I do - travel, entertain, dance, and generally make the most of things.
Homework posted here:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/15-days-of-marketing-day-10.html
Looking for Awesome Allies...mentors or peers. Please come visit my blog!
Deborahs last blog post..http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/save-sam-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow">Save SAM - Giveaway
[...] your lessons learned. Although some were reminders most of them were new topics covered for me. On Day 10 of the eBook I had an “aha” moment. I quote Jessica [...]