As spamming continues to grow on Twitter and other social networks (I’ve been noticing it a lot this past few weeks more than ever), I’m compelled to mention again how easy it is to do more damage to your brand than good when using social networking tools.
Twitter and Facebook are great networking tools, but they’re being treated more and more like get rich quick platforms…as if such a thing really existed. I’m seeing a lot of ads for programs on “How to Use Twitter to Make $10k a month Starting NOW”…and other B.S. like this.
Does anyone actually subscribe to this mentality? I’m taking care not to mention any users or companies specifically. You’re not going to catch me bad mouthing anyone, but you and I both have seen this activity. Here’s the thing:
I think most of these users are more concerned with making money than anything else. They’re not worried about damaging their brand, because they’re not even trying to build a brand. They’re not even TRYING to build a business. They just want to make a few bucks.
I think this kind of shortsightedness is a shame. But the more I see this kind of activity, the more I think this is true. I hope the readers of this blog can see further down the road. Building a real business is NOT that big a deal! Anyone can do it. I hope you can see the truth…spamming out affiliate links and offering no value to your contacts is not a way to build a business. And ironically, it’s also not a good way to even make a few bucks!
When was the last time YOU clicked on a blind link in a piece of spam email you received? When was the last time YOU bought a product through an affiliate link that someone blasted out through an auto-DM on Twitter?
Sensible people don’t buy things this way. It’s just not how it works. If you’re building a real business that you want to be profitable and sustainable, this is the absolute last type of activity you should be involved with.
If people would stop looking for fast money and start actually getting to work, there would be a lot less crap out there. That’s for sure. And they would also learn that making REAL money is not all that difficult.
Have you seen this spamming activity or is it just me?
Do you subscribe to the idea that simply blasting out affiliate links is a way to make money?
Twitter: 2createawebsite
Amen! (Great post title by the way. Really got my attention. I found you from the comment you just left on my blog.)
The spamming is out of control. In addition to the type of spam you are talking about here, I was just on Twitter last night and noticed people adding the trending topic keywords to the end of their tweets just so they show up when someone clicks on a “Trending Topic”. So people are promoting these worthless programs and then putting “Michael Jackson” (for example) at the end so they’ll be on the trending topics list.
I make a full time living online and have learned that in order to get people to buy products they have to trust you and see you as a credible source. Simply blasting links all over the place is not the way to do it. When will people learn????
Thanks Lisa
I haven’t seen the trending topic spam you refer to, but I believe it. So many people are convinced that there is an easy way to make money. I prefer to keep it simple, work hard and *actually* make money!
Lisa, great to see your reply and to see you really DO read other people’s blogs as you claimed!
I’d actually followed this post link from your site, and I agree that Christian did an excellent job on this issue.
One day, I hope to begin my own blog site and I hope when that day comes I’ll be proud enough of it to sned you both my URL so you can visit (and offer constructive critique, perhaps?) at your leisure.
In the meantime, I’m going to bookmark each of your blog sites, and return often for more guidance tips on what to do and what NOT to do when blogging!
Thanks y’all, great work!
PS – Word of Mouth, I’m putting that into action for y’all as well… let’s steer others in the right direction, YOUR directions!
Thanks
Yes, Lisa is a great asset to this business without a doubt. What’s your name, yo? I hope to hear about your site when it’s live; if you have any questions let me know!
Yes I have seen the spam jump on Twitter. Greg Ellison
I found your blog several days ago by clicking on a link you posted. I have been on Twitter for 3 days now and I am very turned off by the number of folks who are either greedy or desperate. So far you are the only person I’ve received Tweets from who has not posted links in each message. If Twitter is really a “party” that it’s been described I would have either left after day 1 or started drinking heavily.
I, too, am of the mind that earning a living is superior to scamming a living. I like to think that it is a combination of ignorance and desperation that forces folks to interact as they do on social networking sites. There are lots of people who are now either without jobs or are fearing that they will be losing their jobs who are trying to earn extra income or a living online.
