Comments on: 3 Common Obstacles to Starting a Social Media Business and Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Stop You

By: Julie Dawn Harris

Julie Dawn Harris — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:59:00 +0000

Sometimes you really have to start from scratch and working to your first client for free is just right. Referrals will help you make a name in the industry. Creating visibility in the internet with the use of social media and blogs will also help you build credibility. Great points Alexis.

By: Agatha

Agatha — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 04:58:00 +0000

Your post is exactly where I am in my life right now! I am you 7 months ago. (Hi, by the way, my name is Agatha.) Currently I’m on my second week of unemployment after quitting my secure job to take a stab at self-employment. How is everything going with your social media business? Do you have any pieces of advice to give for people beginning work in this industry? Outside of this article’s advice, that is?

By: Marcia Tracy

Marcia Tracy — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:41:00 +0000

wow! I graduated with a degree in theatre and minor in communications a year and change ago, and have had little to no luck in the workforce job-wise, so I’ve been seriously considering taking my social media skills and trying this out for myself. While I was in college, I ran a Facebook and twitter site for a local theatre company and was “paid” by getting free tickets to shows & being allowed to do my Senior internship with the company during my winter break. I’ve also done a few other non-profit groups (a local film, and a local film festival)’s Facebook and twitters, but again, that was all pro bono work to get my resume going.

What you mention in your article are the three biggest things I’ve been fearing about starting out on my own like this.

Any other tips/articles I should take a look at before making the huge dive? Or any other advice you might have that might help me out in getting started?

By: Charm Thriving

Charm Thriving — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 02:12:16 +0000

In setting up a social media business.You must know what you are doing and be optimistic.and if its hard for you to do let others do for you.You can hire a marketing service provider.

cheers,
http://charmmarketing.com

By: Mir Loza

Mir Loza — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 21:38:57 +0000

Social media is the way to grow business don´t let this problems to stop you. I´ve been using LINKEDIN and some others tools from google and my business has been growing. I leave you this link so that you see how LINKEDIN works and determine if it can be useful for yours. http://www.linkedinfluence.com/?hop=miriloza86

By: AnnaBethea

AnnaBethea — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Thanks! I looked at the guide and it looks really good! I’m enrolled in Marie Forleo’s b-school (http://rhhbschool.com/) which will start June 4, and I also have a whole backlog of Chris Guillebeau’s Empire Building Kit emails (http://empirebuildingkit.com/) sitting in my gmail to get through. I’m constantly reaching for more learning materials, though, so I will most likely get to yours soon! : ) Part of my goal for becoming profitable in my own biz is just to make enough dough to consume more guides and books to just keep on learning.

By: Alexis Grant

Alexis Grant — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Go you! That is so great. Congrats! Have you checked out my guide on transitioning to work for yourself? Might be helpful: http://alexisgrant.com/self-employment. Keep us posted

By: AnnaBethea

AnnaBethea — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:46:00 +0000

OMG, this is exactly what I needed right now! Thank you, Alexis, for laying it out so beautifully. I’m transitioning right now – only 5 more days in my 8-5 job, and I will be free to build my web design and social network consulting business from the ground up. I had already considered taking on a few clients for free (already have potential businesses & orgs that I have my eye on to target), but I really appreciated the breakdown on how to focus on pricing and clear packaging. I think this will make a huge difference in communicating clearly what exactly it is that I’m providing. I’ve also been thinking the last few days about creating my own business “persona” on FB and twitter, and I’m already excited about scheduling and slowly releasing bits of good content and traffic drivers. Eeee! Thanks for the work you do to inform and inspire!

By: Alexis Grant

Alexis Grant — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Hey Brian — You’re so right that it’s half about great content, half about great marketing. You’ve got to figure out how to get the word out! But the good news is that you’ll be even more prepared to succeed next time

By: Alexis Grant

Alexis Grant — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Good for you! If you decide to go for it, give me a holler and let me know how it goes

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:01:00 +0000

Thanks Alexis. Really good piece and nicely focused. I’m thinking about this side of business and you’re right in relation to finding a niche. People in the similar industries tend to network together so any clients you have in one particular area will be good for word of mouth….. As long as they re not competitors!
http://Www.workingsirens.blogspot.com

By: Brian (Galveston Apartments)

Brian (Galveston Apartments) — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:40:00 +0000

I wrote an e-book once, I thought it was brilliant, heck I even offered it out for free. I think my marketing effort was weak, thus the reason I never had traction. I think if I would have taken the time (like you did) to contribute tidbits of info at a variety of social networking websites I would have done much better. Now I’m working for an apartment locator at http://www.galvestonapartments.org , If I revisit my plan of my free e-book driving business and traffic to my company, I think I shall hire someone like you; someone who already knows how the game is played.