Do You Remember The First Time?
Do you remember the first time? How was it for you?
For us it was a daunting, complicated, and absolute minefield of an experience. Voices were coming from every direction but there wasn’t an immediately happy face within sight. We knew what had to be done to make it work but not a single person in earshot was listening… were we not talking with conviction?
‘Everyone has to start somewhere’ we would say. Eyes and bodies would begin to gravitate towards us, but the air of hostility to our words remained the same. ‘You just need clear and measurable objectives.’
Of course, clear and measurable objectives are all well and good if you have the tools put in place to make them possible. If your expectations are realistic too then wow, you are on to a winner, but let’s be honest- your expectations being met on that inexperienced first time are pretty slim.
Does it always have to be that way though? We think not.
Communication is key. Say what you want, when you want it, and how you want it… just be realistic in your requests. If you want to be blown away in a very short amount of time but pride yourself on your longevity, then your request is pushing for immediate gratification rather than embedding your desired reputation. Yes, you may feel overwhelmingly happy for a short while, but when you knock on that familiar door again can you be sure it’s not going to be slammed shut in your face?
Social media marketing is a fast paced, ever-changing beast that demands attention. Everyone wants a piece of the action, but without understanding its true nature you become obsessed with vanity metrics. You hold out for that extra follow, the additional like, and you honestly believe that each and every person that caresses your ego is having as great a time as you are. Your short-term goals are met, you feel fantastic, but how’s your audience? As you’re racking up the numbers your admirers are turning off, tuning out. They’re beginning to look for a happily ever after whilst you’re still promoting a fun time behind the bike sheds… not sounding too appealing now is it?
So, how do you get it right the first time?
Unfortunately, you have to recognise it’s not about you. It’s about those that consume you. You need to know what those hungry hordes want, when they want it, and how often they want it. Most importantly, you need to be confident that you’re able to provide for them long term because that’s when the fork in the road closes and your consumers become advocates for your brand.
Admittedly, chivalry can become a little monotonous but does that mean that you should shake it up by deviating from the original path? What’s more important: getting it right the first time so that it happens again, or having multiple first times in x amount of locations to only land back where you started… gaining nothing more than a name for yourself and a number of avenues being firmly closed behind you?
Your brand is based on how people talk about your brand, not how you perceive it.
Written by Keeley Sawdon-Molloy