B2B Social Selling 2024: The Rise of Relationship-Driven Commerce

Hey everyone! So, last year, I had this whole plan to drop a newsletter right here on LinkedIn about Social Selling. I wanted to give you the lowdown early in 2024.?

But you know how it gets, my project needed some serious strategy time, and well, that's where my head's been at.?

But guess what??

The year's still young, and there's plenty of time to get things rolling.?

So, before we wave goodbye to January, I'm super keen to break down "Social Selling" for you.?

I want to keep it super simple and show you how to really nail it, especially if you're in the B2B world.?

Ready for some good stuff? Let's dive in!

THE TRADITIONAL SALES STRATEGY IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Okay, let's zoom in on something that's been bugging me.?

You know, "The Traditional Sales Strategy in the Digital Era."?

It's like still having a flip phone when everyone else is using smart tech. It just doesn't fit anymore.

So, traditional sales tactics? They're pushy, like a door-to-door salesman that won't take a hint.?

It's all about making the sale, no matter what. They're out there firing off calls and emails like they're going out of style, playing the numbers game hard.?

But let's face it, it feels pretty impersonal, huh?

And tech's supposed to make things smoother, but sometimes, it feels like it's making us colder.?

You can spot those automated, one-size-fits-all messages a mile away.?

Where's the 'you' in those? Everyone's tired of being another email address on a mailing list.

The biggest thing that gets me is the salesperson mindset – eye on the prize, all about the close.?

But what about the person you're selling to? They’re not just a step towards a quota; they’re looking for something that makes their day better.

We gotta switch it up. Scrap the script. Let's bring back the chit-chat, the real talk.?

It's not about selling; it's about connecting, helping out, being that person they actually want to hear from.

Ready to chat more about this??

Because I'm all about ditching the old for something that feels right.?

Let’s get down to the real talk.

TECHNOLOGY IS FOR EFFICIENCY, HUMAN IS FOR BUILDING GENUINE CONNECTIONS?

How can we use tech without losing that human touch??

It's like having a high-tech kitchen but still knowing the secret to a killer homemade cake. The gadgets help, but your grandma's recipe??

That's the gold.?

When we talk about technology in the sales world, it's all about making our lives easier, right??

CRMs, automation tools, analytics — they're the slickest kitchen gadgets out there. They're supposed to save us time so we can focus on what really matters: the people.

Here's where it gets real.?

Personalization, my friends, is the name of the game.?

It's not just throwing a name into an email template; it's about knowing what makes your customer tick.?

What are they posting on LinkedIn? What articles are they sharing? Use that intel to make your chat feel like you're old buddies catching up.

Now, how do we do it right??

First, forget the spray and pray method. You're not handing out flyers in a parking lot. Each interaction should be like a handcrafted espresso shot — made with care, just for them.

Second, leverage social media like a pro. Social platforms are like your neighborhood block party. You wouldn't go there with a megaphone shouting about your product.?

No, you mingle, listen, share stories, and help out where you can. That's how you build relationships that last and, trust me, it's those relationships that'll have your customers coming back for more, not the flashy tech.

So, keep your tech tools handy, but remember, they're just that — tools. It's your human touch that'll turn connections into customers and conversations into sales.?

Let's get our hands a little dirty and start baking those connections with some good ol' fashioned personalization.?

Ready, set, go!

RELATIONSHIPS OVER SALESMANSHIP?

Alright, it's crunch time!?

Let me lay down 3 simple, no-nonsense tips to kick your social selling into high gear for 2024:

1. Think Like Your Buyer: Now, don't fall into the trap of believing buyers are on a treasure hunt for the best vendor or the slickest pitch.?Nope, they're real people craving a real connection. To earn their trust, get into their world. Dig into what keeps them up at night, both in the office and out.?How??Easy.?Hang out where they hang out online, whether that's LinkedIn groups, subreddits, or industry forums.?Chew on the content they're munching on, and you'll start to get the picture.
2. Speak Their Language: Okay, here's the thing… if you don't speak their lingo, you're basically talking to a brick wall.?After you've done your homework, scribble down those key phrases and terms they toss around.?Use their words, and suddenly, you're not a stranger; you're one of the crew.
3. Embrace a System: This one's a game-changer. Some folks make sales as complicated as rocket science. They spend hours chasing leads going nowhere fast.?Don't be that person.?Get a simple system in place.?For example, on LinkedIn, try connecting with just 20 prospects a day. No more, no less.?Set up a follow-up routine and watch how they react.?The goal? Get them talking.?Sometimes folks are quiet.?Maybe they're swamped, didn't see your message, have personal things going on, aren't ready to chat, or just plain forgot to hit back.?Don't sweat it. It's not about you. Just keep fine-tuning your approach until you find the trick that gets a response.And hey, a 'no' isn't the end of the world. It's actually a step in the right direction. It's one 'no' down and you're that much closer to a 'yes'.Stick to a system, and you won't get bogged down worrying about the ones who aren’t biting. Keep it moving!

And hey, if you're ready to step up your social selling game without breaking a sweat, drop me a DM.?

Tell me your biggest headache, and I'll hit you back with some advice.?

We're talking a no-strings-attached kind of help.

P.S. Found this useful? Pass it on to your crew. Sharing is caring, right?

P.S.S.? Remember, amigos, building trust is the crust; without it, relationships just rust.?