When I ascribe ignorance to their efforts I don’t mean stupidity. I mean a lack of real understanding how a legitimate business is conducted online. Many of those who are now effectively changing careers are not familiar with selling themselves or anything. I would assume that they are former professionals, middle managers and rank and file. These are individuals who have never owned their own businesses or been involved in selling their products or services to the public.
Selling is not instinctual and most do not realize that they are communicating with their peers on the Internet and in social networks. With the spikes in unemployment and the depressed economy I can understand their motivation. I can also forgive their rude, clumsy and transparent efforts to gain some control of their lives.
In any business it is important to spot trends and that is most true on the Internet. Recognizing trends is important and figuring out how to react to them is how you survive and thrive on the Internet.
Great Blog.
David, thanks so much for your thoughtful comments; you have a great and informed view on what’s happening. I agree. I expect self-employment to rise considerably as many learn to deal with unemployment and underemployment…you’re right to believe that a lot of the spamming we have to deal with is likely not malicious (although a lot of it is, unfortunately). You’re also correct that sales is not intuitive for most people. I’ve spent years as a sales trainer, and I can testify to that.
Sales IS something that can be learned however, and the process of learning it can not only empower you professionally and financially, but it can also empower you personally. I believe in that learning to build a real business in the way I describe on this site is a way to truly take control over your financial well-being and build real wealth…and there is more need for that than ever.
I think we’ll continue to see a lot of spam, but I also think the cream will always rise to the top, and there will also be a growing number of people who are willing to get their hands dirty, stay up late, work hard and build something substantial, helpful and valuable to others. I earnest want to be part of that, and that’s why I’m writing this blog.
I totally agree – Twitter is becoming a spam factory! I’m seeing much less conversation and more and more blasts of how to use it or make money with it.
I just found your blog and I’m looking forward to future content. Great Job!
Jimmy, right on man! I appreciate the feedback. Yes, I think that most social networks will continue to produce more spam. We’ll just have to keep getting better at sussing it out. The pursuit of the quick fix is human nature! There will always be people willing to screw things up for others just so they can make a quick buck
I’m a newbie to blogging and twitter and find your comments interesting. I haven’t got as far as setting up my background or profile in twitter and have only sent three tweets but yet have 55 followers. I don’t understand why people would follow me when they have no idea what I’m about or the topics I’m likely to be tweeting on. I can only assume they are hoping for a reciprocal follow to turn me into a sales prospect. What other reasons are there to follow a complete stranger who hasn’t given any information?
Hey Manda, good to hear from you. Yes, people will often follow you in order to get a reciprocal follow. It’s a way of building up a base of followers. If your bio has certain keywords or is interesting, then people will often follow based on that. I wouldn’t take followers to seriously. It doesn’t hurt to have people following you for whatever reason. Follow them back if they look cool, or not. If they were just following you to get you on their list, they’ll disappear in a couple days anyway
If you ever have any questions, let me know! I’m happy to help any way I can.
Thumbs up, I was just saying that the other day and actually deleted a guy I was following as he sent like 20 or 30 posts in one day on making money… like omg … like I am going to listen to that dude.
Right on Lori. There’s no reason to follow someone who is only blasting out sales messages and affiliate links all day. Don’t encourage them
I really like your honesty. I have been staying away from social media – just starting to “join the party” – mainly because of what I heard another bloger refer to as “leg humping”… basically how are you supposed to join a party where people are all lying about who they are and all want to just get your money? (This is why I would never go to a Tupperware or Avon party.)
People “buy” I think from people they like. Social media needs to be more social, less sales. Talk, explore, exist, and be you. Then “you” will hopefully attract the people who “like” you. (and in reverse too.) I think I should write a blog on this.
thanks
Also, I was more compelled to leave a comment since I saw you responded to your comments. Thanks again.
Hi Matt, thanks so much for the great feedback. If you read more of the content on Next Level, you’ll see I’m actually a big advocate of sales, but we’re more on the same page than you might realize. My definition of sales is not congruent with most peoples’!
I like your ideas about how this stuff works, and I appreciate the kind words! If you have any questions, let me know. Best of luck getting things fired up