Irish Tatler | How do I become a social media influencer?

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I’m often asked if social media is a good place to connect with influencers and other key industry stakeholders.  As business people, we’re always keen to engage with just these folk as often they can be the conduit for expert opinion, knowledge and contacts.  Connecting with key influencers can raise your profile, offer opportunities to you or your business and build awareness of your business’s product or service.

My view– yes, social media is a good place to engage – but [there’s always a but!], engagement cannot just be ‘grab-and-go’.  Whether you’re using LinkedIn or Twitter, or any other social media platform – reputation and trustworthiness is critical.  In essence, don’t just set up an account and expect Richard Branson to respond to your ‘@’ messages…

Like many social media experts will tell you, being active or involved in social media is like any form of communications – and must be underpinned by a long-term strategy.  So, if engaging with key thought-leaders or world-renowned entrepreneurs is part of your strategy, then highlighting your knowledge and experience should equally be part of your strategy.  Remember: as with ‘traditional’ networking – people buy into people.  Be interesting, informative and innovative – share the values of your organisation.
As mentioned, it’s important to build a reputation – and that takes time – so be patient [and focused]! With time, you’ll start to see your online momentum build and engagement with just those key people will become quite straightforward… in fact, you might discover they’re following you!

A phrase used by BNI “Givers Gain”, is also true of the online realm and building connections - that is, observing people’s interests, views, and sharing trends, insights or new information automatically builds good relationships.  However, it’s also important to avoid bombardment.  Don’t be a gushy, insincere type either - in the main, that’s just the type of interaction that turns people off - instead, be genuine, insightful and sincere.  A final tip? It’s ok to be brave! Being gutsy in an approach to someone, with the right message - and sincerity - can pay dividends.  Just don’t be disappointed if you get a politely negative response!

The Power of Your #Network

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So January is behind us, and things feel a little less bleak [though the weather could do with a memo on that]. How has the first month of the year passed off for you?

There has been one distinct theme for mine - networking.  Now, this is something I do pretty regularly anyway - but January 2014 has been altogether different.  Firstly, I took up two new roles: one in my capacity serving on the National Executive of Network Ireland, and the other as Co-Facilitator of SWIBN.

Secondly, I was asked to join the panel of speakers for January's #DubNet - a really dynamic group - which like Network, operates on a voluntary basis.  The event was over-subscribed [no pressure] and proved to be a really fantastic experience.

On my way to Dublin for the event, I was asked to pen a piece for Irish Tatler... on the influential powers of social media and, yes, you guessed it... networking.

Hmmm.

What's so important about any of these facts, I hear you ask? Simply, that the common denominator connecting them, is also networking.

When I was asked to speak at #DubNet, I wondered what I'd talk about - I'm usually invited to contribute to panels on the basis of work-related themes or views, and this was completely different.  I gathered that the best thing I could offer, was my own personal experience of being in business, running a business and working for other businesses.

What could I say were the most important lessons I'd learned? To do something you love, and play to your strengths; to stretch yourself and inhabit a place of personal growth [yes, you've guessed it, the comfort zone doesn't apply]; and most importantly, to remember that you are the sum of those you surround yourself with. So choose wisely, and create a network which supports, develops and galvanises you.

Right, back to networking.  My invitation to speak at #DubNet happened because I am an avid fan of Twitter, a social network; working with SWIBN came about through a valued colleague, Oonagh Monahan, whom I met through networking; and I joined Network to build a network.  Tatler? Also networking.

Oh, and SWIBN's first speaker for 2014 was another valued colleague, Sandra Hart of BNI, an expert on networking.

If you have become bamboozled by the over-appearance of the words 'network' and 'networking' in this post, you've missed the point.

What, in fact, you should be considering right now - is the power of YOUR network.

What Will 2014 Bring You?

TweakYourBiz

As promised... Here's my most recent dose of inspiration for the year ahead, kindly featured by TweakYourBiz.

Bon appetit! 

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year! As we all know, a new year is a time for lots of blog posts about opportunity, change and growth... so I've written one which I'll share with you later this month! However, in the meantime, here are two from the archive.

The Time Is Now: Flex Your Ambition Muscle 

Three-Step Business New Year Resolution

Christmas Wishes!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Prosperous 2014!

Click here to read my Christmas Newsletter.

Best wishes,

Olwen

Irish Tatler | The key to export potential?

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Q: I hear so much about exporting for business growth… how do I know if my business has any potential overseas? Is it a big risk to me to try out?

Export is definitely a ‘hot topic’ in Ireland at the moment – not least of all because SMEs with potential for overseas expansion can contribute massively to our economic recovery.  However, it can be a somewhat tricky journey to navigate – and it’s not a decision you should make without conducting some solid due diligence!  My advice would be this: don’t go on a ‘whim’ – export markets are not going to be the same as the markets / segments or customers you will have experienced to date.  In many cases [as the famous HSBC advertising campaign hints to] – you need to get a handle on the culture and norms of how business is done in the country you wish to export to.  Do follow the opportunity you perceive exists - either through market intelligence or a bit of anecdotal insight - and test it out.  The ‘information superhighway’ [aka internet!] offers an ample platform to do some initial digging regarding competition, market nuances and customer demand – you can also access a wealth of information via the resource libraries provided by our enterprise agencies.  Speaking of which - when all signs point towards a solid potential market-place, seek out the assistance of Enterprise Ireland or InterTrade Ireland’s export divisions which offer great support ‘on the ground’, as well as honest opinion, insight and advice on the real weight of your export plan, and how to bring it forward.

Irish Tatler | The Difference Between Mission & Vision?

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I always get confused when I hear people talking about mission and vision ‘statements’ for business planning / strategy – any idea how I differentiate the two?!

One of the main axes of success in business is clarity of purpose – it drives how we communicate both internally, to our staff and stakeholders – and externally, to our clients, influencers and suppliers.  I’m a very vocal advocate for businesses [of all sizes] really understanding their values, vision and mission in ‘life’ – because without this clarity, it’s very hard to fully understand and in turn, communicate the right messages to our key people.

A major stumbling block, is in understanding the difference between ‘mission’ and ‘vision’ – they are both unique, and not to be confused with one another! In order to ensure your business is ‘on message’ internally and externally, you really do need to have a coherent, cohesive mission and vision – so here are some tips on how to go about doing so.

Keep it simple: don’t over-complicate things, just ask yourself – what are we here to do? What are our key objectives, our purpose and defining key deliverables?  Understanding this will help define your mission.   The next step is in understanding the values by which you wish to achieve your mission – this is your vision.  It is cultural, and clearly sets out the organisations’ “stall”, so-to-speak, when it comes to expectations, future plans, as well as the manner in which the company plans to achieve them.  The most important factor for both? They need to be honest, focused and motivational for all concerned.  Good luck!