I encounter the most apprehension and resistance when talking about the content creating aspect of social media. Businesses are taking a more pro-active role in their own marketing efforts like never before. Understanding the necessity, and faced with the need to create content for social media campaigns, some step up and are very successful. Many more are left in the cold out of sheer stubbornness.
“Stop Confusing Media with Marketing.
Media is something you make. Marketing is something you do.
Media is communication. Marketing is sales.
You can create media, and you can market the media you create. You can even create media in order to market the products and services featured in that media.” – Justin Kownacki
I want to introduce you to one of my own social media heroes. Using this medium, he has changed my outlook on something that I never imagined could have been so much fun to talk about, he sells insurance. He doesn’t have a million fans and followers, but he’s making waves and changing minds. I bring him up today because it’s through his content that’s getting it done.
Meet Chris Jordan, owner of Atlanta Insurance Live. Take just a few minutes and dig through his site to see the energy and creativity that Chris puts into the content that he creates. It’s not hard to see how conversations get started around what he does. You can take a look at his Facebook page to see how it’s working. Below are just a few of my personal favorites that I wanted to share with you today:
What do you create? If your intent is to be social with your media, then where’s your media? If there were enough filters to apply in order to mute the noise across the social channels, would you and your business make the cut?
Social media presents an interesting opportunity that forces many of us to step outside of our comfort zones. Personally, I realize that it would be in my best interest to put out some video from time to time. This is NOT within the boundaries of what I’d call comfortable, but if it’s what’s best for my business, then so be it. I may not take it to the bathtub, but I’ll find a way! What are some of the ways that you are working outside of your “safe” zones?
Disclosure: Chris Jordan has no idea that I’m writing this, but he will be buying my coffee the next time we meet. Justin will likely stop by and speak for himself, he’s attentive like that.
Hilarious! I totally need to move to the ATL! 😉 Only not really.
Thanks for commenting Heather. Surely you have some innovative people using social media in new and creative ways down in the great city of Savannah, no?
James, WOW! Many thanks for including me in today's post. I'm honored and grateful that you would feature me here. What a pleasant surprise this morning. And just when I needed a boost the most – you know, the emotional roller coaster of small business. Supportive people like you are the reason I keep pushing forward in what started to me as a silly idea.
I always appreciate your insight, both personally, and in reading your updates here. You are one of the best minds in Georgia on social media and your commitment is gong to take you far.
Thank you again, my friend!
Absolutely my pleasure Chris! I realize that what you do isn’t easy, and I admire your courage and drive. Since we’ve been connected I have watched and learned from you, and inspiration doesn’t come easily! I really wanted to share your story with everyone I know in the hopes that the inspiration would spread.
I appreciate your kind words Chris. I really do enjoy my work, and it’s in no small part because of people such as yourself and stories like the one you’re building. Thank you for amplifying my insight!
It's amazing how much a good sense of humor can separate one business from the pack.
Chris's sense of humor won't be appreciated by everyone who sees his videos, but that's the double-edged sword of comedy: the people who "don't get it" will ignore it, but the people who DO get it are far more likely to feel a personal connection to someone who sees life the same way they do — and that increases their likelihood of remembering that business when they or someone they know needs the services that business provides.
Your comment is appreciated Justin. When I read your article the other day, the part that I quoted here made me think about all of the people that DO create great content. Chris easily stood out in my mind. Like you, I think that a great sense of humor can be a definitive difference between businesses of the same stock. Chris couples this with a great “before the sale” marketing approach, and I like the example that he sets.
Justin, Thank you and thank you for your email. I've taken your suggestions to heart and have already applied some of what you shared with me. My approach certainly isn't for everyone, but I'm passionate about trying to inject some forward thinking into such a traditional industry. Some of my stuff is over the top – but I think someone in the industry has to stick their neck out. Especially online – there is a huge problem with the digital marketplace for insurance… meh, I could spend an hour or more typing a response. Bottom line is, thank you for your insight and feedback.
This is certainly one way to break down the traditional stuffy stereotypes that people have about the world of insurance and those in the industry. Bravo Chris for your unique style and twist on a traditional business.
It’s great that you stopped by today Chad. You and Chris are both doing great work in this medium. Both of you are also working with what others would have considered un-workable. Bravo again to each of you!
Chad, thank you for the kind words. I'm far from the stereotypical insurance agent but it is where I have found myself in life and I'm having loads of fun with it. Independent agents are the consumers best option for insurance products and I fear the future of the independent channel. That is a lot of the reason why I have taken such an off the wall approach. And kudos to you for what you are doing in social media for Oakland Cemetery!
James,
I too love Chris' work. So much in fact that we are meeting this weekend so I can switch my life insurance. Not only is Chris entertaining but he is saving my $40/month and providing an additional $250,000.
Additionally he didn't pull any of the traditional Insurance Salesman stuff that you so often find.
Thanks for adding this today Kevin…what can I add to this? I rest my case!!!
Kevin, I'm glad I could be of assistance for you and your family. But enough about me… your work on the DADvocate project is pure awesome, and like I've said before if you need anymore insight from me or help in any way on that project please don't hesitate to call. Same for MetzgerBusiness. I appreciate that we've been able to connect.
I like Chris.
I met Chris via Twitter.
Soon we met in real life
I'm giving Chris my insurance biz too.
This social media stuff might just work.
Hummmmmmm?
Thank you, Randy. Social Media definitely works for business, but the real ROI is people and you can't really place a metric on that. Your support is awesome and I'm grateful. Hopefully we'll meet up at an event soon!
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