Yikes I screamed excitedly, like a 1960s cartoon character.
The great Neal Schaffer – one of the Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers two years running – wants to meet up with lil ol’ me.
And I closed the email, with a boyish excitement splashed across my face.
Two weeks later – and there we were, in a rustic London pub, guzzling pints of lager and enthusiastically discussing how we might collaborate.
Neal introduced me to some awesome social media enthusiasts;
Liz Azyan from Digital Matchbox.
Ravi Shukle from ravishukle.com.
And Alex Conkleton from Rapport Service.
Then three or four pints later, he interviewed us for his latest Maximise Your Social podcast (of which the drunken ramblings you can find here (#67)).
But there was something that Neil had brought up a number of times over the course of this alcohol-infused evening.
Something that struck a nerve.
“Konrad’s great, but when it comes to social media, he’s a little too aggressive for me”
(Perhaps these weren’t his exact words, but as I said, the night was seasoned with English lager, which always makes my memory a little foggy.)
Aggressive? I thought to myself, somewhat taken aback.
Cheeky – yes.
Cocky. Most definitely.
Handsome. Well, that’s a given ?
But aggressive? … This could be something to worry about!
The statement struck an especially tender nerve due to the fact that the very same week, another one of my favourite social media influencers – the lovely Adrienne Smith – had said exactly the same thing.
Not once. But several times; in the comment thread of a blog post she’d knocked up, which had linked out to my article on influencer marketing.
Aggressive, Cheeky – Or Just Plain Smart?
Hang on!
If my social media tactics were so darn aggressive, how come Neal Schaffer had taken the time to meet me, interview me for his podcast and buy me a couple of tasty British beverages (although I got the first round, mind you). And why had the lovely Adrienne Smith given my blog a shout out?
In January this year I started my social media efforts from scratch. And by June 2014 – a mere 5 months later – I’d managed to have gotten:
- Interviewed by Neal Schaffer for his world-famous podcast.
- Over 3,500 social shares for a post I created on content marketing, which was then put on a list of the top 90 most shared blog posts on content marketing EVER.
- World leading social media experts to share their wisdom on my blog. Including Guy Kawasaki, Aaron Lee, Joe Pulizzi, Demian Farnworth, Peg Fitzpatrick, Neil Patel and heaps more.
- Asked by Twitter legend, Aaron Lee, to contribute my social media expertise on this epic post; ‘31 Experts Give Their Best Small Business Tips for Standing Out on Social Media’
- 5000 new, responsive followers on Twitter.
- Asked to give talks about social media and influencer marketing for the Camden Create Festival and for the awesome London meetup group run by Shooting Beauty.
- Approached by Forbes writer, Eric T Wagner, to contribute to his upcoming (and eagerly awaited) book of inspiring entrepreneurial wisdom, Walk Through Fire.
- A heckload more business for The Creative Copywriter.
So I must have been doing something right…
Right?
6 ever-so-slightly aggressive tactics that put me on the map
Now I don’t know their exact reasons. But I’m sure Neal and Adrienne will graciously let me know in the comment thread below (gulp).
In the meantime, I can certainly hazard a guess.
But before we delve in, make sure you have these 2 questions glued firmly to your mind;
Why did these tactics get me a name in the world of social media so darn fast?
Could any or all of these tactics work for you and your brand?
1. Being cocky
When I started following all the world-leading content marketersas they shared their wisdom to millions via stages and social media platforms, I thought to myself I can do that!
After all, they’re just people. And I’m a person.
Sure they’re seasoned experts. But I’m an expert too. And I think all of us are experts at something or other. (Yes, you too).
If you keep that in mind, and interact with influencers on a level playing field, you’ll quickly start to get noticed in social media circles.
Be cocky. Be brazen. Be confident.
It worked for me.
2. Asking influencers questions. Straight up
Here’s a little trick which works wonders. And it’s one of the reasons I caught Neal Schaffer’s eye.
As I delved into the world of social media and content marketing, questions naturally cropped up. As they will for you.
Whatever your industry.
So instead of endlessly searching Google for answers, and filtering through all the crap; I decided to simply ask the world-leading experts on the subject.
Straight up.
Not only do you get the best possible answer to your question, you also engage influencers in conversations and they start to notice you.
And when influencers start noticing you and then start sharing your content that’s when the magic happens. (Click to Tweet!)
Here’s an example:
3. Writing an edgy, in-your-face Linkedin profile summary
Most people use their Linkedin profile to talk a bit about their professional background, and list their skills and experience etc
Yawn!
I decided to smash that tradition in the face, and wrote a short imaginary (and somewhat aggressive) tale describing the awesome rewards the reader would reap after working with my team at The Creative Copywriter.
4. Flirting with influencers
OK. This might be crossing the line a little.
But whether you’re actually flirting or just doing so metaphorically, the point I’m trying to make is;
Stand out. Be different. Be disruptive. (Click to Tweet!)
Otherwise you run the risk of being swallowed up by that vast ocean of competitors.
5. Telling people to share
After writing an epic post which I think a certain influencer will love, I tell them about it. And ask them (nicely) to share.
It’s a little aggressive, yes. And you definitely don’t want to overdo this.
But if you’ve built up a relationship with an influencer in your industry, AND you’ve helped them out by sharing their content, then I say; why not?
If they don’t read and share the post, no biggie. If they do; then that’s a heckload more potential traffic coming your way. Just make sure your blog post is worth sharing.
I know Neal would probably disagree with me on this point 🙂
6. Writing personalised blog posts (like this one).
Some might call this very post a little aggressive.
Good.
Challenging specific influencers views on topics related to your niche is a great way to perk up some ears.
In this epic influencer list post, Dino Dogan, the mastermind behind Triberr, explains why writing singlecast blog posts (for one person) is an extremely powerful tactic.
By writing for one, you end up attracting many (Click to Tweet!)
Will These Tactics Work for You?
Being cocky and flirtatious may well not be right for your brand identity. It could even be a little harmful.
But standing out, gripping attention and getting your voice heard above all that bloomin noise is definitely something EVERYONE should be shooting for.
As my buddy (and CEO of Business Scene) Warren Cass calls it, disruptive marketing is what businesses need to get ahead and thrive in today’s online jungle.
So
How can you make these aggressive social media tactics work for you?
And how else can you be disruptive and make a lot of noise?
Go think about it.
Then write your thoughts below!
Love you,
Konrad