There’s no such thing as a born salesperson; neither is there a born customer services manager.
It is a well-known fact that unhappy employees produce unhappy customers. Before delivering any customer-centric strategy, companies must first become employee-centric.
According to IBM, when a lead is generated through employee social engagement, that lead is seven times more likely to close compared to any other lead generating tactics.
If you haven’t already, consider connecting your whole team on social channels with all those who genuinely need your help, products, or services. It’s a privilege to create meaningful relationships – a journey when your customer wants to go where you’re going. When you show them empathy, they are more likely to trust you.
What’s more – there are no better brand ambassadors than your employees and happy customers.
Here are my top 10 ways how can every company leverage the power of their employees on social media:
1. Make sure your business is not blocking the use of social media to employees
Seventy-one percent of consumers who have had a good social media service experience with a brand are likely to recommend it to others. Encourage your staff to be active, rather than block their access.
2. Provide adequate onsite social media training for your staff
The best way to ensure your staff is in-line with your business objectives and brand message is to train them. Only well-trained and motivated employees are likely to take you forward.
3. Stay industry informed/provide access to relevant online courses
It has never been easier to find the right course online. Encourage your staff to keep informed about the latest sales, marketing, or customer support trends and developments. Social media channels become truly valuable only when you know how to use them.
4. Proactively encourage engagement with existing customers
According to LinkedIn reports, 80 percent of their members want to connect with companies to enhance their decision making. Make sure you provide your customers with the information and support they need. This way, your brand message will spread faster and be seen farther.
5. Encourage professional conversation with your target market industries
Be the voice of your industry. Once you develop thought leadership, professionals will be drawn to you as their most valued and trusted voice.
6. Follow and connect with influencers in your sector
Staying connected with the right people in your industry can make all the difference. Not only for their insights but for new business opportunities too.
7. Provide valuable content/posts
Be consistent and keep engaging. Be relevant – not boring. Influence comes from the vision and value you provide, not the product.
8. Share and like your company updates/posts/articles
The power of reach gets multiplied with every proactive individual in your organisation. In average, three percent of active employees deliver 40 percent of social traffic to corporate websites.
9. Adopt Social Media as a customer touch-point
Encourage your customers to become your followers. There is no better marketing than customer recommendation.
10. Make LinkedIn your company’s strategic lead generation channel
Ninety-three percent of Marketers consider LinkedIn to be the most effective lead generation site. Ensure that you are amongst them too.